IFS offers several placements each summer to economics students who are interested in how microeconomics can be applied to public policy issues and who are considering a career in economic research. Applications are open for placements to take place in the summer of 2025. 

Placements are intended to give a taste of research work at IFS similar to that done by newly-recruited permanent research staff. As such, most projects will be appropriate for individuals currently studying for undergraduate or master’s degrees, although some projects suitable for more advanced students may be available.  

 Placements are usually six weeks, with a potential for eight week placements depending on project needs. We will ask for your preference on the length of the placement, but expressing a preference will not impact our evaluation of candidates. 

During the placement, a Summer Student might typically expect to work with an IFS research team on tasks such as reviewing existing literature, preparing and analysing data, and writing up research results. 

We welcome applications from those in their penultimate year of an undergraduate degree with a strong economics component and from those who are in their final year and planning to start studying for a master’s degree in economics. Suitable candidates will be selected on the basis of a short interview, which will take place at our offices in central London. 

Undergraduates should be expecting to obtain a first-class degree. They should have a strong grasp of basic economic concepts, as well as the ability to apply these to practical policy issues. Much of IFS research involves the analysis of data, and applicants are therefore expected to have a high degree of numeracy. However, please note that familiarity with specific mathematical and statistical techniques and computer packages used in applied economics is not a prerequisite. 

Any offer of employment is subject to the eligibility to work in the UK. 

IFS commitment to diversity 

We aim to foster a respectful and inclusive environment, in which people from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued. 

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Saving the application 

You will be able to save the application and return to complete it later if you want to. You’ll receive an email when you save the form with a link to return to it. 

As part of the application process, we also ask you to take a short online numeracy test. After submitting the application form, you will receive the link to the test via email. The test must be completed in a limited time, should you have any extenuating circumstances or disabilities we need to be aware of, let us know via email, and we will be able to give you extra time to complete the test. 

More information about our selection process and interviews can be found here.