The James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 in USA (Fully Funded) is a prestigious academic opportunity designed for early-career researchers who have recently completed their doctoral studies. Hosted by George Mason University (GMU) in Virginia, United States, this one-year fellowship provides an exceptional platform for scholars from around the world to deepen their understanding of political economy while engaging with leading academic communities in the field. The fellowship is fully funded, covering major expenses such as stipend, housing, reading materials, travel, and accommodation, making it an attractive option for international applicants.
Applications are now invited from qualified candidates of any nationality and academic discipline, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The fellowship emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages researchers from diverse backgrounds to explore the institutional foundations of economic, political, and social coordination.
Overview of the James Buchanan Fellowship Program
The James Buchanan Fellowship is a one-year, fully funded fellowship administered through the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. It is specifically designed for PhD-holding Early Career Researchers who have completed their doctoral programs within the last six years.
The fellowship draws inspiration from the intellectual traditions of Adam Smith’s political economy, as well as the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought. Fellows are encouraged to examine both classical and modern applications of these theories to contemporary social science challenges.
One of the defining features of the James Fellowship Program is its openness. Applicants are not restricted to economics or political science; instead, scholars from any field with an interest in political economy concepts are welcome to apply. This interdisciplinary focus helps foster rich academic dialogue and collaborative research. You can as well apply for France Excellence EIFFEL Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded).
George Mason University (GMU)
George Mason University is a well-regarded public research institution located in Northern Virginia, close to Washington, D.C. The university honors George Mason, one of the founding fathers of the United States, and has grown into a nationally recognized center for innovation and research excellence.
Originally founded in 1949 as the northern division of the University of Virginia, GMU has since established itself as a leading academic institution. According to U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University ranks:
- In the top 120 National Universities
- In the top 60 Public Schools nationwide
GMU is particularly known for its strong emphasis on public policy, economics, and social sciences, making it an ideal host for the James Buchanan Fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Coverage
The James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 in USA offers generous financial support, ensuring that fellows can fully focus on academic development without financial stress.
Benefits
- Total award of up to $8,000
- A Stipend to support living expenses
- All Required Reading Materials provided
- Travel and Accommodation to attend colloquia hosted by the Mercatus Center
- Accommodation Covered during fellowship-related activities
This comprehensive funding structure makes the program one of the most competitive and accessible fellowships for early-career researchers in the United States.
Objectives of the James Buchanan Fellowship
The primary objective of the fellowship is to introduce PhD-holding Early Career Researchers to key schools of political economy, specifically:
- The Austrian School
- The Virginia School
- The Bloomington School
Fellows engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications of political economy, gaining insights into how institutional arrangements influence economic performance, governance, and social cooperation. The program also emphasizes modern policy challenges, encouraging participants to apply these frameworks to real-world social science issues.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents as part of the online application process:
- Online Application Form
- A detailed CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
- A few short-answer questions
All documents should clearly demonstrate the applicant’s academic background, research interests, and alignment with political economy concepts.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- All Nationals are eligible for the Fellowship
- Candidates must hold a doctorate degree
- Applicants must have completed a PhD program during the last six years
- Candidates must hold a research position with an organization that conducts in-depth studies in the social sciences or other sciences, or an academic position at an approved institution
- Applications are encouraged from early-career academics whose teaching or research aligns with political economy concepts
There are no restrictions based on country, gender, or academic discipline, reinforcing the fellowship’s commitment to inclusivity and global academic engagement.
See also: University of Luxembourg Scholarship 2026
Why Apply for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2026?
The James Buchanan Fellowship offers more than financial support—it provides intellectual enrichment, professional networking, and exposure to globally respected scholars in political economy. Fellows benefit from close engagement with the Mercatus Center, participation in academic colloquia, and access to cutting-edge research discussions.
For early-career researchers seeking to strengthen their academic profile, expand interdisciplinary knowledge, and study in the United States at a top public research university, the James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 in USA (Fully Funded) represents an outstanding opportunity.
Application Process and Selection Timeline
The application process for the James Buchanan Fellowship is conducted entirely online. Interested candidates must complete and submit their applications through the official fellowship webpage.
After the application deadline, the selection committee reviews submissions thoroughly. Results are typically released ten to twelve weeks following the deadline, allowing applicants sufficient time to plan for the fellowship year.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 in the USA for International Students is:
15th April 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure all materials are complete and accurate.