Deadline: March 15, 2026
The Adam Smith Fellowship 2026-2027 is a prestigious, fully funded academic fellowship designed for PhD students who want to deepen their understanding of political economy beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. The fellowship brings together graduate scholars from diverse academic backgrounds to engage critically with foundational thinkers and ideas that shape political economy.
The Adam Smith Fellowship 2026-2027 is administered by the Mercatus Center and offers a unique combination of intellectual engagement, professional development, and financial support.
Overview of the Adam Smith Fellowship 2026-2027
The Adam Smith Fellowship is a competitive programme aimed at graduate students pursuing a PhD at an accredited university. It provides structured exposure to political economy traditions that are often underrepresented in conventional graduate training.
Fellows are selected from a wide range of disciplines and institutions, united by a shared interest in political economy, public choice, and institutional analysis.
Fellowship Structure and Academic Experience
Selected fellows will participate in:
- Three in-person weekend colloquia held during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Intensive seminars and discussions led by established scholars
- Deep engagement with major schools of thought in political economy, including:
- The Austrian School
- The Virginia School
- The Bloomington School
The programme is designed to complement doctoral research by expanding theoretical perspectives and encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
The Adam Smith Fellowship provides funding of up to USD 7,000, which covers:
- A stipend for successful fellows
- Required academic reading materials
- Travel and accommodation costs for all mandatory programme events
All official colloquia expenses are covered, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent participation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in an accredited PhD programme during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Be able to commit to attending all three weekend colloquia in person
- Demonstrate a research or teaching interest that would benefit from advanced training in political economy
The fellowship is open to applicants from any country, provided they can travel for the required programme activities.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit the following materials:
1. Cover Letter (1–2 pages)
The cover letter should clearly outline:
- Graduate school background
- Current research interests and academic projects
- Familiarity with political economy thinkers and traditions
- What the applicant hopes to gain from the Adam Smith Fellowship
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
An up-to-date academic CV detailing education, research, publications (if any), and relevant experience.
3. Short Answer Questions
Applicants must respond to a series of short questions as part of the online application process.
Application Deadline
📅 Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Location and Participation
While fellows may be based anywhere in the world, the programme requires travel to the United States for the in-person colloquia. Attendance at all scheduled events is mandatory for successful participation in the fellowship.
Why Apply for the Adam Smith Fellowship 2026-2027?
The fellowship offers:
- Advanced exposure to influential political economy traditions
- Access to a strong network of scholars, students, and alumni
- Intellectual enrichment that strengthens doctoral research and teaching
- Full financial support for programme participation
For PhD students seeking to broaden their academic horizons and engage deeply with political economy, the Adam Smith Fellowship represents a valuable opportunity.
Need Help With Your Application?
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- Proposal drafting
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