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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
- World class training
- Access to PIF's leaders and experts
- Completion certificate
- Monthly allowance
- Medical insurance
- Paid leave
Candidate profile
The program is open to Saudi nationals who meet the following eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria
- Saudi national.
- 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.
- Recent graduate with a graduation year between 2024 and 2026.
- Minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5, or 2.75 out of 4, or an equivalent grade.
- 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
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Graduate Development Program — 8th edition
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Graduate Development Program — 7th edition
