World Bank Legal Internships 2026

The World Bank Group invites qualifying undergraduate and postgraduate law students to apply for the WBG Pioneer Legal Internship Programme 2026.

Internship Application Closing Date: 12 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC

Internship Locations: Pretoria

World Bank Legal Internship Programme 2026

The World Bank Group has opened applications for its WBG Pioneer Legal Internship Programme.

The programme provides law students with an opportunity to gain practical experience within the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency while contributing to legal research, agreements, development projects and institutional operations.

Successful applicants may be placed at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, or at selected country offices, including Pretoria, South Africa.

Internship Programme Overview

Organisation: World Bank Group
Programme: WBG Pioneer – Legal Internship
Job number: req37744
Department: Legal Vice Presidency
Grade: T3 and T4 No-Fee Internship
Required language: English
Preferred languages: French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic
Closing date: 12 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Application method: Online

Available Internship Locations

The programme is available in the following locations:

• Pretoria, South Africa
• Nairobi, Kenya
• New Delhi, India
• Singapore
• Vienna, Austria
• Washington, DC, United States

Applicants should indicate their preferred location during the application process where the recruitment portal provides that option.

Placement at a preferred office is not guaranteed and may depend on operational requirements, eligibility and available opportunities.

Purpose of the Legal Internship

The World Bank Legal Internship Programme gives currently enrolled law students practical exposure to the daily work of the Legal Vice Presidency.

Interns may work closely with:

• Chief Counsels
• Senior Counsels
• Supervising lawyers
• Development professionals
• Project teams
• World Bank senior management
• Country-office staff

The programme is intended to help students develop legal research, drafting, analytical and professional skills in an international and multicultural environment.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must currently be enrolled in either:

• The final year of an undergraduate law programme; or
• A postgraduate law programme, such as a master’s degree, JD or PhD.

Candidates must remain enrolled through the final day of the internship.

Applicants whose studies end before the internship is completed may not meet the enrolment requirement.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have an academic background relevant to the legal work described in the internship advertisement.

Suitable fields may include:

• Law
• International Law
• Commercial Law
• Development Law
• Public International Law
• Banking and Finance Law
• Corporate Law
• Environmental Law
• Human Rights Law
• Trade Law
• Other related legal disciplines

Applicants should clearly explain how their studies align with the work of the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency.

No-Fee Internship Conditions

The position is offered under the WBG Pioneers No-Fee Internship Track.

To qualify under this arrangement, students must meet one of the approved funding or academic-credit conditions.

Applicants may qualify where they are:

• Enrolled in a master’s, PhD or similar graduate programme throughout the internship; or
• In the fifth year or higher of a degree programme in a country where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and postgraduate stages.

These applicants must provide an official university letter confirming that the internship fulfils academic requirements for at least one term of study.

University or Third-Party Funding Option

Undergraduate or postgraduate students may also qualify where they receive a stipend from their university or another approved source.

The stipend must be at least equal to the minimum applicable World Bank short-term appointment fee level at the start of the internship.

An official university letter must confirm the funding arrangement.

Legal interns must therefore be able to receive either:

• Academic credit for the internship; or
• Qualifying third-party remuneration.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Successful legal interns may be responsible for:

• Completing legal assignments under the supervision of World Bank lawyers.
• Conducting legal research on assigned matters.
• Reviewing existing legal files and internal databases.
• Using online and alternative research sources.
• Analysing legal information.
• Summarising research findings.
• Identifying legal and policy issues.
• Reviewing relevant precedents.
• Conducting comparative legal analyses.
• Proposing appropriate legal solutions.
• Reviewing contracts and other legal documents.
• Checking whether documents comply with World Bank policies and procedures.
• Assisting with the drafting of legal agreements.
• Assisting with amendments to existing agreements.
• Participating in project and task teams.
• Completing additional legal assignments when required.

