Are you an early-career scholar with a passion for economics, politics, and law? Do you want to spend a year diving deep into the ideas of Adam Smith and the Virginia School of Political Economy? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you.
The James Buchanan Fellowship 2026/27 at George Mason University in Virginia, USA is now open for applications. This fully funded fellowship invites recent PhD graduates from any academic background to explore political economy from some of the most influential schools of thought.
And the best part?
π All expenses are covered β from travel and housing to a stipend and books.
Letβs break it down in a simple way so you know exactly what this fellowship offers and how to apply.
π What Is the James Buchanan Fellowship?
The James Buchanan Fellowship is a one-year fully funded research fellowship at George Mason University (GMU) in Virginia, USA.
This program is designed for early-career scholars who have completed their doctoral studies and want to explore ideas related to:
In short, itβs a space for deep intellectual growth, research, and academic reflection.
π Program Details
π° Financial Benefits (What You Get)
This is a fully funded fellowship, meaning most of your costs are covered.
The Fellowship Covers:
βοΈ Stipend β A living allowance to support you during the year
βοΈ Travel expenses β Assistance with travel costs
βοΈ Accommodation support β Housing support for the duration
βοΈ All required reading materials β Books and academic resources
The total award can be up to $8,000, which is designed to help you focus on research without financial stress.
π― What You Will Do
The primary goal of the James Buchanan Fellowship is to help you develop a deeper understanding of political economy theories β especially those connected to:
During the fellowship year, you will:
πΉ Conduct independent research
πΉ Participate in discussions and seminars
πΉ Work alongside established faculty members
πΉ Engage with peers in economics, law, and public policy
This is an excellent opportunity if you want to expand your academic network and grow your experience in research.
π Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
The fellowship is open to applicants from any country, as long as they meet these criteria:
βοΈ Must hold a PhD degree
βοΈ Completed your doctoral degree within the last 6 years
βοΈ Currently work as an academic or researcher, or hold a position at a recognized institution
βοΈ Your work or interests align with the fellowship themes (political economy, economics, law, public choice)
This means the fellowship is ideal for:
You donβt need to be an economist β applicants from related disciplines are welcome as long as your work fits the theme.
π Required Documents
When applying, you will need to prepare:
β‘οΈ Cover letter
β‘οΈ Resume / CV
β‘οΈ List of recent academic publications (if any)
β‘οΈ Short-answer responses (on motivation, research interests, etc.)
These materials help the selection committee understand your background, goals, and fit for the fellowship.
π οΈ How to Apply
The application process is entirely online.
π’ The results are usually announced around 10β12 weeks after the deadline, so youβll hear back in early summer.
π Apply for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2026/27 here:
James Buchanan Fellowship
π― Final Thoughts
The James Buchanan Fellowship is a rare and valuable opportunity for recent PhD graduates from any field. Whether your background is economics, law, philosophy, political science, or public policy β this fellowship gives you time, space, and support to grow as a scholar.
Itβs not just a funding opportunity β itβs a chance to be part of a global academic community exploring how ideas shape politics, markets, and human behavior.
If you meet the criteria, donβt hesitate. Start preparing your application now!
