2027 IMF Fund Internship Program for Economics PhD Students in Washington, D.C.

The Fund Internship Program, usually called FIP, gives PhD students in economics the chance to spend one summer working inside one of the world's leading international financial institutions. Over 10 to 12 weeks you take on an individual research or project assignment at IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C., working alongside experienced IMF staff. You apply your economic research skills to real world policy questions that matter to the Fund's 191 member countries. Many interns present their findings to IMF staff, and some see their work published internally.

This is a full time, paid internship of 40 hours a week. The 2027 cohort begins on 7 June 2027 and ends on 27 August 2027. There is no nationality restriction on who may apply. If you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or otherwise authorised to work in the United States you will need a G4 visa, and the IMF supplies the documentation you need to support that application with U.S. authorities. The Fund does not provide housing, so interns arrange and secure their own accommodation, and the IMF shares resources and guidance with selected interns during onboarding.

To be considered you must be within one to two years of completing a PhD in macroeconomics or a related field, be enrolled as a student at the time of the internship and return to your academic studies afterwards, be under the age of 32 when the internship begins in June 2027, demonstrate excellent written and spoken English, and hold strong analytical, quantitative and computer skills. The only exception the Fund allows to the age limit is time spent in mandatory military service. Previous participants in the Fund Internship Program are not eligible and should not reapply.

Applications run through the IMF's Workday careers portal under requisition 26-R9863 and close on 5 December 2026. The Fund publishes the closing date but no cut off time, so treat the date itself as the limit. Every submission includes a technical questionnaire together with a CV or resume, a statement of interest or cover letter explaining your motivation for applying to the IMF, and evidence of current student status and academic performance. That evidence can be a recent transcript from your current university programme or a letter from your university confirming active enrolment and recent grades. Incomplete applications are not considered. You receive an automated confirmation once you submit, and only shortlisted candidates hear from a member of the FIP recruitment team.