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.

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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Application process

To apply for this role, you will need to complete an application form and a short online numeracy test. After starting your application, you’ll receive an email with a link to the test. You can save your application and return to it later using the link sent to your email.

The numeracy test is timed and must be completed by the application deadline. Should you have any extenuating circumstances or disabilities we need to be aware of, please contact us in advance via email, and we will be able to give you extra time to complete the test. Applications that are submitted without a completed test will not be considered.

More information about our selection process and interviews can be found here. While this page refers to our Research Economist process, it provides a good indication of what to expect for the summer student recruitment process.

Additional information

We recognise that access to accommodation in London can be a challenge for some candidates. To help reduce this potential barrier, we are able to offer a limited number of additional stipends, in addition to the advertised salary package, towards accommodation expenses for those who request consideration. Candidates wishing to be considered for such a stipend should tick the relevant box in the application form. Please note that this is intended to support those for whom an internship in London might not otherwise be possible – not those with the option of living with family in or close to London, for example. We may follow up with you to enquire further about your circumstances.

Timeline

The dates of the recruitment stages may change depending on business needs, and additional steps may be added to the process where needed.

Application form and numeracy test deadline 11pm 16th January 2026.

Referees are contacted when shortlisted candidates are invited to interview.

Interviews in our London office - w/c 2nd February 2026.

Successful candidates can expect to start working at the IFS from July 2026, with flexibility for an earlier start to be discussed.