The World Bank Group (WBG) has opened applications for its Saudi Fellowship Program, a competitive initiative to develop Saudi talent in international development. The programme, run in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, is open for registration from May 20 to June 9, 2025.
Selected participants will be placed at the WBG’s Washington, D.C. headquarters or one of its regional offices, working on policy, development strategy, programme design and implementation. Fellows will contribute to projects tackling poverty, infrastructure, economic reform and other key challenges in coordination with governments, private sector actors and civil society in developing economies.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Be Saudi nationals
- Hold a master’s degree (or higher) in economics, finance, development, education, health, engineering, urban planning or a related field.
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrate strong English communication skills.
- Show interest in international development.
- Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
What the programme offers
The fellowship offers a one-year paid placement with potential for renewal, designed to build technical knowledge, global exposure and institutional understanding of the WBG. Past fellows have taken senior roles in multilateral development institutions and national government bodies.
Application process
- Registration is open through the World Bank’s official portal: Saudi Fellowship Programme.
- A virtual information session is being held on May 22 to explain the programme structure, eligibility, and selection process.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews and assessments by WBG teams.
The programme is managed by the Office of the Executive Director for Saudi Arabia at the WBG and aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to increase national representation in international organisations.
