World Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2027: Fully Funded Global Career Opportunity, Eligibility, Application Deadline & How to Apply

Overview

The World Bank Group's Young Professionals Program (YPP) is its flagship leadership development initiative for talented people committed to global development. Participants start at headquarters, then complete field rotations across World Bank Group offices, gaining experience across the World Bank, IFC and MIGA. The program is two years long and, on successful performance, is followed by a five-year placement with possible renewal. It is a GF-level term appointment with tailored training in coaching, mentorship and leadership, and chances to engage with senior leaders.

Program structure

Applicants choose one of two tracks, Operations or Specialized Functions. The program includes three mandatory rotations of eight months each: one in the primary function and area of expertise, one cross-institutional rotation, and at least one rotation based in a country office.

Who can apply

Applicants need at least a graduate-level degree in a relevant field completed before the September start date, and 2 to 6 years of related professional experience. Full-time doctoral research may count toward experience if the degree is substantially complete with all written work submitted before September. They must hold the nationality of a World Bank Group member country, shown by an official passport or equivalent, and have excellent spoken and written English. Current World Bank Group employees, people with a close relative working there, and those with a spouse in a supervisory relationship are not eligible.

Requirements

Applicants prepare a CV of one to two pages, the passport photo page, and academic proof such as transcripts or enrolment letters confirming postgraduate degrees and expected completion dates.

Key dates

The portal opens September 1, 2026 and closes September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC, with no late applications. The top 10 percent are longlisted in early October, assessments run through October, and panel interviews are held in Washington, DC and Nairobi in December and Paris and Bangkok in January. Offers go out in late January 2027, and the cohort begins in Washington, DC in September 2027.