Each summer dozens of graduate students from all over the world end up working at the International Monetary Fund headquarters in Washington D.C. They will be working alongside some of the best economists in the world who help countries manage their economies. They will be paid a good amount of money. The IMF will cover their flights to the US, visa and some basic medical insurance. When they are done they may have written a paper and made connections that can help them get a job in the future at the IMF.
This internship is called the Fund Internship Program or FIP. There are currently openings available for 2027 and you have until 5th December 2026 to apply.
I have been researching international internships for quite some time now. I have gone through many applications both good and bad. There have been many PhD students who didn’t make it due to not having an updated transcript. I have also seen many masters students get accepted to internships that were above them because they knew what they wanted to research and had it matched to what the IMF needed. Below I will go over everything you need to know to become an intern at the IMF.
Please read through the whole thing before applying.
Table of Contents
What is the IMF Fund Internship Program?
The Fund Internship Program is an opportunity for graduate students in the field of economics to come to the IMF headquarters in Washington D.C. They will spend there summer working on research or other tasks that the IMF requires. This program lasts anywhere from 10 to 12 weeks and will take place during the summer.
The IMF uses this program to help recruit economists for the fund. Many of these interns go on to work for the IMF after their internship is over. They will join the Economist Program at the IMF. Some students may go back to school and pursue there PhD. Or they may find jobs at other companies in the financial world.
There are only a handful of interns that are hired each year. Thousands apply for the internship but only around 50 will be selected. Once accepted you will be assigned to a topic that the IMF wants researched. Most likely you will end up writing a paper on your given topic.
Here is a quick overview of the program.
| Program Name | IMF Fund Internship Program (FIP) 2027 |
| Offering Company | International Monetary Fund |
| Where | IMF Headquarters Washington D.C. United States |
| Type of internship | In person |
| Length | 10-12 Weeks in the summer of 2027 |
| What category of internship? | Economics |
| Who can apply? | Students who are currently taking a masters or PhD in macroeconomics or something similar. From any IMF member country. |
| Application Deadline | 5th December 2026 |
| Where to apply | IMF Careers on Workday |
| Price | Free |
Some information on the imf website will show 2026. The opening that has a deadline of December 2026 will be for the summer of 2027.
Why does the IMF offer the Fund Internship Program?
There are many reasons why the IMF offers this program. One being to recruit economists for there company. Another is to see what kind of talent is out there. When you apply to work for the IMF you will be placed on a team and given a task. This will help you learn more about what the IMF does and allow them to see if you would be a good fit.
The IMF is responsible for monitoring the economic situation of its member countries. It will give loans to countries that need them and help them improve there economic policies. Having interns work for them allows them to see what type of students would be a good fit to help accomplish these tasks.
Another reason is to help build a more diverse workforce. The IMF wants to have employees from all over the world. So they encourage students from underrepresented countries to apply.
Who is eligible to apply for the IMF Fund Internship Program 2027?
There are many things you need to know before you apply. Below I will break down all of the requirements you need to meet in order to be eligible.
Masters Students
You must be currently enrolled in a masters program in macroeconomics or something similar. You should be near the completion of your program. You must also be under the age of 28 when the internship begins.
Similar fields could include but are not limited to International economics, Monetary economics, Financial economics, Development economics. Econometrics and many more. You should have most of your classes in the economics field if you decide to apply.
An example of someone who would be eligible is. Fatima is currently studying for her masters degree in Lahore. She is studying Applied Economics and will be finishing her degree in June of 2027. She will be 27 years old when the internship starts. She is eligible to apply. If her friend Ahmed was studying for his masters in business administration he would not be eligible. Even if he was only 24 years old.
PhD Students
You must be in the last year or 2 of your PhD program in macroeconomics or a similar field. You must still be enrolled in your school when the internship takes place. You must be under the age of 32 when the internship begins.
Many PhD students apply for this internship. Make sure you will still be a student when the internship begins. If you are going to graduate before the internship starts you will not be eligible.
An example of someone who would be eligible is. Daniel is currently in his 4th year of his PhD program in Nairobi. He studies fiscal multipliers in Sub Saharan Africa. He will be graduating at the end of 2027. He will be 31 years old when the internship begins. He is eligible to apply. If his friend Joseph graduated in April of 2027 he would not be eligible to apply.
Age Requirement
Make sure you will be under 28 if you are applying as a masters student. Or under 32 if you are applying as a PhD student. These ages are calculated from when the internship starts not when you apply.
| Masters Student | Must be under 28 at the beginning of the internship |
| PhD Student | Must be under 32 at the beginning of the internship |
If you are born in 1999 you will be eligible to apply as a masters student. If you are born in 1995 you will be eligible to apply as a PhD student. These are only rough estimates make sure to calculate when the internship will start.
