Brief description of Robert S. McNamara Phd Research Fellowships
The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program (RSMFP) awards fellowships for developing country PhD candidates to conduct innovative, development-related, doctoral research under the supervision of a research advisor at the World Bank in Washington D.C. for 8 months (September to May each year).
What Employers Are Offering
- ✔ Employer-provided health & medical insurance
- ✔ Visa sponsorship & legal work authorization
- ✔ Relocation assistance & settlement support
- ✔ Long-term employment & benefit coverage
- ✔ Permanent residency pathways (eligible roles)
The Robert S. McNamara PhD Research Fellowships are a program designed to support young researchers from developing countries who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a development-related field at a university in a World Bank member country. The program is named in honor of Robert S. McNamara, a former president of the World Bank, who was committed to promoting international development and supporting young scholars from developing countries.
Employment Benefit Eligibility Information
Applicants searching for international employment opportunities often compare roles offering employer-sponsored insurance coverage, relocation support, and legally compliant work authorization programs.
- Jobs with employer-provided health insurance benefits
- Visa sponsorship positions including medical coverage
- Full-time employment with dental and vision insurance
- High salary jobs offering worker protection benefits
- Healthcare and caregiver roles including insurance coverage
Understanding benefit eligibility requirements helps applicants evaluate qualified employment offers before submitting immigration applications.
The fellowship provides up to $25,000 to support doctoral research related to development issues, including social sciences, economics, health, education, environment, and engineering. The funding can be used to cover the costs of research-related expenses, such as travel, data collection, and analysis, as well as tuition and living expenses.
To be eligible for the Robert S. McNamara PhD Research Fellowships, applicants must be a citizen of a World Bank member country and be enrolled in a PhD program at a university in a World Bank member country. They must also be under the age of 35 and have completed their coursework and passed their qualifying exams.
Overall, the Robert S. McNamara PhD Research Fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for young researchers from developing countries to gain valuable funding and support for their doctoral research related to development issues. By supporting their research, the program helps to build the capacity of young scholars to contribute to the development of their home countries and to the global community.
Insurance & Worker Protection Requirements
Before visa approval, many employer-sponsored programs require proof of valid health insurance coverage and worker protection compliance. Immigration authorities verify medical coverage eligibility before granting work authorization.
Depending on the destination country, foreign employees may also need workplace injury protection, employer liability coverage, and travel medical insurance during relocation.
- Mandatory health insurance for visa holders
- Workplace accident and employer liability protection
- Travel and relocation medical coverage
- Insurance verification during immigration processing
Confirm insurance compliance requirements before submitting a work permit application.
Key Facts
World Bank:
PhD Fellowships
Deadline: 3 April 2026 (annual)
Study in: USA
Research starts: Sept 2026-May 2026
Host Institution(s):
World Bank in Washington D.C., USA
Level/Fields of Research:
Doctoral research in a development economics related field (e.g. economics, public policy, political science, data science, statistics, international development, sociology, mathematics).
Target group:
Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries
Scholarship value/inclusions/duration:
RSMFP offers a competitive compensation, totaling $44,888 net of income taxes 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 Operations unit will assist the selected candidates with their application for G4 visa. The fellowship does not cover travel expenses.
Eligibility:
To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be:
- Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
- Fluent in English;
- 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 instructions:
Applications are done online at the official website. Deadline is 3 April 2026.
It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
