The World Bank Robert S. McNamara PhD Fellowships Program for Developing Countries

World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

Course(s) Offered: Development-related
Course level: Postgraduate (doctoral, research)
Provider: RSM endowment fund (World bank, Governments)
Country to Study in: Any country

Scholarship Description
The Robert S. McNamara (RSM) Fellowships Program was established in 1982 to award fellowships for full-time study or research at the postgraduate level in any field related to economic development.

The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) provides support to developing country citizens (.xlsx) who are current PhD candidates studying in developing countries, funding up to $25,000 to conduct PhD research on a development topic in a World Bank member country other than the Fellow's home country or country of residence. This is a wonderful opportunity for the most promising developing nation researchers to advance their doctoral work with the best international advisors and host institutions in their fields of study.

The call for RSMFP fellowship applications from PhD candidates for the 2019-2020 academic session is now open.

Eligibility
The applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Be a national of a World Bank member country that is eligible to receive World Bank financing.
2. Not be a dual citizen of any country that is not eligible to receive World Bank financing.
3. Be enrolled at the time you submit your application in a PhD program in a World Bank member country that is eligible to receive World Bank financing.
4. While enrolled in a PhD program, have been residing in a World Bank member country that is eligible to receive World Bank financing.
5. Have completed all coursework and exams required by your PhD program at the time you submit your application.
6. Be 35 years or younger on the Application Deadline date.
7. On or after the date the call for RSMFP applications opens, not be an Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of any type of appointment (including temporary and consultant) of the World Bank Group (The World Bank, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, and International Center for Settlements of Investment Disputes); nor be a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption with the term "close relative" defined as: Mother, Father, Sister, Half-sister, Brother, Half-brother, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Niece, or Nephew. 
8. Not previously been the recipient of a fellowship from RSMFP.
9. At the time of the RSMFP application submission, be accepted as a visiting scholar for a period of six to ten months that will start sometime between September and December 2019 by a university or research institution in a World Bank member country other than your country of citizenship and, if applicable, other than a developing country in which you currently reside.
10. At the time of your RSMFP application submission, your research proposal for RSMFP funding is endorsed by your PhD Thesis Supervisor and your Host Institution Research Advisor.
11. Plan and be able to begin the RSMFP fellowship between September 2019 and November 2019.
12. Plan and be able to complete your proposed RSMFP-funded fellowship research within a n 6 to 10-month period from the start date of your RSMFP fellowship

The Scholarship Program does not sponsor undergraduate studies, distance learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, research projects, and fields of studies not related to development. All such requests will not be considered.

Eligible groups
Citizens of countries eligible to receive funding from the World Bank (see Application Guidelines below)

Participating Institutions
Any host institution (university, research or development institution) in a World Bank member country which would designate an academic advisor to assist the fellow during his research period

Fields of study / Research
Any innovative, development-related, doctoral research. Fields related to development such as economics, health, education, agriculture, environment, natural resource management, or other development‑related subject are welcome.

Sponsorship duration
The Scholarship covers a 6 to 10 month period

Fellowship benefits (Grants)
RSMFP provides up to $25,000 (U.S.) for developing country nationals to travel abroad to conduct development-related PhD research under the supervision of a host advisor at a university, research or development institution in a World Bank member country. Details on eligible expenditures are provided in the Application Guidelines.

Fellows are expected to advance their research work mainly by using the facilities and resources provided by the host institution and by interacting with peers.

Method of Application
Guidance for this call for RSMFP fellowship applications, including this call’s: (i) instructions and requirements to submit an application, the eligibility criteria applicants must meet; and the selection process are provided in the Application Guidelines and FAQs (Updated on April 11, 2019). Please read these documents before starting your application.

It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information on this fellowship program.

DEADLINES:
The fellowship application deadline date is 2 May 2019

PLEASE NOTE:
Funding for the RSMFP Fellowships Program was provided by US$1 million contribution from the World Bank and US$1.8 million from the governments of Bangladesh, China, India, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, and former Yugoslavia. The income from the investment of the endowment fund set up with these contributions currently provides the funding for the fellowships.

Application Deadline: 2 May 2019
Open to International students: Yes

More Fellowship Information and Application

Related: Postgraduate Fellowships for International Students