Applications are now open for the World Bank Group (WBG) Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026, one of the most competitive and rewarding career entry points at the World Bank Group. This program brings together outstanding talent from across the globe to work at the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
The Young Professionals Program is designed for individuals with strong academic and professional backgrounds who want to contribute to solving the world’s most pressing development challenges. If you’re selected, you’ll begin a structured two-year journey with the potential to move into a longer-term career at the World Bank Group.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements and program structure to the application process and deadlines.
About the WBG Young Professionals Program
The WBG YPP is a launchpad for technical and leadership roles within one of the world’s most respected international organisations.
Young Professionals (YPs) start on a two-year term contract with the possibility of a five-year renewable appointment, depending on performance. During this time, they rotate across Operations or Specialised functions, gaining hands-on experience in areas that directly impact global development.
A key feature of the program is the YP Academy, a structured learning and talent development platform. Through the Academy, participants gain:
- Technical and operational training tailored to the World Bank Group’s work
- Leadership and negotiation skills
- Business and communication skills
- Access to language programs
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship from senior leaders
- Strategy sessions that expose YPs to the big picture of global development
By the end of the program, YPs are equipped with the expertise, confidence, and network to grow within the institution and make meaningful contributions worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 YPP, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Hold at least a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, completed before September 1, 2026. Candidates pursuing a doctorate may count doctoral research toward work experience if all written work is submitted before this date.
- Work Experience: Have 2–6 years of professional experience in a relevant field.
- Nationality: Be a citizen of a World Bank Group member country, proven through a valid passport or equivalent document.
- Language: Demonstrate an excellent command of spoken and written English (fluency in other languages is an advantage).
- Employment Status: Must not be a current WBG staff member or hold an ET/ST contract. However, former interns (whose appointment ends before September 30, 2025) and Junior Professional Associates (JPAs) are eligible.
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Contract Terms and Location
Start Date: September 1, 2026
Initial Contract: Two-year term at the GF staff level
Renewal: May be followed by a five-year renewable contract based on performance
Visa: YPs and dependents may qualify for a G-type visa
Location: Assignments may be based at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC or in one of the WBG’s country offices worldwide. Relocation is required.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying to the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program takes careful preparation, but the steps are straightforward if you know what’s expected. Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Make sure you have the following ready before starting the online application:
- CV/Resume – ideally 1 page (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your education, work experience, and skills.
- Passport photo page – confirming your date of birth and nationality.
- Transcripts and/or enrollment letters – to prove your postgraduate education, degree completion, or doctoral research status.
Step 2: Choose your track
Select the work program (Operations or Specialised functions) that matches your expertise and professional goals. Be sure your education and experience support this choice.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Visit the official WBG YPP portal and fill out your personal, academic, and professional details. Upload your prepared documents and double-check all entries before submitting.
Step 4: Wait for assessment and interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews and assessments between December 2025 and January 2026.
Step 5: Final selection
Successful applicants will be notified by late January 2026 and offered a contract to start the program on September 1, 2026.
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Application Deadline
Please note that Late submissions will not be considered.
- Application opens: September 1, 2025
- Application closes: September 30, 2025, at 11:59 UTC
- Interview period: December 2025 – January 2026
- Final results announced: Late January 2026
- Program start date: September 1, 2026
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