The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is inviting applications for its 2026 Economist Program (EP), a prestigious three-year opportunity for young and highly skilled economists who aspire to influence the global economy.
The IMF EP gives participants the platform to contribute to shaping global financial stability by applying the latest economic knowledge and multidisciplinary approaches to solve international challenges. Selected candidates will work closely with country authorities while receiving an attractive salary, professional mentorship, and extensive career development opportunities at the IMF headquarters in Washington D.C., USA.
Program Summary
- Host: International Monetary Fund (IMF), USA
- Category: Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All IMF Member Countries
- Reward: 3 Years – Job Placement | Attractive Salary | Professional Training
- IELTS Requirement: No IELTS Required
- Deadline: December 4, 2025
Program Details
The IMF, established in 1944 at the United Nations Bretton Woods Conference, is a global institution dedicated to promoting international financial stability and cooperation. With 189 member countries, the Fund supports global economic growth by facilitating international trade, reducing poverty, fostering employment, and ensuring sustainable monetary policies. Through the Economist Program, young economists are offered the chance to contribute meaningfully to international development while gaining exposure to country-specific and global economic issues. Over the three years, participants will complete two 18-month assignments, supported by training, mentorship, and practical exposure to high-level economic work.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the IMF Economist Program, applicants must:
- Have recently completed or be within one year of completing a PhD in relevant fields such as macroeconomics, finance, monetary economics, public finance, international trade, political economy, econometrics, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of macroeconomics, even if specialized in other areas, and the ability to use conceptual frameworks to explain complex economic ideas.
- Possess an excellent academic record with proven analytical, quantitative, and IT skills.
- Be a national of an IMF member country.
- Be under 34 years old at the start of the program (September 8, 2025).
- Have strong written and spoken English communication skills.
Program Duration and Benefits
Successful candidates of the IMF Economist Program will benefit from:
- A 3-year appointment, consisting of two 18-month rotational assignments.
- Broad exposure to global, regional, and country-level issues including fiscal, monetary, trade, debt, and balance of payments analysis.
- Participation in high-quality research and policy advisory work.
- Access to professional, technical, and language training courses for career growth.
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced IMF economists.
- A competitive salary and a clear path towards building a long-term career at the IMF.
Selection Process
- Initial screening of applications and documents.
- Invitation for preliminary interview (conducted via campus visits or video call).
- Panel interview, writing test, and review of job market paper for shortlisted candidates.
- Interviews conducted between October 2024 – January 2025.
- Offers made by early February 2025, ahead of the program start date in September 2025 at the IMF headquarters in Washington D.C.
How to Apply
To apply for the IMF Economist Program 2026, interested and qualified candidates should:
- Visit the IMF Career Site when the application opens in September 2025.
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Upload all supporting documents before the deadline.
- Await further instructions regarding the interview and selection process.
Click Here to Apply for IMF Economist Program 2026
