~ International Monetary Fund ~
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) African Department (AFR), Asia and Pacific Department (APD), Institute for Capacity Development, and Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD), in collaboration with the IMF Office of Innovation and Change (OIC), invite economics students to join the 2026 International Monetary Fund Challenge.
The Fund Challenge will provide the undergraduate students the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities to the world while meeting with policy makers, academics, and civil society organizations from around the world.
International Monetary Fund Challenge | DETAILS
The International Monetary Fund is a global organization that seeks to build a framework for international economic cooperation with over 190-member countries, with staff drawn from 150 nations. The IMF Fund Challenge is an avenue to test the students’ understanding of macroeconomic analysis.
Eligibility Criteria
The pre-qualification requirements for participating in the 2026 Fund Challenge are as follows:
1. Students must be currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs (including class of 2026) in economics or a related field at an institution of higher learning in any AFR, APD, or MCD member country to be eligible to compete in the Fund Challenge.
2. Each team must consist of two students of the same institution of higher learning. Each team wishing to participate should register only once using the Fund Challenge Registration Site by June 1. Registration will require providing the contact information of a faculty member who can then verify the team’s enrollment at an institution of higher learning in any AFR, APD, or MCD member country.
3. As a part of the challenge, participants must register and successfully complete ICD’s online Macroeconomic Diagnostics course (MDSx), between June 6 and September 2. The course is provided at no charge to participants, but each team member must register and complete the course separately with edX. The workload for the course is approximately 6–8 hours per week. Participants who wish to receive a course certificate must purchase a verified certificate from edX. Details on course access and technical requirements will be communicated on June 2.
4. Teams who successfully complete the required online course will be asked to analyze a new case study developed by ICD. Each team will then submit a presentation that (a) describes the current economic situation in the case study, and (b) recommends policies to address the identified challenges.
Presentations may be prepared in English or French and submitted in any format (MS PowerPoint is recommended), but please note that the MDSx course and new case study will only be available in English.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the International Monetary Fund Challenge 2026 are to register for the Fund Challenge on or before the application deadline. Finalist teams will have the opportunity to present virtually at the IMF annual meetings.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
FAQs
1. What is the IMF Challenge for Undergraduate Students 2026?
The IMF Challenge for Undergraduate Students 2026 is a global competition organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that allows undergraduate students to engage with real-world economic issues. Participants analyze economic data, propose policy solutions, and present their findings to a panel of experts. The challenge aims to foster economic understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young scholars.
2. Who is eligible to participate in the IMF Challenge 2026?
The competition is open to undergraduate students enrolled in accredited universities worldwide. Participants must have a strong interest in economics, finance, or related fields. Each team typically consists of 2–4 students, and students may participate as part of a university team or independently if allowed by the competition rules.
3. What are the key steps to apply for the IMF Challenge 2026?
To apply, students must:
Visit the official IMF Challenge website.
Complete the online registration form with personal and academic details.
Form a team (if required) and submit a brief proposal or statement of interest.
Review and agree to the competition’s terms and guidelines.
Applications usually open several months before the challenge begins, so early registration is recommended.
4. What prizes or recognition can participants expect from the IMF Challenge 2026?
Winning teams and outstanding participants can receive certificates of achievement, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to international economic experts. Some editions of the challenge also provide monetary awards, internship opportunities at the IMF or partner institutions, and public recognition through the IMF’s publications and events.