The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) has officially opened applications for its Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program – Fall 2026 Internship Cycle (September–December). This prestigious program is designed to train the next generation of migration researchers, policy analysts, and global development professionals through hands-on research experience.

This internship provides an exceptional opportunity for students and early-career professionals interested in migration, refugee studies, international policy, and social integration to work directly with world-class experts and contribute to real-world policy research.

Overview of the Young Scholars Program

The Young Scholars Program is named in honor of MPI’s founding president and is designed to achieve two major goals:

• Strengthen MPI’s global research output through intern contributions
• Train emerging professionals in migration research and policy analysis

Interns are embedded in research teams and contribute to meaningful, policy-driven work across multiple global migration themes.

Research Areas Available for Fall 2026 Interns

Interns will work in one of the following specialized policy areas:

1. U.S. Immigration Policy

Focuses on:

• Asylum and refugee systems
• Border governance and enforcement
• Legal and labor migration pathways
• Immigration economics and workforce outcomes
• Policy reform analysis

2. International Migration

Covers:

• Global comparative immigration systems
• Refugee resettlement frameworks
• Migration and development linkages
• Border management and mobility governance
• Integration policies across countries

3. U.S. Immigrant Integration

Includes:

• Education systems for immigrant communities
• Workforce training and adult education
• Language access policies
• Local and state integration strategies
• Early childhood and K–12 education support

4. Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative

Focuses on:

• Migration flows from Central America and Venezuela
• Regional migration governance systems
• Integration challenges in host countries
• Policy responses in Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica

Important Requirement: Spanish proficiency (written and spoken)

5. Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative

Explores:

• Refugee self-reliance and livelihoods
• Host-community integration
• Lived refugee experiences
• Faith-based and humanitarian responses
• Displacement policy innovation

Internship Responsibilities

Selected interns will contribute to high-level research and policy work, including:

• Writing research drafts and policy briefs
• Conducting literature reviews and summaries
• Supporting quantitative and qualitative research
• Assisting with event reporting and policy hearings
• Contributing to ongoing MPI research initiatives
• Light administrative and coordination tasks

Internship Format & Benefits

• Duration: 4 months (September–December 2026)
• Location: Remote or in-person (Washington, DC)
• Compensation: Biweekly stipend (full-time approx. $1,436; prorated for part-time)
• Flexible start/end dates depending on assignment
• Academic credit may be arranged

Additional notes:

• Open to U.S. and international applicants (with work authorization or remote eligibility)
• Must be at least a junior in college or higher (or equivalent experience)
• Strong writing and analytical skills required
• Foreign language skills and research experience are highly valued

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
• Internship Duration: September – December 2026

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Required documents:

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter (max 2 pages)
• Writing sample (max 5 pages)
• Academic transcript

Important Note: The program requires authentic work only—AI-generated application materials are not permitted and may lead to disqualification.

Why This Internship Matters

Interning at MPI offers:

• Direct exposure to global migration policy work
• Mentorship from leading migration scholars
• Real contributions to published research
• Professional development in policy analysis
• Networking in Washington, DC policy circles
• Experience across international migration systems

Application Strategy (How to Stand Out)

To increase your chances:

1. Tailor your focus area

Choose ONE primary research track and align everything (CV + writing sample) to it.

2. Strong writing sample selection

Best options:

• Migration policy essay
• Refugee studies paper
• International relations research
• Data-based policy analysis

3. Cover letter must include:

• Clear motivation for migration policy
• Specific MPI research area of interest
• Evidence of analytical writing ability
• Any language or regional expertise

4. Highlight these skills strongly:

• Policy analysis
• Research synthesis
• Academic writing
• Quantitative or qualitative methods
• Language skills (Spanish is a major advantage for LAC track)

Click here for more global internship opportunities