The Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering graduate students from any university and discipline a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of public policy through the lens of political economy. This one-year, competitive fellowship is designed for students who are curious about how economic ideas shape real-world policy decisions and who want to engage seriously with policy-relevant research. Applications are due by 15 March 2026. Application review will begin after the deadline, with decisions announced twelve weeks or more following the close of applications. What Is the Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship? The Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship is a prestigious academic programme hosted by the Mercatus Center. It is open to graduate students enrolled in master’s, juris doctoral (JD), or doctoral programmes, regardless of discipline or geographic location. The fellowship introduces participants to three influential traditions in political economy: The Austrian School The Virginia School The Bloomington School Together, these schools provide foundational frameworks for understanding institutions, incentives, governance, and the unintended consequences of public policy. Fellows explore how these ideas apply to contemporary policy challenges through structured academic engagement and dialogue with leading scholars. Fellowship Focus and Learning Experience The programme is structured around a series of colloquia hosted by the Mercatus Center. During these sessions, fellows engage directly with Mercatus scholars working at the intersection of academic research and public policy. Key thematic areas explored during the fellowship include: Entrepreneurship and technological innovation Regulation and public administration Public health and crisis response Immigration and labor mobility Natural disasters and military conflicts Federal and state fiscal policy Through guided readings, discussions, and in-person engagement, fellows gain exposure to policy analysis approaches that emphasize institutions, incentives, and governance structures. Who Should Apply? The fellowship is intentionally broad in scope and inclusive of diverse academic backgrounds. Applicants must meet one core requirement: Be enrolled in a graduate programme at any university, in any discipline Students from economics, law, political science, public policy, sociology, philosophy, engineering, public health, and many other fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants do not need prior training in political economy, but they should demonstrate a strong interest in public policy and ideas that influence governance and social outcomes. International students and students based outside the United States are eligible to apply. Fellowship Award and Benefits Selected fellows receive a total award of up to USD $5,000, designed to support participation in the programme and remove financial barriers to engagement. The fellowship award includes: A stipend All required readings and academic materials Travel and lodging costs to attend Mercatus Center–hosted colloquia In addition to financial support, fellows benefit from: Direct interaction with leading policy scholars Membership in a network of Mercatus students, alumni, and researchers Exposure to cutting-edge research in contemporary political economy This network continues to provide value well beyond the fellowship year, supporting academic, policy, and professional development. Expectations of Fellows The Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship is academically rigorous and participatory. Fellows are expected to: Attend all scheduled colloquia and associated events, including meals Complete assigned readings and actively engage in discussions Contribute thoughtfully to an intellectual community grounded in respect and inquiry Attendance at all programme activities is considered essential, as informal interactions and shared discussions are a core part of the learning experience. Application Timeline and Review Process Application deadline: 15 March 2026 Review process: Begins after the deadline Decision notifications: Announced 12 weeks or more after the deadline Applicants who are planning to begin graduate studies in the upcoming academic year, or who are completing their studies during the fellowship year, are encouraged to consult the programme FAQs to confirm eligibility. Applicants who are not selected in a given year may reapply in future cycles. Why the Bastiat Fellowship Matters At a time when public policy debates are increasingly complex and polarized, the Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship provides space for careful, evidence-informed, and institutionally grounded thinking. By equipping graduate students with robust analytical frameworks and access to leading scholars, the programme helps cultivate the next generation of thinkers and practitioners engaged in public policy, governance, and social change. How to Learn More or Apply Prospective applicants are encouraged to: Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for detailed eligibility and programme information Visit the application portal to submit materials Contact the programme team with additional questions atBastiatFellowship@mercatus.gmu.edu Graduate students interested in public policy, political economy, and applied research are invited to apply and join a global community committed to advancing thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to policy. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.