Who This Is For
This fully funded James Buchanan Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity for highly motivated, early-career doctoral graduates and advanced graduate students who are genuinely passionate about advancing classical liberal ideas.
Specifically, it targets recent PhDs (within five years of graduation) or those nearing completion, regardless of their original academic discipline, provided their research interests strongly align with principles of economic freedom, individual liberty, and limited government.
If you are a researcher eager to dedicate a full year to intensive study and writing within a supportive, intellectually vibrant environment at a leading US institution, and your work has a clear connection to the social or educational implications of classical liberalism, this is for you.
This fellowship is ideal for those seeking to transform their dissertation into publishable work, develop new research projects, or simply deepen their understanding and contribution to a specific intellectual tradition, all while benefiting from significant financial and institutional backing.
Who Should NOT Apply
Do not apply if your primary motivation is merely securing funding without a deep, demonstrable commitment to classical liberal thought. This fellowship is explicitly *not* for researchers whose work fundamentally contradicts or lacks any substantial connection to these principles.
If you are more than five years past your PhD defense, you are ineligible. Similarly, if you are an undergraduate, master's student, or an established tenured professor, this opportunity is not designed for your career stage.
Those seeking a short-term grant for a project unrelated to the Mercatus Center's specific intellectual mission, or who are unable to commit to a year-long residency in the USA, should also look elsewhere.
This is an immersive academic experience, not just a financial award.
What the Selectors Are Actually Looking For
Beyond the stated eligibility, the selection committee at Mercatus Center is keenly looking for intellectual alignment and a clear trajectory. They want candidates who don't just express a passing 'interest' in classical liberalism but can *demonstrate* a sophisticated understanding of its tenets and a concrete plan for how their research will contribute to or engage with this tradition.
Expect them to scrutinize your research proposal for its intellectual rigor, originality, and its direct relevance to classical liberal scholarship. They seek future thought leaders capable of producing high-quality, impactful work that resonates with the Center's mission.
A strong application will showcase not only academic excellence but also a genuine desire to be an active, contributing member of the Mercatus intellectual community, indicating potential for long-term engagement and influence in the field.
They are assessing your potential as an ambassador for these ideas, not just as a recipient of funds.
Key Facts
- •Opportunity Name: James Buchanan Fellowship 2026/27 in USA (Fully Funded)
- •Organization: Mercatus Center at George Mason University
- •Funding Amount: $40,000 stipend, plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance, travel allowance, research allowance, and tuition waiver.
- •Eligibility: Advanced graduate students and recent PhDs (within five years of graduation) of any nationality and academic background, with a demonstrated interest in classical liberalism.
- •Deadline: January 30, 2026
- •Location: George Mason University, USA (Fellowship requires residency).
- •Focus: Research in social and education domains, specifically through the lens of classical liberalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does 'interest in classical liberalism' mean for my application?
It means demonstrating a deep understanding and engagement with the principles of classical liberalism through your past research, publications, or a compelling future research proposal that explicitly explores these ideas in social or educational contexts. Mere agreement is insufficient; intellectual contribution is key.
Can I apply if my PhD is in a scientific or technical field, not directly social sciences?
Yes, the fellowship states 'any academic background' is welcome. However, your research proposal must clearly articulate how your work, regardless of discipline, engages with and contributes to classical liberal thought, particularly within the social or education domains.
Is the $40,000 the total funding, or are the other benefits separate?
The $40,000 is a stipend. The other key benefits – health insurance, travel allowance, research allowance, and tuition waiver – are provided *in addition* to the stipend, making it a truly comprehensive fully funded package.
What kind of research output is expected from a fellow during the year?
While not explicitly stated, fellows are typically expected to actively pursue their proposed research project, aiming for publications, presentations, or significant progress on a book manuscript. Engagement with the Mercatus Center's intellectual community is also a key expectation.
Does the tuition waiver apply to George Mason University courses, and is it mandatory to take courses?
The tuition waiver is likely for courses at George Mason University, which can be beneficial for fellows wishing to audit or enroll in relevant graduate seminars. It is generally not mandatory to take courses, as the primary focus is on independent research.
Startup911's Take
This James Buchanan Fellowship is a gold-standard opportunity for early-career researchers deeply committed to classical liberal scholarship. The value extends far beyond the generous $40,000 stipend; the full package of benefits, combined with immersion in the Mercatus Center's network and intellectual ecosystem, offers an unparalleled platform for career acceleration.
Competitiveness will be exceptionally high, given its fully funded nature and broad academic eligibility, but the explicit requirement for 'interest in classical liberalism' acts as a critical filter.
Our strategic advice: start now. Use the long lead time (until Jan 2026) to meticulously craft a research proposal that not only demonstrates academic rigor but also *proves* your profound engagement with classical liberal thought.
Don't just mention it; weave it into your methodology, literature review, and expected contributions. Cultivate strong, relevant letters of recommendation.
This is not just a fellowship; it's a strategic investment in a specific intellectual journey, and your application must reflect that deep, purposeful alignment.