IMF Fund Internship Program 2026–2027: Paid Research Opportunity in Washington, D.C.
Overview
The International Monetary Fund runs a paid summer Fund Internship Program for graduate students, bringing around 50 students from around the world to its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Interns work with experienced IMF economists or legal professionals on current research questions relevant to member countries and global economic stability. The program typically lasts 10 to 12 weeks between June and October and cannot be extended beyond 12 weeks. Interns may present their results to IMF staff at the end, and many past interns have had their research published by the IMF.
Economic interns work on monetary economics, international economics, public finance, financial markets and related areas. Past projects have covered inflation dynamics, digitalization and monetary policy, poverty and inequality, prudential policies, public financial management, corruption indicators, innovation policy and interest-rate spreads. The Legal Department also takes interns, with past projects on capital controls and insolvency frameworks for financial institutions.
Who can apply
Economic internship applicants should have concentrated their studies on monetary and international economics, public finance, financial markets or a related field, with strong analytical and quantitative skills and excellent spoken and written English. PhD students must be active students who will return to university afterward and be under 32 when the internship starts. Legal Department applicants must generally be within one to two years of completing an LLM, J.D. or equivalent and also be under 32.
What you get
Interns receive a competitive salary, round-trip restricted economy-class air travel from their university to Washington, D.C., and limited medical insurance. The IMF does not provide housing or housing assistance. International students without U.S. citizenship, permanent residence or other suitable work authorization need a G4 visa, and students on F-1 visas need acceptable employment authorization such as CPT.
How to apply
Applications normally open in early December through the IMF Career Site. A resume is required. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted by a program recruiter.