World Bank Explorer Scholarship Program Inviting Applicants
The World Bank Group has opened applications for its 2026 Explorers Program, offering selected young professionals a paid two-year appointment, employee benefits, professional mentorship and the chance to work on active development projects across World Bank Group country offices.
There is, however, one eligibility rule applicants must check before polishing their CVs: the presently open recruitment round is funded by the United Arab Emirates.
Applications for the WBG Explorers Program 2026 will remain open until July 15, 2026, with selected candidates expected to begin their assignments around September 2026.
This Is Not a Two-Month Internship
Despite its youth-focused branding, the WBG Explorers Program is considerably more substantial than a typical summer internship.
Successful applicants will receive a two-year, full-time Extended Term Consultant contract and will be placed in a World Bank Group country office. Participants may work with the World Bank, International Finance Corporation or Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, depending on the selected position.
The placements are based outside the institution’s headquarters and headquarters-like locations, giving participants direct exposure to development operations in countries where World Bank Group projects are being planned, financed or implemented.
This makes the program particularly attractive for young professionals seeking international experience in development economics, investment, digital transformation, agriculture, environmental policy or public-sector reform.
What the World Bank Group Is Offering?
The program provides more than a recognizable name on an applicant’s résumé. Selected Explorers receive:
- A paid two-year World Bank Group appointment
- Salary funded through a donor-supported Trust Fund
- Health insurance
- Leave benefits
- Other standard benefits available under the Extended Term Consultant framework
- Mentorship from a Task Team Leader or manager
- Hands-on assignments connected to active World Bank Group operations
- Customized onboarding and cohort-based professional development
- International work experience in a World Bank Group country office
A single salary figure has not been published because compensation and contractual arrangements may vary according to the role and duty station. The official program page nevertheless confirms that both salary and benefits are fully funded.
Subjects and Professional Fields Open in 2026
The current UAE-funded recruitment covers a surprisingly broad range of academic and professional backgrounds and the vacancies are available in:
- Economic policy
- Economics
- Finance
- Accounting
- Business administration
- Investment
- Information technology
- Digital development
- Artificial-intelligence integration
- Agriculture
- Water management
- Land administration and geospatial development
- Nature finance
- Inclusive conservation
- Environmental and social sustainability
Candidates with qualifications in economics, finance, business, computer science, information technology, agriculture, environmental studies, geography, water resources, public policy and related disciplines may find a relevant opening.
Applicants should note that this is not one general position. Each sector has its own vacancy, duty station and application link, so candidates must apply for the role most closely aligned with their academic background and experience.
Where Could Selected Explorers Work?
The 2026 vacancies stretch across several regions, making this a genuinely international recruitment round amnd available program locations include:
- Amman, Jordan
- Cairo, Egypt
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Brasilia, Brazil
- Pretoria, South Africa
- Bogota, Colombia
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Panama City, Panama
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Mumbai, India
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Bucharest, Romania
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Tirana, Albania
- Santiago, Chile
Some investment and finance positions allow placement in more than one possible country office. Final assignments will depend on the vacancy, institutional requirements and the candidate’s alignment with the hosting unit.
Who Can Apply for the WBG Explorers Program?
Applicants for the active 2026 round must satisfy the following core conditions:
- Be a national of the United Arab Emirates
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree
- Be fluent in English
- Demonstrate a strong interest in international development
- Possess strong analytical, writing and communication skills
- Be able to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
- Work effectively in diverse and international teams
- Be willing to relocate and remain internationally mobile
- Show initiative, intellectual curiosity, innovation and professional urgency
The central program announcement does not specify a universal age limit, mandatory graduation year or fixed number of years of experience. Individual vacancies may, however, include additional academic, technical or professional requirements.
Applicants should therefore read the job description attached to their selected position rather than relying only on the general program eligibility criteria.
What Will Explorers Actually Do?
Selected candidates will work on real World Bank Group assignments rather than classroom exercises or observational placements. Depending on the position, participants could contribute to:
- Economic and public-policy analysis
- Development-project planning
- Investment assessments
- Financial and market research
- Digital-transformation initiatives
- Artificial-intelligence integration
- Agricultural-development operations
- Water-sector projects
- Environmental and social risk analysis
- Conservation and nature-finance programs
- Data collection, reporting and technical documentation
- Coordination with governments, businesses and development partners
Assignments will be determined by the Terms of Reference for each vacancy and the operational requirements of the hosting office. Participants will work under the supervision of a Task Team Leader or manager.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the World Bank Group Explorers Program – UAE 2026 is July 15, 2026. Successful candidates are expected to join the annual program cycle around September 2026.
Because each sector is advertised through a separate vacancy, applicants should complete their submissions early enough to resolve account, document or portal-related problems before the deadline.
Should You Apply?
UAE nationals holding at least a bachelor’s degree and seeking an international career in economics, development, finance, technology, agriculture, investment or environmental policy should take this recruitment seriously.
It offers something many early-career programs do not: a paid two-year contract, structured mentorship, employee benefits and direct involvement in World Bank Group operations across international country offices.
For applicants who meet the nationality condition, this is not merely an opportunity to observe global development work. It is an opportunity to become part of it.