The World Bank has opened applications for its 2027 Government Analytics Fellowship to help public servants use administrative data for better decision-making.
The program targets mid-level managers and senior analysts in central government organizations. It seeks to turn raw data, such as payroll and procurement records, into insights for public administration.
Participants can choose three tracks
Officials may choose from three participation options, Researchjobshub reports.
The online-only track offers self-paced virtual learning for those with existing professional duties. A regional hub track is also available, though the World Bank has not shared specific locations or formats, Opportunitylab reports.
An intensive in-person track involves a small, competitive cohort. Participants must complete a virtual course and a project before attending two weeks of training in Washington, D.C., in March 2027, Gizpulse notes.
This six-month program requires fellows to develop a project within their own institution before presenting it during the in-person session.
Funding depends on country eligibility
Financial support depends on an applicant’s country of origin, even though the application is free. The World Bank covers travel, hotel, and daily subsistence costs for the Washington, D.C. component only for officials from Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries, Fundedpositions reports.
Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria are among the ODA-eligible countries, as is most of Africa. Officials from non-eligible countries may apply but will not receive covered travel or accommodation expenses, Fundedpositions adds.
No salary or stipend is provided for any participants. The virtual track includes no travel coverage.
Civil servants must meet project requirements
The fellowship is strictly for civil servants in central government agencies. It is not open to students, faculty members, or individuals in the private or non-profit sectors, Gizpulse reports.
Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify. Opportunitylab states that organizations can nominate up to two fellows. Uscholarships reports that applicants must be proficient in English and have the ability to present a project with clear institutional relevance.
Projects should focus on the analytics of administration rather than general policy analysis. For example, analyzing how a tax office processes returns is more appropriate than focusing on tax policy, Gizpulse notes.
Applicants must use existing government data to strengthen public administration. They must prove that necessary data exists in administrative records or can be gathered through surveys during the fellowship.
Submit applications by 16 November 2026
Interested officials must submit applications before the 16 November 2026 deadline, Fundsforngos reports.
All documents must be in English and saved as PDF files. Required materials include a CV of no more than three pages and a 150-word project summary, according to Opportunitylab.
Applicants must also provide an official endorsement letter from their organization confirming their position and institutional support.
The World Bank suggests picking a real, solvable problem, such as why certain procurement processes take an extended amount of time. Experts suggest a strong application names a specific dataset and a specific decision the data should influence, rather than using vague goals like improving data use.
Fellows receive mentorship and networking
The Development Economics Vice-Presidency runs the program with University College London (UCL). Participants gain access to expertise from the World Bank and the University of Oxford to develop projects.
Selected fellows will receive dedicated mentoring from a World Bank expert in a field related to their project, Careersandopportunities reports.
The program provides a global networking opportunity with academics and data specialists, Careersandopportunities adds. This includes an international network of practitioners working toward data-driven public administration.
Common questions about the program
Is the fellowship open to university students?
No. The World Bank’s guidelines specify the programme is for serving government officials and excludes students, Fundedpositions reports.
What is the exact duration of the programme?
Some sources describe the fellowship as a six-month programme, but official materials cited by Fundedpositions do not state a definitive total length.
Does the World Bank pay a salary to fellows?
No. For in-person participants from ODA-eligible countries, the agency covers travel, hotel, and subsistence, but there is no salary or stipend, Fundedpositions clarifies.
Are there resources available if I am not selected?
Yes. The Government Analytics Handbook overview, its first chapter, introductory videos, and the online course remain available for free, Gizpulse reports.
Which specific government datasets will applicants propose to use for their projects?