The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is inviting applications for its Spring 2027 Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Internship Program, offering students, graduates, graduate students, and early-career professionals the opportunity to gain practical experience in migration policy, research, communications, and public policy.
The four-month internship programme will run from January through April 2027 and offers opportunities that can be completed remotely or in person in Washington, DC. Interns will work alongside MPI experts and contribute to research, policy, communications, and other projects related to migration and immigrant integration.
Full-time interns receive a $1,472 biweekly stipend, while part-time interns receive a prorated stipend.
Applications for the Spring 2027 cycle must be completed by October 15, 2026.
About the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program
The internship programme is named after Demetrios G. Papademetriou, MPI’s founding president, in recognition of his commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of migration policy professionals.
The programme has two primary objectives: enabling interns to make meaningful contributions to MPI’s work while providing practical training and professional development for emerging leaders in migration and communications.
MPI welcomes applicants with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives and is committed to providing an inclusive environment focused on equity and access.
Internships are available to individuals residing outside the United States as well, although U.S.-based applicants must meet the institute’s work authorization requirements.
Available Research Internship Areas
Research interns will work within one of several MPI programme areas, allowing participants to develop specialized experience in migration research and policy analysis.
U.S. Immigration
Interns may contribute to research covering asylum and refugee pathways, border management, immigration enforcement, legal immigration, employment outcomes, and immigration, demographic, and economic trends.
International Migration
This area examines migration and integration policies, including refugee resettlement, asylum, immigrant integration, labor migration, borders and mobility, migration and development, and returns and reintegration.
U.S. Immigrant Integration
Research may focus on early childhood education, English learners, K-12 immigrant education, adult education, workforce development, state and local immigration policy, and language access.
Latin America and Caribbean Initiative
Interns in this programme area can contribute to research on mixed migration flows, migration management systems, regional development policies, and integration challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean. Written and oral Spanish proficiency is required for this area.
Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative
This programme focuses on approaches that recognize refugee agency and lived experience, refugee livelihoods and self-reliance, host-country integration, and the role of faith in global responses to forced displacement.
Research Intern Responsibilities
Research interns will contribute to MPI’s broader research activities and may undertake independent quantitative or qualitative research and policy analysis.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Conducting research and policy analysis
- Preparing literature reviews and summaries
- Contributing to research paper drafts
- Supporting MPI events
- Summarizing hearings and other relevant events
- Performing light administrative duties
The internship therefore provides practical experience for individuals interested in migration research, public policy, international development, refugee issues, and immigrant integration.
Communications Internship
MPI also offers a communications internship for applicants interested in public communication and digital engagement.
Communications interns support dissemination activities across the Institute and gain exposure to MPI’s different research areas.
Responsibilities may include:
- Media tracking
- Developing social media campaigns
- Creating visual assets
- Supporting event organization and implementation
- Promoting the Migration Information Source magazine
- Short-form writing
- Potential multimedia editing
This option can be particularly valuable for students and early-career professionals seeking experience at the intersection of communications, research, migration, and public policy.
Eligibility Requirements
The MPI Young Scholars Internship is open to a broad range of applicants.
Candidates must generally be at least college juniors and possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Eligible applicants include:
- Current undergraduate students
- College graduates
- Graduate students
- Early-career professionals
- Individuals without traditional college experience who can demonstrate substantial relevant work experience
Foreign-language skills, strong quantitative abilities, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and other relevant software can strengthen an application.
MPI also strongly encourages applications from minority candidates and individuals from immigrant or refugee backgrounds.
Applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens. However, applicants working in the United States must be authorized to work before the internship begins. Individuals living and working outside the United States throughout the internship may also apply.
Internship Duration and Stipend
The internship lasts four months and is organized into three annual cycles:
- Spring: January–April
- Summer: May–August
- Fall: September–December
The Spring 2027 internship will therefore run generally from January through April 2027.
Internships can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis, although full-time participation is sought for the U.S. Immigrant Integration and Communications internships.
Full-time interns receive a $1,472 biweekly stipend, while part-time interns receive a prorated amount.
MPI does not cover relocation expenses, and applicants should take this into account when considering an in-person placement.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application form and separately submit their supporting materials by email.
The application package must include:
- CV or resume
- Cover letter of no more than two single-spaced pages
- Writing sample of no more than five single-spaced pages in English
- Official or unofficial transcript from all colleges and universities attended
The cover letter should explain the applicant’s personal or professional interest in migration or another public policy issue, identify preferred MPI programme areas, and describe relevant academic, research, or professional experience.
The writing sample should demonstrate clear and analytical writing on migration, integration, refugee issues, or another public policy topic.
Important AI Policy
Applicants should pay particular attention to MPI’s No AI Policy. The institute states that application materials must reflect applicants’ authentic abilities and voices. According to the announcement, using AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude to write or substantially revise application materials can result in disqualification.
Applicants should therefore prepare and submit original materials that accurately represent their own skills and experience.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Spring 2027 Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Internship Program is:
October 15, 2026
The deadline corresponds to MPI’s general Spring Semester internship application cycle.
Key Details
Organization: Migration Policy Institute
Programme: Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program
Internship: Spring 2027
Duration: Four months
Period: January–April 2027
Location: Washington, DC or remote
Stipend: $1,472 biweekly for full-time interns
Part-time: Prorated stipend
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Fields: Migration policy, research, communications, immigrant integration, refugee and forced displacement, and public policy
The MPI Young Scholars Internship 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience with migration policy research, communications, and public policy. With remote and Washington, DC options, multiple research areas, and a paid internship structure, the programme provides a valuable platform for individuals seeking to build careers in migration, refugee policy, research, and international development.
