Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program 2024-2025 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for PhD studies and provides the recipient with up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship. The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program grants fellowships for Ph.D. applicants from developing countries to undertake creative, development-related PhD studies under the supervision of a study consultant at a partner organization overseas through a 6-10-month residency span.

KEY PROGRAM FEATURES

• PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Fellows will work on World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers and will be offered training on cutting-edge research practices and technologies and engage with the World Bank operations. Depending on the nature of projects, they will have the opportunity to contribute to DEC’s published work and potentially co-author with DEC researchers, join field missions, and directly engage with our clients.
• CAPACITY BUILDING:  Fellows will receive a one-week technical onboarding at the start of the program, including training on reproducible research practices. Throughout the program, fellows will participate in periodic continuing education trainings and events, to further build skills. Through their work with DEC economists, fellows will enhance their ability to identify, study, and write about important development policy questions.
• RESEARCH DISSEMINATION: Fellows will be invited to write a blog based on their fellowship research with the DEC researchers. This is an opportunity to showcase research and contribution to development policy discussions. Each year, the top 4 blogs will be published on DEC’s Let’s Talk Development blog.

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE

• Totaling $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments)
• Since the fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington D.C., the World Bank’s HR will assist the selected candidates with visa ap­plications by providing invitation letters.

Note: The fellowship does not cover visa application costs, travel expenses, or any other expenses to bring and/or support fel­lows’ family members.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Required Languages: English
• Eligible Countries: Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries
• Graduates of MA level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
• No more than 35 years of age (by June 30th of the year the fellowship starts);
• Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.

APPLICATION DETAILS

CONTACT: RSMFP Secretariat

rsm_fellowships@worldbank.org