Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is accepting applications for its Spring 2027 internships through the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program, offering candidates an opportunity to gain professional experience in migration policy, research and communications.
The program offers both remote and in-person internships, and importantly, MPI states that opportunities are also available to candidates residing outside the United States.
Successful candidates can work in research areas covering U.S. immigration, international migration, immigrant integration, Latin America and the Caribbean, and refugee and forced displacement issues. A separate communications internship is also available.
The internships last approximately four months and are offered on full-time and part-time schedules.
Full-time interns receive a $1,472 biweekly stipend, while part-time interns receive a prorated stipend.
For the Spring 2027 internship cycle, candidates must submit their applications by October 15, 2026.
Background and Internship Description
The Migration Policy Institute runs its internships through the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program.
The program is named after MPI’s founding president and has two principal goals: enabling interns to make valuable contributions to MPI’s work while helping train the next generation of migration and communications leaders.
MPI specifically states that internships are available:
- In person
- Remotely
- To people residing outside the United States
This makes the program particularly notable for international applicants interested in migration policy.
Migration Policy Institute Research Internships
Research interns work within one of several MPI program areas.
U.S. Immigration
Interns interested in U.S. immigration policy may contribute to research and analysis concerning:
- Asylum and refugee pathways
- Border management
- Immigration enforcement
- Legal immigration
- Temporary and permanent immigration
- Unauthorized immigration
- Employment outcomes of highly educated immigrants
- Immigration trends
- Demographic trends
- Economic trends
- Immigration policy reform
This program examines significant aspects of the U.S. immigration system and potential approaches to policy reform.
International Migration
The International Program conducts comparative analysis of immigration and integration policies.
Research areas include:
- Refugee resettlement
- Asylum
- Immigrant integration
- Labor-market integration
- Social cohesion
- Labor migration
- Borders and mobility
- Migration and development
- Returns and reintegration
Candidates interested in international migration systems and comparative public policy may find this program particularly relevant.
U.S. Immigrant Integration
Another research area focuses on immigrant integration in the United States.
Topics include:
- Early childhood education and care
- Dual Language Learners
- English Learners
- K-12 immigrant education
- Adult education
- Training and workforce development
- State and local immigration and integration policies
- Language access policy
This area may appeal particularly to candidates interested in the relationship between immigration, education, workforce development and public policy.
Latin America and Caribbean Initiative
Research interns can also work with MPI’s Latin America and Caribbean Initiative.
The initiative examines policy responses to mixed migration flows, including issues affecting northern Central America and Venezuela.
Its work also includes examining migration-management systems in countries such as:
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Colombia
Research also covers regional and international development policies and integration challenges and opportunities.
For this particular research area, written proficiency and oral fluency in Spanish are required.
Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative
The Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative focuses on research and analysis concerning policy and programmatic approaches involving:
- Refugee agency
- Lived experience
- Refugee livelihoods
- Self-reliance
- Host-country integration
- The role of faith in global refugee responses
This research area may be relevant to candidates interested in refugee policy, humanitarian issues and forced displacement.
What Do MPI Research Interns Do?
Research interns contribute directly to MPI’s broader research activities.
Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting independent quantitative and/or qualitative research
- Conducting policy analysis
- Writing paper drafts
- Preparing literature summaries
- Providing support for events
- Summarizing hearings
- Summarizing relevant public and private events
- Completing light administrative responsibilities
Candidates should therefore be comfortable with research, analytical writing and working with policy information.
Communications Internship
MPI also offers a communications internship.
Rather than focusing exclusively on one research program, communications interns provide dissemination and other communications support across the Institute.
Responsibilities include:
- Media tracking
- Developing social media campaigns
- Creating visual assets
- Supporting event organization and execution
- Helping promote the Migration Information Source magazine
- Short-form writing
- Possible multimedia editing
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to candidates interested in communications, journalism, digital media, public policy communications or nonprofit communications.
Internship Duration
MPI internships last approximately four months.
The program operates through three internship cycles each year:
Spring: January to April
Summer: May to August
Fall: September to December
MPI says there is some flexibility regarding exact internship start and end dates.
For candidates applying for the Spring 2027 opportunity, the internship will therefore generally run from January through April 2027.
Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities
MPI offers internships on both a full-time and part-time basis.
However, full-time availability is sought for the:
- U.S. Immigrant Integration program
- Communications internship
Applicants should consider their availability carefully when identifying the program areas for which they would like to be considered.
How Much Does the MPI Internship Pay?
The Migration Policy Institute internship is paid.
Full-time interns receive:
$1,472 every two weeks.
Part-time interns receive a prorated stipend based on the internship arrangement.
Students may also arrange to receive academic credit for their internship.
However, MPI explicitly states that it does not cover relocation expenses.
Candidates considering an in-person internship should therefore take potential accommodation, transportation and relocation expenses into account.
Can the Internship Be Completed Remotely?
Yes.
MPI explicitly states that internships can be:
Remote or in person.
The program also states that internships are available to people residing outside the United States.
This creates an important pathway for candidates who cannot relocate to Washington, D.C.
Can International Applicants Apply?
Yes.
MPI states that applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens.