Legal Research Responsibilities

Interns may be asked to conduct detailed research on development, institutional and international legal matters.

Research duties may include:

• Locating legislation and legal authorities.
• Reviewing international agreements.
• Analysing policies and legal frameworks.
• Comparing laws across jurisdictions.
• Summarising court decisions and precedents.
• Preparing legal memoranda.
• Identifying legal risks.
• Providing recommendations to supervising lawyers.

Applicants should therefore have strong research, writing and analytical skills.

Contract and Agreement Support

Successful candidates may assist with reviewing and drafting legal documents used by the World Bank.

This may involve:

• Reviewing standard agreements.
• Checking contractual clauses.
• Comparing documents with approved templates.
• Identifying inconsistencies or legal risks.
• Preparing draft amendments.
• Checking compliance with internal procedures.
• Providing comments for consideration by supervising lawyers.

All work will be completed under professional supervision.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance.
• Interest in international development.
• Understanding of the World Bank Group’s mission.
• Strong legal research skills.
• Analytical thinking.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Effective written communication.
• Effective verbal communication.
• Ability to work in diverse teams.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Professionalism and integrity.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in English.

Knowledge of any of the following languages will be advantageous:

• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Arabic

Additional language requirements may apply depending on the location or legal team.

World Bank Culture Attributes

The World Bank identifies three important workplace attributes:

Sense of Urgency

Applicants should be able to anticipate and respond quickly to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.

Thoughtful Risk-Taking

Candidates should be willing to challenge established approaches and propose ideas that may improve development outcomes.

Empowerment and Accountability

Interns should take responsibility for their work, support colleagues and remain accountable for results.

Documents Applicants Should Prepare

Applicants should prepare:

• An updated CV.
• A motivation letter or cover letter.
• A copy of their passport or national identity document.
• Current academic transcripts.
• Proof of enrolment.
• An official university letter confirming academic credit, where applicable.
• An official letter confirming third-party funding, where applicable.
• Copies of relevant qualifications.
• Any writing samples requested by the application portal.
• Additional supporting documents required by the World Bank.

Applicants should ensure that their university letters clearly address the no-fee internship eligibility requirements.

Maximum Number of Applications

Candidates may apply for a maximum of three WBG Pioneer positions.

Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Applicants should therefore select the three opportunities most closely aligned with their qualifications, interests and experience.

How to Apply for the World Bank Legal Internship Programme 2026

Applications must be submitted through the official World Bank Group careers portal.

Click here to apply for the World Bank Legal Internship Programme 2026

Use the following details to identify the opportunity:

Position: WBG Pioneer – LEG Intern
Job number: req37744

Applicants should:

1. Open the official application page.
2. Create or access a World Bank careers profile.
3. Complete all compulsory application sections.
4. Upload an updated CV and academic documents.
5. Provide proof of current enrolment.
6. Upload the required university funding or academic-credit letter.
7. Select the preferred location where applicable.
8. Review the application carefully.
9. Submit it before the closing deadline.

Internship Application Closing Date

Applications close on 12 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

Applicants in South Africa should take the time-zone difference into account and submit their applications well before the deadline.

Late applications may not be accepted.

Important Application Advice

Before applying, confirm that:

• You are currently enrolled in an eligible law programme.
• You will remain enrolled throughout the internship.
• You meet the academic-credit or third-party funding requirement.
• Your university can provide the required official letter.
• Your academic background aligns with the internship.
• Your CV highlights legal research and writing experience.
• You are proficient in English.
• You have not applied for more than three WBG Pioneer positions.
• All documents are uploaded before the closing date.

Diversity and Inclusion

The World Bank Group encourages applications from qualified nationals of member countries.

Candidates are considered regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability.

Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the World Bank Group

The World Bank Group is an international development organisation that works with countries to reduce poverty, support economic development and improve living conditions.

Its Legal Vice Presidency provides legal advice and support relating to development projects, financing, institutional operations, policies and international legal matters.