International Monetary Fund (IMF) Entry Programmes
Entry programme for economists who have recently completed, or are close to completing, a relevant PhD. IMF also lists 2 other entry routes on this page.
Last reviewed: 15 July 2026
Entry programmes
Economist Program
Entry programme for economists who have recently completed, or are close to completing, a relevant PhD. The programme gives early-career economists hands-on exposure to IMF policy work across departments. Source
- Track: Young professional programme
- Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of an IMF member country.
- Minimum degree: PhD
- Typical max age: 34
- Typical window: Late September
Fund Internship Program
Paid IMF internship for current master's or PhD students in economics, finance, public policy, or related fields. Internships normally run for 10 to 12 weeks at IMF headquarters, with legal and IT internships advertised separately when available. Source
- Track: Traineeship
- Eligibility: The IMF recruits FIP interns on a global basis.
- Minimum degree: Master's
- Typical window: Early December
Research Analyst Program
Two-year research analyst pathway for recent graduates with economics, quantitative, or related analytical training. RAP participants work on IMF operational and policy research while building experience for later analytical roles or graduate study. Source
- Track: Fellowship
- Eligibility: Candidates for the RAP can be located globally at the time of application.
- Minimum degree: Bachelor's
- Cycle: Ad hoc
- Vacancies are posted as needed; candidates may be added to a pipeline and selected as positions arise.
How to read timing
Dates here describe typical or recent patterns from official sources, not live application deadlines. Confirm the current call on the programme or careers page before you apply.
Where to look next
Browse related open roles below, then read eligibility and deadlines on the official IMF careers site. For staff pay by grade, see the IMF salary guide.
Relevant open roles
Search all jobsLast checked 17 July 2026 · 5 roles
- Archives and Records OfficerIMF
Washington, DC, USCloses 24 JulThe IMF is seeking an Archives Officer to manage the appraisal, arrangement, and description of institutional records to ensure compliance with the Open Archives Policy. The role focuses on processing a backlog of predominantly analogue records and entering metadata into the online catalogue to support institutional memory and transparency.
- Senior Communications Officer (Middle East and North Africa)IMFWashington, DC, USCloses 21 Jul
The Senior Communications Officer leads strategic media engagement and digital storytelling for the IMF, with a specific focus on the Middle East and North Africa region. The role involves managing high-level relationships with journalists and influencers while developing messaging that advances the institution's policy priorities.
- Finance OfficerIMFWashington, DC, USCloses 20 Jul
The Finance Officer manages and reports on the Fund's finances, conducting financial operations with member countries and other financial institutions. The role involves contributing to policy development, preparing financial statements, and ensuring a robust control environment for the IMF's financial structure.
- Regional Advisor, Tax PolicyIMF
Rome, ITCloses 22 JulThe Regional Tax Policy Advisor supports the IMF Southeast Europe Regional Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC) in delivering capacity development programs across member countries. The role focuses on improving tax policy design for efficiency and equity while strengthening institutional monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- Regional Revenue Administration AdvisorIMFRome, ITCloses 18 Jul
Based in Rome, this advisor supports the IMF Southeast Europe Regional Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC) in implementing capacity development programs for revenue administration. The role involves delivering technical assistance to member countries to strengthen revenue mobilization, improve tax compliance, and enhance institutional efficiency.