Deadline: March 15, 2026
The Carl Menger Fellowship 2026–2027 is now open for applications! Hosted by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, this prestigious program offers a unique opportunity for PhD students from around the world to engage deeply with the study of political economy through the lens of the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought.
Designed as a one-year competitive online fellowship, the program provides participants with a platform to explore critical ideas that shape the modern understanding of economics and governance, while building a strong intellectual network with scholars and peers from diverse academic disciplines.
About the Carl Menger Fellowship 2026–2027
The Carl Menger Fellowship 2026–2027 is tailored for PhD students in any discipline and from any university who are passionate about exploring classical and contemporary ideas in political economy. This fellowship encourages scholars to engage with foundational thinkers whose ideas are often not extensively covered in traditional graduate curricula.
Through the program, fellows gain a rich understanding of how economic principles intersect with institutional structures, governance, and societal outcomes, creating a space for advanced discussions beyond conventional academic settings.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The main goals of the Carl Menger Fellowship are to:
- Foster critical engagement with key thinkers in political economy.
- Encourage meaningful scholarly discussion across diverse economic schools of thought.
- Provide a forum for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
- Support the academic and research growth of PhD students interested in the broader dimensions of economics, society, and governance.
This fellowship not only strengthens intellectual foundations but also connects fellows with a growing network of distinguished alumni, researchers, and thought leaders in the field.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship runs for one academic year and consists of nine monthly online seminars. Each session includes two 75-minute discussion sessions led by faculty and experts from the Mercatus Center and other partner institutions.
Fellows engage with assigned readings prior to each seminar and are encouraged to actively participate in discussions. All reading materials required for the program are provided at no cost to participants.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive:
- A stipend of up to $2,250 to support their academic and research development.
- Access to all required readings and learning materials throughout the fellowship year.
- The opportunity to interact with renowned scholars in political economy.
- Membership in an international community of economists, philosophers, and social scientists with shared research interests.
This unique blend of financial support, mentorship, and intellectual engagement makes the Carl Menger Fellowship a valuable addition to any PhD scholar’s academic journey.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the Carl Menger Fellowship:
- Be enrolled in an accredited PhD program during the fellowship period (2026–2027).
- Be able to commit to attending all nine online colloquia.
- Demonstrate strong academic interest or research alignment with political economy, economic theory, or related fields.
- Exhibit a desire to engage critically with the works of major economic thinkers and schools of thought.
The fellowship is open to applicants from all disciplines and universities worldwide.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates are required to submit:
- A 1–2 page cover letter detailing their graduate academic path, research interests, familiarity with the works of relevant thinkers, and what they hope to gain from the fellowship.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- Responses to a few short-answer questions as part of the application form.
Applications are reviewed competitively based on academic merit, intellectual curiosity, and potential for contribution to the fellowship community.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Carl Menger Fellowship 2026–2027 is March 15, 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged to ensure full consideration.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants can submit their applications online through the official fellowship portal.
For additional program details, including eligibility and seminar structure:
👉 Read more about the Carl Menger Fellowship 2026–2027
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