Language
You must be able to speak and write English fluently. There is no requirement for a certain score on an English test. But you should be comfortable reading and writing in English.
Skills
You should have a good knowledge of analytical and quantitative skills. You should also know how to use some form of technology. Whether it be a program like Stata, R, Python etc. Or you know how to use other forms of technology that the IMF may require.
Country
You can apply from any country that is a member of the IMF. You do not have to be from the country that you are schooling in. If you are from Nigeria and go to school in Germany you are still eligible to apply.
What fields are considered similar to Macroeconomics?
There are many fields that can be considered similar to macroeconomics. Here is a list of some fields that the IMF will accept.
| Field | Similarity to IMF Work |
|---|---|
| Macroeconomics | Very similar to what the IMF does |
| International Economics | Very similar to what the IMF does |
| Monetary Economics | Very similar to what the IMF does |
| Financial Economics | Very similar to what the IMF does |
| Development Economics | Very similar to what the IMF does |
| Public Finance | Can be similar to what the IMF does |
| Econometrics | Can be similar to what the IMF does |
| Labor Economics | Somewhat similar to what the IMF does |
| Environmental Economics | Can be similar to what the IMF does |
| Political Economy | Somewhat similar to what the IMF does |
| Statistics/Data Science | Can be similar if you focus on economics |
As you can see there are many fields that can be considered similar to macroeconomics. Make sure you have some classes that relate to what the IMF does.
Benefits of the IMF Fund Internship Program
When you apply to the IMF you will receive many benefits while interning there.
Salary
You will be paid a good salary while interning at the IMF. Although they don’t state how much you will be paid on there website. Past interns have said that they were paid enough to live comfortably in Washington D.C.
Flights
The IMF will pay for your round trip flight to and from Washington D.C. This can save you a lot of money if you are traveling from far away.
Visa
The IMF will help you get a visa to enter the United States. If you are coming from a country that requires a visa they will provide you with one.
Insurance
You will be given short term medical insurance while you are at the IMF. This will cover you if anything happens while you are there.
Networking
You will have the opportunity to network with other interns and employees at the IMF. This can help you land a job after you complete your internship.
Research
As stated above you will most likely be assigned to write a paper while interning at the IMF. This can look great on your resume when trying to find a job after your internship is over.
| Salary | Will be paid a salary while interning at the IMF |
| Flights | The IMF will pay for your round trip flights |
| Visa | The IMF will help you get a visa |
| Insurance | You will be covered by medical insurance |
| Networking | You will meet many people while interning |
| Research | You may be required to write a paper |
What will you be doing as an intern at the IMF?
Once you are placed on a team you will be given tasks to complete. You will be working with the economist that is leading your team. You will be helping them with research and other tasks that they may need help with.
You will be collecting and analyzing data. You may also be required to write papers or presentations. You will be working on tasks that will help the IMF better its services to its member countries.
Lets say you are assigned to the Fiscal Affairs department. You will be helping them research different topics that pertain to fiscal policy. You may be asked to collect data on a specific country and analyze it. Then present your findings to the department.
You will be spending your days at the IMF headquarters. Working with your team and attending seminars that may be offered. You will have the opportunity to meet many different people from all over the world.
At the end of your internship you will present your findings to the department. This will allow you to show what you learned while interning at the IMF.
What do you need to apply for the IMF Fund Internship Program?
You will need the following documents to apply for the internship.
Fill out the application form
Make sure to fill out all of the information that is required on the application form. Do not skip any questions.
Provide a CV/Resume
You will need to upload your CV or resume. Make sure it is no more than 2 pages. Include any information that you feel is relevant to your application.
Provide your Transcript
You will need to provide a current transcript. Make sure it is up to date. If your transcript is not current the IMF will not consider your application.
Other Documents
You may be required to provide other documents depending on what the IMF asks for. Make sure to read through the application to see if there are any other documents needed.
| Document | What it is used for | Mistakes to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | To provide the IMF with your information | Not filling out all fields |
| CV/Resume | To provide the IMF with your experience | Having a resume that is too long |
| Transcript | To show the IMF your current standing in school | Not providing a current transcript |
| Any other documents | Depending on what is required | Not providing all required documents |
How to apply for the IMF Fund Internship Program 2027
Below I will go over the steps you need to take in order to apply for the IMF Fund Internship Program.
Make sure you are eligible
Before you apply make sure you meet all of the eligibility requirements. If you do not meet one of the requirements you will not be considered for the internship.
Gather your documents
You will need your CV/resume and a current transcript. Make sure they are up to date before you apply.
Go to the IMF careers page
You can find the application on the IMF careers page. Click here to go to the careers page.
Apply
Fill out the application and upload your documents. Make sure everything is correct before you hit submit.
Wait
After you submit your application you will have to wait to hear back from the IMF. If you are selected you will be notified.
