World Bank Group Internship Program (WBG Pioneers) 2026: Fully Paid Global Internship Opportunity for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

A Paid Global Internship for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

The WBG Pioneers Internship Program is the flagship internship of the World Bank Group, offering high-potential students a structured pathway into global development work. The program combines practical experience, professional learning, and direct exposure to multilateral development operations.

Application window: 19 January – 17 February 2026
Locations: Washington, D.C., and World Bank Group country offices
Internship period: April – September 2026
Compensation: Paid (hourly salary)

About the WBG Pioneers Internship Program

WBG Pioneers is a competitive, merit-based internship designed for final-year undergraduate students and current postgraduate students. Interns work alongside World Bank Group teams on priority development challenges, contributing to real projects that influence policy, financing, and implementation across regions.

Participants gain insight into how a leading international institution designs and delivers development solutions, while building technical, analytical, and professional skills in a global work environment.

Why Apply

The program is ideal for candidates seeking hands-on experience in international development and related fields. Interns are placed based on business needs and their academic and professional interests.

Key benefits include:

• Paid, full-time professional experience

• Exposure to global development operations and policy processes

• Collaboration with experienced practitioners and technical teams

• Skill development relevant to careers in multilateral institutions, NGOs, and the private sector

Areas of work may include:

• Economics and development finance

• Investment and portfolio management

• Public health, education, nutrition, and population

• Social sciences (anthropology, sociology)

• Agriculture and food systems

• Climate change, environment, and natural resource management

• Engineering, urban planning, and transport

• Digital development and energy

• Private sector development

• Corporate support functions (finance, accounting, communications, human resources, information technology)

What Interns Do

Interns actively support ongoing World Bank Group initiatives across sectors such as health, education, climate action, agriculture, urban development, transport, digital transformation, energy, and private sector development.

Responsibilities may include research and analysis, project support, participation in meetings, preparation of technical materials, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The experience provides practical insight into how development projects are designed, financed, and implemented at scale.

Internship Benefits and Conditions

• Paid internship with an hourly salary

• Professional development through on-the-job learning

• Access to World Bank Group knowledge resources and networks

Interns are responsible for their own accommodation and living arrangements. Internship placements are primarily in Washington, D.C., with additional opportunities in World Bank Group country offices, depending on business needs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the requirements for one of the two tracks below.

Undergraduate Track

• Final-year Bachelor’s degree student

• Academic transcript must clearly indicate final-year status

Postgraduate Track

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program

• Academic transcript must confirm active enrollment

Additional Requirements

• Between 0 and 6 years of professional experience

• Strong computing and technical skills are an advantage

• Open to candidates of all nationalities

• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional excellence

Application Process

Applications are submitted online. Candidates must upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Statement of Interest

• Proof of enrollment or academic transcript

For undergraduate applicants, transcripts must show final-year bachelor’s status. For postgraduate applicants, transcripts must indicate active enrollment in a Master’s or PhD program.

Once submitted, applications cannot be edited or updated. Applicants will receive an email confirmation with an application reference number.

Selection Timeline

• Interview invitations issued: March 2026

• Final selections made: March 2026

• Internship start: April 2026

• Internship duration: April to September 2026

• Interns may start at different times within this period, depending on placement needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the internship paid?
Yes. WBG Pioneers interns receive an hourly salary.

Are international students eligible?
Yes. Applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply.

Where will the internship take place?
Primarily in Washington, D.C., with additional opportunities in World Bank Group country offices.

Does the internship guarantee full-time employment?
No. The internship does not guarantee employment, but it provides valuable experience and professional exposure.

Is housing provided?
No. Interns are responsible for securing their own accommodation.

Will interns receive mentoring or training?
Interns benefit from supervision, on-the-job learning, and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

More FAQs here 

Why WBG Pioneers Matters

The World Bank Group Internship Program is a recognized entry point into global development careers. It offers practical experience, professional credibility, and exposure to complex development challenges addressed at a global scale.

For students and early-career professionals committed to development, sustainability, and social impact, WBG Pioneers is one of the most competitive and valuable internship opportunities available.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY NOW

Applications close on 17 February 2026.

Join a live info session for a full overview—how to apply, FAQs, and Q&A with the hiring team:
• Jan 21, 11:00 AM ET (Washington, DC+LAC) – https://lnkd.in/ej8Gmamk
• Jan 27, 8:00 AM ET (EU+ME) – https://lnkd.in/eGcwBGsW
• Feb 4, 9:00 PM ET (Asia) – https://lnkd.in/em5BVwNY

Ready to apply? Applications are open Jan 19 – Feb 17, 2026.