IMF Economist Program 2026 for Recent PhD Graduates (Fully Funded, Washington D.C.)

Application Deadline: December 4, 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is inviting applications for its 2026 Economist Program (EP), a prestigious three-year career development opportunity based at the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C. Designed for exceptional recent PhD graduates, the program offers the chance to apply advanced economic knowledge and research to pressing global policy challenges.

About the Program

As an Economist Program participant, you will join a team addressing key global economic issues while making a direct impact on the IMF’s 191 member countries. Working closely with senior economists and national authorities, you will contribute to shaping policy solutions that foster monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, promote sustainable economic growth, facilitate international trade, and reduce poverty.

The program consists of two 18-month assignments, providing broad exposure to country-specific, regional, and thematic work across areas such as fiscal and monetary policy, balance of payments, debt, trade, financial stability, macro-climate issues, and development challenges. In addition to on-the-job learning, participants will benefit from professional training, mentoring, and career development support, preparing them to become future leaders at the Fund.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Have recently completed or expect to complete a PhD within one year of joining the program (fields: macroeconomics, finance, public finance, monetary economics, international economics, trade, poverty, econometrics, political economy, macro-climate, or related areas).
Be under the age of 34 at entry (by September 8, 2026).
Demonstrate strong understanding of macroeconomics and ability to apply conceptual frameworks across economic sectors.
Hold excellent academic and research records.
Possess proven analytical, quantitative, and IT skills.
Have strong written and spoken English (knowledge of other languages is an asset but not required).
Be a national of one of the IMF’s member countries.

Candidates should also show motivation to work in an international environment, versatility in learning, strong collaboration and networking skills, cultural agility, and willingness to travel during missions.

Selection Process

Initial Screening: Application and supporting documents.
Preliminary Interview: On campus or via video, along with transcript and references review.
Panel Interview & Assessment: Includes a writing test and evaluation of your job market paper.

Interviews will run from October 2025 to January 2026, with offers extended in February 2026. Successful candidates will begin the program in September 2026 in Washington, D.C.