How does the IMF select interns?
The IMF will look at your application and see if you meet there criteria. They will look at your GPA, field of study and experience. They may also look at your country of origin.
They will want to see that you have a good GPA in your field of study. If you have a lower GPA they may still consider you if you have good experience.
The IMF also wants to see that you have experience that can relate to what they do. If you have worked for a bank or have done research in economics that will help your application.
The IMF will also look at your country of origin. They want to have a diverse group of interns so they will try to pick students from different countries.
Once the IMF has narrowed down their list they will interview the candidates. They will ask you questions about your research and why you want to work for the IMF.
Tips to get accepted into the IMF Fund Internship Program
Here are some tips that can help you get accepted into the IMF Fund Internship Program.
Have a good GPA
As stated above the IMF will want to see that you have a good GPA. Try to keep your GPA as high as possible.
Know your research
Make sure you know your research. The IMF will want to see that you know what you are researching and why. Be prepared to answer questions about your research.
Show that you can use technology
The IMF will want to see that you know how to use technology. Whether it be Stata, R or another program. Show them that you can use these programs to your advantage.
Understand what the IMF does
Before you apply make sure you know what the IMF does. They will want to see that you understand what they do and why you want to work for them.
Apply early
Apply as early as you can. The closer you are to the deadline the less likely you are to get accepted.
Mistakes to avoid when applying for the IMF Fund Internship Program
Here are some mistakes that you should avoid when applying for the IMF Fund Internship Program.
Not meeting the age requirement
Make sure you will be under the age of 28 if you are a masters student. Or under the age of 32 if you are a PhD student.
Not filling out the application
Make sure you fill out the entire application. If you leave anything blank the IMF will not consider your application.
Not providing a current transcript
Make sure your transcript is up to date. If it is not the IMF will not consider your application.
Having a generic CV/Resume
Make sure your CV/resume is tailored to the internship. Don’t use a generic CV that you have used for other jobs.
Applying to a field that isn’t similar to economics
Make sure your field of study is similar to economics. If it isn’t the IMF will not consider your application.
Saying you know more than you do
Don’t lie on your application. If you say you know how to use a program and you don’t. The IMF will find out during the interview.
Waiting until the last minute
Apply as soon as you can. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply.
| Mistake | Why you shouldn’t do it |
|---|---|
| Not meeting the age requirement | You will not be considered |
| Not filling out the application | You will not be considered |
| Not providing a current transcript | You will not be considered |
| Having a generic CV/Resume | It won’t show the IMF what you can do |
| Applying to a field that isn’t similar to economics | You will not be considered |
| Saying you know more than you do | The IMF will find out |
| Waiting until the last minute | You may not get your application in time |
Other internships that are similar to the IMF Fund Internship Program
There are many other internships that are similar to the IMF Fund Internship Program. Here is a list of some that you can apply to.
| World Bank | Will offer internships to students who are studying economics or a similar field. |
| Federal Reserve | Will offer internships to students who are studying economics or a similar field. |
| European Central Bank | Will offer internships to students who are studying economics or a similar field. |
| Bank for International Settlements | Will offer internships to students who are studying economics or a similar field. |
| OECD | Will offer internships to students who are studying economics or a similar field. |
The IMF FIP has salary benefits, flights, visas and the ability to feed straight into the Economist Program. World Bank allows for more flexibility in terms of timing. The ECB and BIS are also good options if you want to extend your time in Europe. There is no reason why you cannot apply to all of them just make sure you keep track of deadlines and don’t accept two that overlap.
What to do after getting an IMF Internship
There are a few steps to follow once you have been accepted.
Accept your offer
You will receive an offer letter that outlines the dates you will be interning, pay and other requirements. Make sure you read through this and accept via whatever method they tell you to by the deadline. If you do not accept on time you may lose your spot.
Fill out onboarding paperwork
You will need to provide the IMF with information such as your ID, student status, bank information and emergency contact. They will give you deadlines for these so make sure to fill them out on time. This will allow them to process your visa and flights.
Getting your visa
If you are not from the US you will need to go through the visa process. The IMF will send you documents to help you apply for a G4 visa which is for people that work for international organizations. You will have to schedule an appointment at your closest US embassy and go for your visa interview. Start this process as soon as you accept your offer. Some embassies can take a while to get you an appointment.
Flights
The IMF will either book your flight or reimburse you for it. They will tell you how to go about this. Usually they will cover a one way economy flight from your university location.
Finding housing
The IMF does not house you but will provide information on areas around DC. You can find housing through many avenues. Universities like Georgetown and GWU offer housing during the summer. There are also tons of apartments to rent in Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom or you can rent in Arlington. Try to get an apartment as early as possible as there will be many interns looking for housing during the summer.
