The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is accepting applications for the Spring 2027 Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program, a prestigious paid internship designed to train the next generation of migration and public policy leaders.
The four-month internship is available remotely or in person, and applications are welcome from candidates worldwide, including those living outside the United States. Full-time interns receive a US$1,472 biweekly stipend, while part-time interns receive a prorated stipend.
Application deadline: 15 October 2026
About the Migration Policy Institute
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is an independent, nonpartisan think tank that conducts research and analysis on migration, refugee protection, integration, education, labour markets and global mobility.
Through the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program, MPI combines meaningful internship experience with professional training, mentoring and opportunities to contribute to influential migration policy research and communications.
The programme is named in honour of MPI’s founding president, Dr. Demetrios G. Papademetriou, whose career was dedicated to advancing migration scholarship and mentoring emerging researchers.
Internship Duration and Format
The Spring 2027 internship generally runs from January to April 2027 and lasts approximately four months.
MPI offers flexible internship arrangements, including:
- Fully remote internships
- In-person internships
- Full-time positions
- Part-time positions
The programme is designed to accommodate students, graduates and early-career professionals, with some flexibility in internship start and end dates.
Stipend and Benefits
Successful interns receive financial support and valuable professional experience while contributing to MPI’s research and communications work.
Benefits include:
- US$1,472 biweekly stipend for full-time interns
- Prorated stipend for part-time interns
- Remote participation available worldwide
- Opportunity to receive academic credit through participating institutions
- Mentorship from leading migration researchers and policy experts
- Hands-on experience in migration policy research and communications
Please note that MPI does not cover relocation expenses.
Research Internship Opportunities
Research interns work within one of several specialised programme areas:
- U.S. Immigration Policy
- International Migration
- U.S. Immigrant Integration
- Latin America and Caribbean Initiative
- Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative
Research topics include asylum, refugee resettlement, immigration enforcement, labour migration, education, integration, borders and mobility, migration and development, refugee livelihoods, social cohesion and public policy reform.
The Latin America and Caribbean Initiative requires written proficiency and oral fluency in Spanish.
Communications Internship
MPI also offers a Communications Internship for candidates interested in public engagement and policy communications.
Communications interns contribute to:
- Media monitoring
- Social media campaigns
- Visual content development
- Event organisation
- Promotion of the Migration Information Source magazine
- Short-form writing and multimedia editing
This internship provides exposure to the full breadth of MPI’s research and public policy work.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants from around the world are encouraged to apply.
Eligible candidates include:
- Current undergraduate students (at least junior level)
- College graduates
- Graduate students
- Early-career professionals
- Individuals without college experience who can demonstrate substantial relevant professional experience
Applicants should have excellent written and oral communication skills. Foreign language abilities, quantitative research skills and proficiency in relevant software are considered advantages.
Candidates from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, as well as applicants from underrepresented communities, are strongly encouraged to apply.
International Applicants
Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens.
Candidates working outside the United States do not require U.S. work authorisation for remote internships.
Applicants who will reside and work within the United States must already possess valid U.S. work authorisation before the internship begins, as MPI does not provide visa sponsorship.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete two separate application steps.
First, complete the official online internship application form.
Second, email the required documents to MPI with the subject line:
First Name Last Name_Spring 2027
Required documents include:
- CV or résumé
- Cover letter (maximum two single-spaced pages)
- Writing sample (maximum five single-spaced pages in English)
- Official or unofficial academic transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
The cover letter should explain the applicant’s interest in migration or public policy and identify the MPI programme area(s) they wish to join.
Important AI Policy
MPI requires application materials to reflect the applicant’s authentic abilities and voice.
The Institute states that using AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude or similar systems, to write or substantially revise application materials will result in disqualification.
Applicants should therefore prepare their CV, cover letter and writing sample independently.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Strong applications clearly demonstrate both analytical ability and a genuine interest in migration and public policy.
Applicants should:
- Select the MPI programme area most closely aligned with their interests
- Tailor the cover letter to explain relevant academic, research or professional experience
- Submit a writing sample that showcases clear analytical writing
- Highlight quantitative, qualitative or policy research experience where applicable
- Include language skills and public policy experience relevant to the chosen programme area
Important Deadline
Applications close on 15 October 2026 for the Spring 2027 internship cycle.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and MPI requests that applicants do not inquire about their application status.
Opportunity Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program |
| Organisation | Migration Policy Institute (MPI) |
| Type | Paid Internship |
| Duration | January – April 2027 |
| Location | Remote or In Person |
| Eligibility | Worldwide applicants |
| Stipend | US$1,472 biweekly (full-time) |
| Schedule | Full-time or Part-time |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026 |
