Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program For 2025. Anywhere in the world is the right place to start your study adventure. That’s great news! The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is now accepting applications. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of this scholarship, its benefits, and how to apply.
A fully funded scholarship for international students is available through the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program 2025-2026. A PhD scholarship with this program provides up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship.
In the World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program, Ph.D. candidates from developing countries may apply for fellowships allowing them to undertake creative, development-related PhD studies with the supervision of a study consultant at a partner organization overseas for 6-10 months.
Key Program Features
- Professional experience: The fellows will work on World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers, receive training in cutting-edge research practices and technologies, and engage with World Bank operations. Their work will be published by DEC and they may co-author with DEC researchers, join field missions, and engage directly with DEC clients, depending on the nature of the project.
- Capacity building: Fellows will participate in a one-week technical orientation at the beginning of the program, which will include training in reproducible research practices. Fellows will participate in periodic continuing education trainings and events throughout the program, in order to further develop their skills. Having the opportunity to work with DEC economists will enhance fellows’ ability to identify, study, and write about important development policy questions.
- Research dissemination: Fellows will be invited to write blogs about the fellowship research they conducted with DEC researchers. It is an opportunity for researchers to showcase their research and contribute to the discussion of development policy. A list of DEC’s top 4 blogs will be published on its Let’s Talk Development blog each year.
Scholarship Summary
- Study Level: PhD
- Institution(s): World Bank
- Study At: Any Country
- Courses Offered: Applicants can select in the application if they wish to be hosted by the Development research department or the Impact evaluation department within the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).
- Deadline: September to May each year
Coverage of Scholarships
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program provides the following benefits to its recipients:
- An 8-month fellowship will cost $42,750 net per fellow (paid in monthly installments).
- Considering that the fellows will be hosted by the World Bank in Washington, the World Bank’s Human Resources Department will assist the selected candidates with visa applications.
Note: The fellowship does not cover visa application costs, travel expenses, or other expenses related to family members of fellows.
Program Eligibility Criteria for Robert S. McNamara Fellowships
Applicants for the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program must meet the following criteria:
- Languages Required: English
- Countries eligible: Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference for developing nations
- Graduates of master’s level studies or current PhD students in Economics or a related field;
- Applicants must be no older than 35 years of age (by June 30th of the year the fellowship begins);
- Availability to relocate to Washington, D.C., for the period of the fellowship.
What is the application process for the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program?
The official website link is provided at the end of this article. To apply for this scholarship, please follow these instructions:
Applicants must complete the RSMFP application online by the application deadline and include the following information:
- The resume,
- A statement of research interests: This statement should describe the researcher’s research interests and indicate the research programs of interest within the DEC.
- Letter of recommendation contact information,
- Please provide a writing sample (optional),
- Please provide a code sample (optional).
- The required documents must all be uploaded online. The online application form is the only method of submitting documents. Emails, postal mail and any other means of submitting documents will not be reviewed.
FAQs About Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
What is the duration of the Robert S. McNamara Fellowship?
Answer: The fellowship runs for 6 to 10 months, with most fellows completing an 8-month research placement at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
Is the Robert S. McNamara Fellowship fully funded?
Answer: Yes, it is a fully funded scholarship, offering $42,750 in total for the duration of the fellowship, disbursed monthly. It covers living expenses but does not cover travel or visa costs.
Who can apply for the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program?
Answer: Early-career PhD candidates in economics or related fields from developing countries who are under 35 years old and fluent in English are eligible to apply.
Conclusion
Anywhere in the world is the right place to start your study adventure. That’s great news! The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program 2025-2026 offers an exceptional platform for international PhD students to grow their research skills, gain professional experience, and contribute meaningfully to global development. If you’re passionate about economics and ready to make an impact, this opportunity could be your launchpad to success.
