Deadline: March 15, 2026
The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027 is a highly competitive, fully funded, one-year fellowship programme designed for outstanding PhD students from around the world. The fellowship offers advanced training and scholarly engagement in political economy, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and intellectual exchange.
The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027 is hosted by the Mercatus Center and honours the legacy of Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom, whose work transformed the understanding of institutions, governance, and collective action.
Fellowship Overview
The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship is a one-year academic programme open to PhD students from any discipline and any university. It is designed for scholars whose research interests align with political economy and related fields, including markets, institutions, culture, morality, and social cooperation.
Fellows participate in an intensive learning experience that combines rigorous academic discussion, mentorship, and networking with leading scholars and peers from around the world.
Programme Structure
Successful fellows will take part in three in-person weekend colloquia spread across the academic year. These colloquia are carefully curated to foster deep intellectual engagement, collaborative learning, and meaningful dialogue on key political economy themes.
Participants will also join a broader scholarly network of Mercatus Center students, faculty, and alumni, creating long-term academic and professional connections.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme during the 2026–2027 academic year
- Be able to commit to travelling for and attending three weekend colloquia
- Demonstrate strong research or teaching interests related to political economy
- Applicants from all nationalities and academic disciplines are welcome, including but not limited to economics, political science, philosophy, sociology, law, and related fields
Fellowship Benefits
The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship provides up to USD 7,000 in total financial support, which typically covers:
- A fellowship stipend
- Required academic readings and materials
- Travel and accommodation costs for attendance at all three colloquia
This comprehensive support ensures that fellows can fully engage in the programme without financial barriers.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- A 1–2 page cover letter outlining academic background, research interests, current or proposed research projects, and how the fellowship will support their scholarly development
- A current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Responses to a set of short-answer questions as part of the online application process
Applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate how their work aligns with the themes and goals of the fellowship.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
Early preparation is strongly advised, given the competitive nature of the fellowship.
Why Apply for the Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027?
The fellowship offers a rare opportunity for PhD students to deepen their understanding of political economy, engage directly with leading scholars, and refine their research within a supportive and intellectually vibrant environment. Fellows gain not only academic insight but also lasting professional networks that extend well beyond the fellowship year.
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help applicants present strong, competitive submissions. If you would like expert assistance with your application materials, please contact us.