There is an important distinction depending on where an intern will physically work.
Applicants who reside and work in the United States must already possess U.S. work authorization before beginning the internship.
MPI states that it cannot provide supporting documentation for an applicant to obtain a visa.
However, according to MPI:
A U.S. work permit is not required for applicants who reside and work outside the United States.
This makes the remote option particularly relevant to qualified international applicants residing outside the United States.
Who Can Apply?
For all positions, applicants must be at least a junior in college and possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
MPI welcomes applications from:
- Current students
- College graduates
- Graduate students
- Early-career professionals
The Institute also says candidates without college experience can be considered if they can demonstrate substantial relevant work experience.
Therefore, the program is not restricted exclusively to currently enrolled university students.
Additional Skills
MPI identifies several skills that can strengthen an application.
These include:
- Foreign-language skills
- Proficiency in key Office software
- Other relevant software skills
- Strong quantitative skills
MPI also strongly encourages applications from minority candidates and applicants from immigrant or refugee backgrounds.
Candidates interested in the Latin America and Caribbean Initiative should remember that Spanish proficiency has a specific requirement: written proficiency and oral fluency are required for that program.
How to Apply for the Spring 2027 MPI Internship
The application process has two components.
First, interested applicants must complete MPI’s online application form.
MPI Internship Online Application Form
Applicants must then separately submit the required application materials by email.
For Spring 2027, candidates should use the subject line:
First Name Last Name_Spring 2027
The required documents include:
1. CV or Resume
Candidates must submit an up-to-date CV or résumé.
2. Cover Letter
Applicants must submit a cover letter of no more than two single-spaced pages.
The cover letter should describe the candidate’s personal or professional interest in migration and/or another public-policy issue.
Applicants should also specify which MPI program area or areas they would like to be considered for and explain their relevant research, academic and/or professional experience.
3. Writing Sample
Candidates must submit an English writing sample of no more than five single-spaced pages.
The sample should demonstrate an ability to write clearly and analytically about:
- Migration
- Integration
- Refugee issues
- Other public-policy topics
MPI says acceptable samples can include course papers, policy memos, research reports or published articles.
4. Academic Transcripts
Applicants must provide transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, showing courses and grades.
The transcripts can be official or unofficial.
Important: MPI Has a No-AI Application Policy
Applicants should pay particular attention to MPI’s application policy concerning artificial intelligence.
MPI explicitly states that application materials must reflect the applicant’s authentic abilities and voice.
According to the Institute, using AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude to write or substantially revise application materials will result in disqualification.
Applicants should therefore prepare their own CV, cover letter and writing sample in accordance with MPI’s policy.
AI-generated application materials should not be submitted for this opportunity.
Application Deadline for Spring 2027
The deadline is:
October 15, 2026
This deadline applies to the Spring Semester internship cycle, which generally runs from January through April.
MPI’s general internship deadlines are:
| Internship Cycle | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring – January to April | October 15 |
| Summer – May to August | February 15 |
| Fall – September to December | June 15 |
Applicants targeting Spring 2027 should therefore complete the online form and submit the required materials by October 15, 2026.
What Happens After Applying?
MPI states that because of the high volume of applications, it cannot provide individual application-status updates.
The Institute will directly contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Applicants are asked not to contact MPI by telephone or email to request application-status updates.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Migration Policy Institute (MPI) |
| Program | Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program |
| Opportunity | Internship |
| Cycle | Spring 2027 |
| Internship Period | Generally January–April 2027 |
| Duration | Approximately 4 months |
| Remote Available | Yes |
| In-Person Available | Yes |
| International Remote Applicants | Eligible |
| Full-Time Available | Yes |
| Part-Time Available | Yes |
| Full-Time Stipend | $1,472 biweekly |
| Part-Time Stipend | Prorated |
| Relocation Expenses | Not covered |
| U.S. Citizenship Required | No |
| U.S. Work Permit for Applicants Working Outside USA | Not required |
| Visa Support | MPI cannot provide supporting documents |
| Minimum Level | At least junior in college, with alternative consideration for substantial relevant work experience |
| Spring 2027 Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
Why This Internship Stands Out
One of the notable aspects of the MPI internship is its accessibility to applicants based outside the United States.
MPI explicitly permits remote internships and applications from people residing outside the United States, while also stating that people working outside the United States do not require a U.S. work permit for the internship.
The internship is also paid, with full-time participants receiving a $1,472 biweekly stipend.
Combined with research and communications opportunities, these conditions make the program relevant to candidates seeking professional experience in migration and public policy.
Final Thoughts
The Migration Policy Institute Internship 2027 offers paid opportunities for students, graduates and early-career professionals interested in migration, immigration, refugee issues, integration, public policy and communications.
Internships can be completed remotely or in person, and applicants residing outside the United States are eligible to participate.
Full-time interns receive $1,472 every two weeks, while part-time interns receive a prorated stipend. The program generally lasts four months.
For the upcoming Spring 2027 cycle, applications must be submitted by:
October 15, 2026.
Candidates should also remember MPI’s strict application policy: using AI to write or substantially revise application materials can result in disqualification.
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