Don Lavoie Fellowship 2026–2027: Advance Your Research in Political Economy with the Mercatus Center

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

The Don Lavoie Fellowship 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars passionate about exploring key ideas in political economy. Hosted by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, the program is designed for undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-stage graduate students who are interested in pursuing academic or policy research and considering graduate school.

This semester-long online fellowship combines academic learning, mentorship, and networking to help participants deepen their understanding of political economy while connecting them with an influential global network of researchers and scholars.

About the Don Lavoie Fellowship

The Don Lavoie Fellowship is a competitive and renewable academic program that welcomes students from any discipline or university. The fellowship focuses on introducing participants to the foundational ideas of political economy through interactive online discussions, guided readings, and mentorship from leading scholars.

Fellows engage with diverse intellectual traditions, including the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy, as well as contemporary research emerging from these frameworks. The program encourages critical thinking, collaborative discussion, and intellectual exploration to help students apply theoretical insights to real-world policy and research questions.

Program Benefits

Selected fellows receive a total award of up to $1,250, which covers a stipend and all required reading materials for the program’s online activities. Beyond financial support, participants gain access to:

• Expert advice on academic research and graduate school applications
• Guidance on career development and job opportunities in academia and policy
• Mentorship from Mercatus scholars and alumni
• A network of peers and professionals working across economics, public policy, and related fields

Through these benefits, the Don Lavoie Fellowship not only equips participants with knowledge but also provides the tools and community necessary to build a successful academic or policy career.

Eligibility Criteria

The Don Lavoie Fellowship is open to:

• Undergraduate students considering graduate school
• Recent graduates or young professionals preparing for graduate studies
• Graduate students in any discipline and from any university

This inclusive eligibility makes the fellowship a valuable opportunity for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds who share an interest in understanding how political and economic institutions shape societies.

Program Structure

As a fully online program, the fellowship provides flexibility for participants around the world. Fellows take part in a series of structured activities, including:

• Online reading discussions led by Mercatus scholars
• Interactive discussion portals for networking and collaboration
• Research and career development sessions designed to prepare fellows for graduate study and policy engagement

This virtual format allows students to engage with Mercatus scholars and peers globally, fostering a vibrant learning community centered on curiosity and intellectual growth.

Why the Don Lavoie Fellowship Matters

Named after Don Lavoie, a pioneering economist known for his work on market processes and knowledge in society, the fellowship continues his legacy of critical inquiry and open dialogue. Fellows explore fundamental questions about governance, institutions, and social cooperation—topics that remain central to modern political and economic debates.

Through this experience, participants not only gain academic insight but also develop the ability to think creatively about how economic principles apply to real-world challenges. Many alumni of the fellowship have gone on to successful careers in academia, research institutions, think tanks, and public policy.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026–2027 Don Lavoie Fellowship are now open. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2026. After the deadline, the selection committee will begin reviewing applications, and decisions will be announced approximately twelve weeks later.

To apply, confirm your eligibility and submit your application through the official Mercatus Center website. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early and highlight their research interests and motivation for studying political economy.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn