Robert S McNamara Fellowships Program

The Robert S McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) is a prestigious international research fellowship initiative administered by the World Bank. Established to honor the legacy of former World Bank President Robert S. McNamara, this program provides funding opportunities for researchers from developing countries to conduct innovative development-related research at World Bank member institutions. The fellowship supports PhD candidates and early-career researchers working on critical development challenges in areas such as poverty reduction, economic policy, human development, and sustainable development. Fellows receive financial support for research expenses, access to World Bank resources and expertise, and opportunities to collaborate with leading development practitioners. The program typically requires applicants to have completed their PhD coursework and dissertation proposal, demonstrate strong research capabilities, and propose projects with clear policy relevance to developing countries. Application cycles usually open annually with specific deadlines and requirements published on the World Bank’s official website. Successful fellows join a global network of development researchers and contribute to evidence-based policy making in their home countries and regions.