IMF Fund Internship Program (FIP) 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) offers the Fund Internship Program (FIP) for students from around the world. This paid summer internship takes place at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C. Each year, approximately 50 students join the program. Internships run for 10 to 12 weeks between June and October. If you are looking for similar opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA .

What You Will Do

As an FIP intern, you will work closely with an experienced IMF colleague. You will focus on a current issue or research question important to IMF member countries. Your work may be presented to IMF staff at the end of your internship. Many interns have had their research published by the IMF.

Past research topics have included inflation dynamics, digitalization and monetary policy, poverty reduction and inequality, prudential policies and the credit cycle, macro‑financial performance and corruption indicators, intangible assets and innovation policy in ASEAN, and high interest rate spreads in Africa.

Legal Department Internships

The IMF's Legal Department also offers internships under this program. Past Legal Department projects have included analysis of the legal framework for capital controls under the European Economic Area, research on the insolvency of non‑bank financial institutions, research on the legal mandate of the IMF in financial regulation, and cross‑country comparisons of effectiveness in anti‑money laundering efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

For the Economics internship, you must have concentrated your studies on monetary economics, international economics, public finance, financial markets, economics, or a related field. You must possess strong analytical and quantitative skills. You also need an excellent command of written and spoken English.

If you are currently completing a PhD, you must be registered as an active student. This means you will return to university studies after completing the internship. You must also be below the age of 32 at the start of the internship.

For the Legal Department internship, you must be within one to two years of completing an LLM, J.D., or equivalent advanced degree in law. You must also be below the age of 32 at the start of the internship.

For students seeking other funded programs in North America, check scholarships in Canada .

How to Apply

Applications for the Fund Internship Program typically open in early December. Interested candidates can apply at that time by visiting the IMF career site. You will need to submit your resume, academic transcripts, and a cover letter. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Other Internship Programs

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies (JISP) targets Japanese citizens. Applicants must be studying at or applying to a PhD program in macroeconomics at a university outside Japan. Detailed information is available on the JISP website.

Internships in other areas, such as information technology, may be advertised periodically on the IMF’s Workday platform. Check the job advertisements for details on terms and requirements.

Why Apply for the FIP

You will gain an insider's view of the IMF's member‑country‑focused mandate. You will work on critical international issues that affect global economic stability. You will build professional networks with experts from around the world. You will apply your research and analytical skills to real‑world questions. Whether you see a future in international organizations or are simply curious about policy work, this is an ideal opportunity.

For additional financial aid options across North America, explore students in North America. And to see a complete list of open internships and scholarships, visit list of all open scholarships in United states.

Final Thoughts

The IMF Fund Internship Program is a prestigious, paid opportunity for PhD candidates and law students. You will work at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C., contribute to real research, and build a global network. Applications open in early December each year. Prepare your documents in advance and apply when the portal opens.

Apply Now for IMF Fund Internship Program