Migration Research and Communications Internships – Spring 2027

About the organization

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank based in Washington, DC, dedicated to the study of migration worldwide.

About the internship

MPI is hiring interns for its Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program, named in honor of MPI's co-founder and first president. Since its founding, the program has trained more than 500 future global migration scholars and policy analysts, many of whom are now leaders in the field.

Interns work in one of 5 program areas:

• U.S. Immigration: asylum and refugee pathways, border management, enforcement, legal immigration, and employment outcomes of immigrants
• International Migration: comparative analysis of integration, labor migration, borders and mobility, and migration and development across countries
• U.S. Immigrant Integration: early childhood education, English Learners and Dual Language Learners, K-12 immigrant education, adult education and workforce development, and state/local integration policy
• Latin America and the Caribbean: regional migration dynamics and policy responses
• Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative: displacement trends and humanitarian policy responses
• Communications: editorial, digital, and public engagement work

This range makes the program a strong fit for applicants across disciplines, including public policy, international relations, economics, law, education, communications, and area studies. We welcome master's and doctoral students as well as seniors and recent college graduates. Internships can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world or in person at our Washington, D.C. office.

Compensation and benefits

• $1,472 biweekly stipend for full-time interns, prorated for part-time interns
• Option to arrange academic credit

Responsibilities

Depending on program area, interns contribute to:

• Background research and literature reviews
• Data analysis
• Interviews and field engagement
• Drafting memos and papers
• Supporting stakeholder networks

Requirements

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Interest in migration policy and trends
• Applicants residing in the U.S.: Must have U.S. work authorization before the internship begins, whether the internship is completed in person or remotely
• Applicants residing outside the U.S.: No U.S. work permit is required for remote internships. Note: MPI cannot provide supporting documents for a U.S. visa application

How to apply

Applications for the Spring 2027 cycle (January–April) are open now through October 15. Apply through MPI's internship page.

Additional information

The internship program lasts for about 4 months and is divided into 3 cycles over the year. There is some flexibility in internship start and end dates, but the Spring internship cycle generally runs from January through April, the Summer cycle from May through August, and the Fall semester from September through December.

For all positions, applicants must be at least a senior in college and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Current students, college graduates, graduate students, and early-career professionals are welcome to apply. Those without college experience who can demonstrate substantial relevant work experience will also be considered. Foreign language skills and proficiency in key Office and other software programs are helpful, as are strong quantitative skills. Minority applicants and/or applicants from immigrant or refugee backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

No AI policy: To fairly evaluate all applicants, we require application materials that reflect your authentic abilities and voice. Using AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) to write or substantially revise your application will result in disqualification.

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide individual status updates. We will reach out directly to candidates selected for an interview. We kindly ask that applicants refrain from contacting us by phone or email to inquire about their application status.