Migration Policy Institute (MPI) Young Scholars Internship Program 2027 (Paid Internship) · Washington, D.C., USA

Global Opportunity Desk; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Biweekly stipend

Remote option

Hands-on research

Mentorship

Professional development

Networking

Publish research

Job summary

Migration Policy Institute (MPI) invites applications for the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Internship Program 2027 in Washington, DC.

This paid internship offers hands-on experience in migration policy research, writing, and stakeholder engagement, with mentorship from experienced researchers and communications professionals. The Spring 2027 program runs January–April 2027, with options for full-time or part-time work and possible remote placement or on-site at MPI's Washington, DC

Qualifications

• Be at least a junior undergraduate, recent graduate, graduate student, or early career professional.
• Demonstrate strong interest in migration, immigration, refugee issues, or public policy.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and research abilities.
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Have coursework or experience relevant to the internship area.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research projects, policy briefs, and literature reviews.
• Assist with events, stakeholder engagement, and outreach activities.
• Support writing and communication efforts for policy outputs.
• Collaborate with MPI researchers and communications staff on ongoing initiatives.

Skills

Interest in policy

Analytical mindset

Strong writing skills

Education

Junior undergraduate / recent graduate / early career

Tools

MS Office / writing tools

Job description

Migration Policy Institute (MPI) · Washington, D.C., USA

Paid Verified

Deadline: Oct 15, 2026

Overview

Applications are now open for the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Internship Program 2027, a paid internship that offers aspiring migration researchers, policy analysts, and communications professionals the opportunity to gain practical experience at one of the world's leading independent think tanks focused on migration and refugee policy. The programme is designed for students and early career professionals who are passionate about migration, immigration, refugee protection, integration, and public policy.

Named in honor of MPI's founding president, Demetrios G. Papademetriou, the Young Scholars Program combines professional training with meaningful contributions to ongoing research and policy initiatives. Interns work closely with experienced researchers and communications specialists while developing practical skills in policy analysis, research, writing, stakeholder engagement, and public communication.

The Spring 2027 internship generally runs from January through April 2027, with opportunities available on both a full time and part time basis. Depending on the role, internships may be completed remotely or from MPI's headquarters in Washington, DC. This flexibility enables talented applicants from different locations to participate while gaining valuable experience in migration policy and public affairs.

About the Internship

The Migration Policy Institute established the Young Scholars Internship Program to prepare the next generation of migration policy professionals while benefiting from the fresh perspectives and research contributions of emerging scholars. Since its creation, the programme has helped train numerous researchers, analysts, and communications specialists who have gone on to careers in academia, government, international organizations, nonprofit institutions, and the private sector.

Interns become active members of MPI teams, contributing to research projects, policy briefs, reports, literature reviews, communications campaigns, events, and stakeholder engagement activities. Rather than observing from the sidelines, participants are expected to make substantive contributions to ongoing projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.

The programme also emphasizes professional development through mentorship, exposure to high level policy discussions, and opportunities to interact with policymakers, researchers, journalists, and migration experts. Many interns strengthen their research and writing portfolios during the internship, with some contributing to published policy outputs.

Successful interns will receive:

• A paid internship with the Migration Policy Institute.
• Full-time interns receive a biweekly stipend of USD 1,472, while part-time interns receive a prorated stipend.
• Opportunities to work remotely or in Washington, DC, depending on the internship position.
• Hands on experience supporting leading migration policy research.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers and policy professionals.
• Exposure to public policy, immigration, refugee, and integration issues.
• Opportunities to develop professional research and writing skills.
• Networking with migration experts, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Potential opportunities to contribute to published research and policy outputs.

Please note that relocation expenses are not covered for in-person positions.

Internship Areas

Research internships are available across several programme areas, including:

• U.S. Immigration.
• International Migration.
• Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative.
• Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be at least junior level undergraduate students, recent graduates, graduate students, or early career professionals.
• Demonstrate strong interest in migration, immigration, refugee issues, or public policy.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and research abilities.
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Have experience or coursework relevant to their preferred internship area.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• Completed online internship application form.
• Cover letter (maximum two single-spaced pages) explaining their interest in migration policy, preferred programme area, and relevant experience.
• Writing sample (maximum five single-spaced pages in English) demonstrating analytical and writing ability.
• Official or unofficial academic transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

The subject line for application emails should follow the format specified by MPI (for example, "First Name Last Name_Spring 2027").

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic achievement.
• Quality of research and analytical skills.
• Strength of writing sample.
• Demonstrated interest in migration and public policy.
• Relevant academic or professional experience.
• Alignment with the selected internship programme area.
• Overall potential to contribute to MPI's research and communications work.

Location

Washington, D.C., USA

Organized by

Migration Policy Institute (MPI)