Preparing for your internship
You may receive material from your mentor to look over before you start. Make sure you read through anything they send you and brush up on topics. You can also install programs on your computer that you like to use. The IMF will have computers available to you as well.
Tips to excel at your IMF Internship
As mentioned earlier it is only half the battle to get accepted to the IMF. Here are some tips to help you do well during your internship.
Know what your mentor expects from you
Sit down with your mentor during your first week and discuss what they expect you to accomplish over the course of your internship. Write down what they tell you and check in with them every couple weeks to make sure you are on the right track.
Show work early
Don’t wait until the end of your internship to show your mentor what you have been working on. Show them what you have early on so they can guide you in the right direction.
Ask questions
The IMF will love you if you ask good questions. Don’t ask vague questions that could be answered with one word. For example instead of asking “What should I do next” you could ask “Should I run this regression clustered by country since we have a panel data set?”
Go to as many seminars as you can
The IMF holds many seminars during the week. Take advantage of this and meet new economists. You never know they could become someone that helps you in the future.
Present your work
Make sure you practice presenting your work. You can do this with other interns and ask them questions. There will probably be some you don’t know the answer to but thats okay be honest.
Network
Network with other economists that are not on your team. Grab coffee with people in different divisions. Everyone at the IMF knows each other so build those relationships.
Say you are an intern at the IMF working in the African Department on the effects of remittances on your currency. You present a simple table to your mentor in the third week of your internship. Your mentor tells you there is an error in the data you are using. You fix the error and extend your sample size to get more observations. You finish your paper in the tenth week of your internship and present it to your mentor. Two chiefs from the division ask you questions about your paper. You are later offered the chance to apply to the Economist Program and currently work at the IMF in the same division you interned in.
FAQs
When does the IMF FIP 2027 close?
The IMF will accept applications until December 5th 2026. Its best to apply a week before to avoid any issues.
Does the IMF pay for their interns?
Yes they do. The IMF provides their interns with a good amount of pay. They will also fly you to DC and provide visa assistance if necessary.
Where is the IMF internship located?
The IMF is located in Washington DC.
How long is the IMF internship?
The IMF internship is 10-12 weeks long over the summer of 2027.
Can undergrads apply to the IMF?
No only masters and PhD students are eligible to apply to the IMF FIP.
Are there any age requirements?
You must be under 28 years old if you are a masters student and under 32 if you are a PhD student when you start your internship.
Can I apply if I graduate before the internship?
No you have to be a student when you start your internship.
Do I need a certain score on an English test?
There is no requirement for you to take an English test. Just make sure you are fluent in English when applying and interviewing.
Can anyone apply to the IMF?
Yes the IMF is open to all students from countries that are part of the IMF.
Do I have to be in the US to apply?
No you can apply to the IMF from anywhere in the world. The IMF will fly you from your university location.
Do I pick my topic?
No the IMF will assign you a topic. They will try to find a topic you enjoy working on.
Do you need references?
The IMF does not specify that you need references. You just need to submit your application, CV and transcript.
Will the IMF reach out to me if I am not selected?
The IMF will only reach out to you if you are shortlisted. If you do not hear back from them you were not selected.
Does the IMF hire from their internship program?
The IMF will encourage you to apply to their economist program if you do well during your internship.
Does the IMF provide housing?
No you will need to find your own housing. The salary they provide should be enough to live off of while in DC.
Can I apply to the World Bank as well?
Yes you can apply to both. Just make sure they don’t conflict with each other if you are accepted to both.
IMF Fund Internship Program 2027 Checklist
Here is a checklist to help you apply to the IMF.
| Task | Done |
|---|---|
| Make sure your degree is in a field related to Macroeconomics | ☐ |
| Make sure you will be a student when you start your internship | ☐ |
| Make sure you are under the age requirement | ☐ |
| Get an updated transcript from your school | ☐ |
| Update your CV to include any research you have done | ☐ |
| Write a short paragraph about your research if allowed | ☐ |
| Read through articles published by the IMF | ☐ |
| Create an account on the IMF website | ☐ |
| Fill out your application | ☐ |
| Upload your CV and Transcript | ☐ |
| Double check your application | ☐ |
| Submit your application before December 5th 2026 | ☐ |
| Practice talking about your research for 5 minutes | ☐ |
| Wait to hear back from the IMF | ☐ |
Conclusion
The IMF Fund Internship Program is a great opportunity for any student looking to spend the summer in DC learning about economics. Not only do you get paid to learn but they will fly you to DC and help you with your visa. If you do well during your internship they will allow you to apply to their Economist Program which could lead to a career at the IMF.
There are many students that apply to this program each year so make sure you stand out. Apply as soon as you can and double check all of your information. Once you submit your application make sure you are prepared to talk about your research. You never know the IMF could be your next job!
