Mercatus Center Fellowships in Political Economy for Graduate, PhD, and Early-Career Scholars George Mason University in United States

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 fellowship programs in political economy. These competitive fellowships provide training and support for students and early-career scholars interested in political economy, economics, public policy, and related fields. With 14 different programs available, opportunities span from high school students to early-career PhDs, including specialized tracks for undergraduates, graduate students, PhD candidates, and professionals in technology, business, and social sectors.

Fellowships include the Don Lavoie Fellowship (for advanced undergraduates and early-stage graduate students), the Undergraduate and Graduate Scholars Programs (for GMU students), and the PhD Fellowship (for economics PhD students at GMU). Nationally and internationally, the Adam Smith, Carl Menger, and Elinor Ostrom Fellowships are open to PhD students in any discipline at any accredited university, focusing on political economy, institutional analysis, and social change. The Frédéric Bastiat and Ronald Coase Fellowships are available to master's, JD, and doctoral students in fields such as economics, law, political science, and public policy. The Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship targets graduate students, scholars, and practitioners interested in the intersection of political economy and emerging technologies like AI. The James Buchanan Fellowship is designed for early-career scholars who have completed their PhD within the last six years, while the John Stuart Mill Fellowship is for leaders in technology, business, and social sectors.

Eligibility requirements vary by program, but generally include enrollment in a relevant degree program (high school, undergraduate, graduate, or PhD), with some fellowships open to students from any university and any discipline. Some programs are specific to George Mason University students. Applicants should review the individual fellowship pages for detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements.

Funding details are not specified in the announcement, but all fellowships are described as competitive and may be renewable. Programs offer research training, support, and opportunities for academic and professional development in political economy and related fields.

To apply, visit the Mercatus Center website, select the fellowship that matches your career stage, and complete the application process as outlined on the program page. Application deadlines vary by fellowship, so applicants should check the relevant pages for specific dates and requirements.