Robert S. McNamara Phd Research Fellowships
World Bank Group
Key Statistics
Grant Amount
Varies by year
Location
Deadline
Varies by year
About this Scholarship
The Robert S. McNamara PhD Research Fellowships are prestigious awards established to support doctoral candidates conducting research in development-related fields. Named after Robert S. McNamara, former President of the World Bank and U.S. Secretary of Defense, these fellowships aim to foster innovative research that contributes to the understanding and resolution of global development challenges. The fellowship program is designed to provide financial support to PhD students who are enrolled in recognized universities worldwide and whose research aligns with the World Bank’s mission to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development. Recipients of the fellowship are expected to undertake research that has practical implications for development policy and practice. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and welcomes applicants from a broad range of social science disciplines including economics, political science, sociology, and public policy. The fellowship provides an opportunity for scholars to access the World Bank’s extensive resources and data, facilitating high-quality research output. The selection process is competitive and based on academic merit, relevance of the research proposal to development issues, and the potential impact of the research. While the grant amount and deadlines vary annually, the fellowship typically covers research expenses and may include a stipend. This fellowship is not tied to any specific university but is administered by the World Bank Group, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is open to international applicants. The program contributes to building a global network of scholars dedicated to advancing knowledge in development economics and policy.
Eligibility & Overview
Financial Grant
Varies by year
Scholarship Type
Merit based
What's Covered
Description
The Robert S. McNamara PhD Research Fellowships are designed to support doctoral students whose research addresses critical issues in global development. The fellowship was established to honor the legacy of Robert S. McNamara, who significantly influenced international development policy during his tenure as President of the World Bank. The program provides financial assistance to PhD candidates enrolled in accredited universities worldwide, enabling them to conduct fieldwork or data analysis related to development economics, governance, poverty reduction, health, education, and other social science disciplines that intersect with development challenges. Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal demonstrating the relevance and potential impact of their work on development policy. The fellowship is competitive and awarded based on academic excellence, the quality of the research proposal, and the alignment with the World Bank’s strategic priorities. Recipients gain access to the World Bank’s extensive databases, publications, and expert networks, which can enhance the quality and scope of their research. The fellowship typically covers research-related expenses, including travel, data collection, and sometimes a stipend to support living costs during the research period. The duration and amount of funding vary depending on the project and available resources. The program does not require recipients to be affiliated with a specific university but expects that the research will be conducted under the supervision of the applicant’s academic institution. The fellowship aims to contribute to the global knowledge base on development issues and to support the next generation of scholars and practitioners in the field. Applicants should regularly check the World Bank’s official website for updated information on application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and funding details, as these may change over time.
Key Benefits
Provides financial support to cover research expenses and living costs during the research period.
Offers access to the World Bank’s extensive data sets, publications, and expert networks to enhance research quality.
Supports research that contributes to global development policy and practice.
Facilitates interdisciplinary research opportunities in various social science fields related to development.
Connects fellows with an international community of scholars and practitioners in development economics.
Financing Information
Funding Structure and Financial Support
The Robert S. McNamara PhD Research Fellowships provide financial assistance primarily aimed at supporting research activities related to global development. The grant amount varies each year depending on the availability of funds and the specific needs of the research project. Typically, the fellowship covers expenses such as travel costs for fieldwork, data acquisition, software licenses, and other research-related expenditures. In some cases, a stipend may be provided to assist with living costs during the research period, although this is not guaranteed and depends on the fellowship cycle and funding availability. The fellowship does not cover tuition fees or other university-related expenses. Applicants are encouraged to budget their research proposals carefully and justify the requested funding in detail. The World Bank administers the fellowship and disburses funds directly to the recipients or their academic institutions, depending on the arrangements made. Recipients are expected to adhere to reporting requirements and provide updates on their research progress. Since the fellowship is merit-based, there is no repayment obligation. However, fellows are encouraged to disseminate their research findings through academic publications or policy briefs to contribute to the broader development community. Given that the financial support varies annually, prospective applicants should consult the official World Bank website or contact the fellowship administrators for the most current information on funding levels and application procedures.
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* Disclaimer: Information provided here is based on publicly available sources and may change over time. Prospective applicants should verify all details, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and funding amounts, directly with the World Bank Group or the official fellowship website before applying.