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Graduate Development Program (GDP)

The PIF Graduate Development Program (GDP) is a highly selective initiative aimed at Saudi nationals. It offers recent graduates an opportunity to excel in their careers through leadership training and professional growth.

The PIF Graduate Development Program Ninth Edition
What Value Does The Program Offer?

Developing national talent to drive impact across PIF's priority ecosystem

The GDP is delivered annually by PIF in partnership with leading universities and specialist training institutes. The program builds technical and professional capabilities across priority sectors, preparing participants to contribute to PIF's strategic objectives and Saudi Arabia's economic transformation from the outset of their careers.

Program impact

The GDP has developed over 1,000 Saudi professionals across nine cohorts, with graduates now contributing across PIF's investment, operational, and project ecosystem.

1,033


Total enrolled

9


Cohorts delivered

22


Hold leadership roles

21


Ecosystem partners

Your 12-month journey

A structured pathway from fresh graduates to desk-ready professionals.


MONTHS 1 - 2
01

Foundation & work readiness

Begins with a comprehensive Program Launch including orientation and an intensive Pre-Masters Foundation Program. Transitions into Module 1: Professional Development & Work Readiness, combining academic learning with site visits, keynote speaker sessions, and the first Action Learning Project (ALP).


MONTHS 3 - 6
02

Core academic modules

Five intensive master's-level modules covering Sustainable Finance and Investment, Assurance and Strategic Risk Management, Financial Data Analytics and Digital Transformation, Strategic Project Management, and Strategic Management of Sovereign Wealth Fund Investments. Also includes Module 7: Research Methods, an Assessment Week, a second ALP, and final track allocation.


MONTHS 7 - 8
03

Specialisation tracks

Deeper specialisation within your chosen pathway through Elective 1 and Elective 2 modules. Concurrent half-day Research Methods sessions prepare participants for the research required for final thesis deliverables.


MONTHS 9 - 12
04

Practical application & dissertation

Transitions from classroom to workplace through multi-month On-the-Job Training (OJT) while simultaneously researching and completing a comprehensive Master's Dissertation. Theoretical knowledge is applied directly to real-world scenarios.


Program components

The program provides access to leading education providers and structured workplace training across PIF's strategic ecosystems.

  1. World class training
  2. Access to PIF's leaders and experts
  3. Completion certificate
  4. Monthly allowance
  5. Medical insurance
  6. Paid leave

Candidate profile

The program is open to Saudi nationals who meet the following eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria
  1. Saudi national.
  2. Holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree in one of the following disciplines: Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Engineering, Law, Statistics, Risk Management, Applied and Financial Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or Economics.
  3. Recent graduate with a graduation year between 2024 and 2026.
  4. Minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5, or 2.75 out of 4, or an equivalent grade.
  5. English language proficiency with a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS Academic, 76 in TOEFL iBT, or 513 in TOEFL PBT. Only test certificates issued in 2025 and onward are accepted.

Where GDP graduates contribute

Graduates are assessed for placement across PIF's divisions, Giga-Projects, and portfolio companies upon program completion.

PIF direct

Join the Fund's own teams across investment, strategy, finance, legal, technology, and operations at PIF Tower, KAFD, Riyadh.

Giga-Projects

Contribute to NEOM, Red Sea Global, Diriyah, Qiddiya, ROSHN Group, and other landmark national development programmes.

Portfolio companies

Take on roles across PIF's portfolio of 90+ companies spanning energy, real estate, tourism, financial services, and technology.

Previous editions

  • GDP 8th Edition Onboarding

    Graduate Development Program — 8th edition

  • GDP 7th Edition Graduation

    Graduate Development Program — 7th edition

Frequently asked questions

From eligibility and selection to the academic structure, mentorship, financial support, and post-program contribution, read the FAQs.