For students pursuing a doctoral degree in economics at George Mason University and interested in a career in academia.
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are now closed. Decisions will begin to be announced 4-8 weeks after the deadline (February 1, 2026).
The PhD Fellowship is a competitive, full-time fellowship program for students pursuing a doctoral degree in economics at George Mason University. Our PhD Fellows take courses in market process economics, public choice, and institutional analysis and work on projects that use these lenses to understand global prosperity and social change. Successful PhD Fellows have secured tenure-track positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States and in Europe. Fellows will join a network of Mercatus students, alumni, and scholars who are conducting and engaging with cutting edge research in contemporary political economy.
PhD Fellows are eligible to receive conference and research funding.
Yes. We accept and review all applications received before our deadline. However, you must ensure that all of your Mason application paperwork has been correctly submitted and received by Mason before their deadlines in order to be accepted into the Mercatus PhD Fellowship Program.
To apply to the PhD Fellowship, click the "Apply" button above or below, and complete the online application, including:
A 1-2 page cover letter explaining:
your research interests and current projects,
your familiarity with Mason and Mercatus scholars and their research, and
what you hope to get out of the program.
A current resume/CV
A 500-1000 word essay on "Why do some societies prosper, while others remain stagnant and poor?"
A 10-page writing sample that demonstrates your writing and research skills
A few short answer questions
We utilize the writing sample to examine each applicant’s writing style and ability, grasp of language, and clarity of thought. We are not particularly concerned with the specific content of the sample. Therefore you should choose whichever work you feel will give us the best impression of your skills as a writer.
Yes.
PhD Fellows are required to be enrolled full-time, maintain a 3.5 GPA, maintain a good academic standing, including no unsatisfactory grades, spend approximately 20 hours each week working with Mercatus Center staff and faculty mentors throughout the year, attend and actively participate in all required program activities (e.g., colloquia, workshops, and seminars), arrive on time and prepared for all relevant activities having carefully read the assigned reading in advance, and be honest, responsible, fair, and civil in all activities of the PhD Fellowship Program.
Mercatus Center PhD fellows generally attend class and attend seminars hosted at Mason's main campus in Fairfax.
