Program for Robert S. McNamara Fellowships 2025
Begin your academic journey from any location in the globe. Positive updates! The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is now accepting applications. We will go into great detail regarding this scholarship, its advantages, and the application process in this post.
International students can apply for fully supported scholarships through the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program 2025–2026. This award offers up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship and is accessible for PhD study.
The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program awards fellowships to Ph.D. candidates from developing nations so they can pursue innovative, development-related research for six to ten months while living abroad under the guidance of a study consultant at a partner organization.
Important Program Elements
Professional experience: Under the close supervision of World Bank DEC researchers, fellows will work on World Bank projects, receive training in state-of-the-art research techniques and technologies, and interact with World Bank operations. Depending on the projects, students will be able to participate in field missions, interact directly with our clients, and even co-author with DEC researchers on published findings.
Building capacity: At the beginning of the program, fellows will undergo a one-week technical onboarding that includes instruction on reproducible research methods. To further develop their talents, fellows will take part in recurring continuing education activities and trainings throughout the program. Fellows will improve their capacity to recognize, research, and write about significant development policy issues by collaborating with DEC economists.
Research dissemination: Fellows who work with the DEC researchers on fellowship projects will be asked to produce a blog post on their findings. This is a chance to present research and add to the conversation around development policy. The top four blogs from each year will be featured on DEC’s Let’s Talk Development blog.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: PhD
- Institution(s): World Bank
- Study in: Any Country
- Courses Offered: Applicants will have the option to select in the application whether they would like to be hosted by the Development research department or the Impact evaluation department in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).
- Deadline: February 28, 2025
Coverage of Scholarships
The recipient of the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program receives:
• $42,750 net for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments)
• The World Bank’s HR department will help the chosen applicants with visa applications by sending invitation letters because the fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
Note: Travel expenditures, visa application fees, and other costs associated with bringing and/or supporting family members are not covered by the scholarship.
Qualifications for the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
To be eligible for the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• English is a required language.
• Countries Eligible: Citizens of World Bank WBG member nations, with a preference for those in developing nations
• MA-level graduates or those now working toward a PhD in economics or a similar discipline;
• By June 30 of the year the fellowship begins, the individual must be no older than 35;
• Willing to move to Washington, D.C. for the fellowship’s term.
How Can I Apply for the Fellowship Program of Robert S. McNamara?
Please click the link to the official website at the end. To receive this scholarship, though, you must follow these crucial guidelines:
By the Application Deadline date, the RSMFP application must be submitted electronically and contain the following:
• A CV,
• A statement of research interests: This document should outline research interests and highlight DEC’s most interesting research activities.
• Contact information for a recommendation letter,
• An optional writing sample,
• An optional code example.
It is necessary to upload all necessary documents online. The application materials sent by applicants via email, mail, or any other method other than the online application form will not be examined.
Website
Please visit the official website to learn more about the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: