Applications are now open for the fully funded James Buchanan Fellowship 2026-27 in the USA, offered by the Mercatus Center. This postdoctoral fellowship is open to international students who have recently completed their doctoral degrees and is highly competitive, welcoming candidates from any academic background. The program encourages early-career scholars to engage deeply with the political economy ideas of Virginia, Adam Smith, and the Austrian and Bloomington schools, applying these perspectives to questions in social sciences, including political, economic, and social coordination. The fellowship duration is one year.
Selected fellows will participate in three weekend colloquia at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, during the academic year. These sessions include structured readings, discussions, lectures, formal meals, and networking opportunities with Hayek Program scholars, affiliated researchers, and Buchanan Fellowship alumni. Fellows will also join an international network of Mercatus students and alumni, with opportunities to attend conferences and access research funding.
The fellowship is fully funded, covering a stipend, lodging, meals, travel expenses, and reading materials, providing a complete international learning experience. Fellows will gain mentorship from top researchers, expand professional networks, and enhance research and analytical skills.
Eligibility for the James Buchanan Fellowship requires applicants to have completed a PhD within the last six years, hold a research or academic position in a relevant organization, and be able to commit to travel for the three colloquia weekends. Candidates with teaching or research interests in political economy are especially encouraged to apply. Fellows must actively participate in all program events, including social and academic activities.
The fellowship benefits include a total award of up to $8,000, covering the stipend, reading materials, travel, lodging, and other academic-related expenses. Fellows will also gain access to an international networking environment with other scholars in political economy.
Required application materials include a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your graduate school experience, research interests, current projects, career goals, and familiarity with the relevant schools of thought, a CV/resume, academic publications (if any), and answers to a few short questions in the application form.
The deadline to apply for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2026-27 is April 15, 2026. This fully funded opportunity provides international scholars with a platform to engage in advanced research, expand professional networks, and gain exposure to innovative ideas in political economy.
