The Don Lavoie Fellowship 2026 is a competitive, fully structured online academic fellowship offered by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. The programme is open to motivated undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-stage graduate students who are interested in political economy, public policy, and classical economic thought.
This globally accessible fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to engage deeply with foundational and contemporary economic ideas while developing research skills, academic writing capacity, and professional networks through guided online discussions and faculty-led sessions.
Fellowship Summary
- Host: Mercatus Center, George Mason University
- Programme Type: Online Academic Fellowship
- Eligible Country: All Countries (Global)
- Category: Fellowships | Political Economy | Policy Research
- Eligible Levels:
- Advanced Undergraduate Students
- Recent Graduates
- Early-stage Graduate Students
- Programme Duration: One Academic Semester
- Mode: Fully Online
- Funding: Stipend + Covered Readings
Fellowship Details
The Don Lavoie Fellowship is a semester-long online programme designed to translate major ideas in politics, economics, and public policy into practical academic understanding. Fellows participate in structured learning activities that include curated readings, virtual discussion groups, and interactive sessions facilitated by Mercatus faculty and affiliated scholars.
The fellowship places strong emphasis on the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy, intellectual traditions that underpin advanced economic reasoning and institutional analysis. Through consistent engagement, fellows build analytical skills, strengthen research capacity, and participate in rigorous scholarly conversations alongside peers from around the world.
The programme is especially suitable for students and emerging scholars seeking preparation for graduate school, academic research, policy analysis, and intellectually grounded leadership roles.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fall into at least one of the following categories:
- Advanced undergraduate students considering graduate study
- Recent graduates exploring academic or policy-focused career paths
- Early-stage graduate students with an interest in political economy research
Note:
- Applicants from all academic disciplines and nationalities are welcome
- Strong commitment to intensive online discussion and reading is required
Core Components of the Fellowship
The Don Lavoie Fellowship combines academic learning with real scholarly engagement, including:
- Stipend support to facilitate participation
- All required readings fully covered by the programme
- Online learning sessions and reading groups led by Mercatus faculty and scholars
- Access to an international network of fellows, alumni, and researchers
- Guidance on graduate school preparation, research development, and career pathways
Fellows take part in reflective discussions, readings, and structured activities designed to sharpen analytical thinking relevant to policy research and academic inquiry.
Application Process
Applicants are required to complete the official online application form provided by the Mercatus Center. The application typically includes:
- Personal information (name, contact details, citizenship status, etc.)
- Current academic status and educational plans
- A short essay outlining research interests and future academic or career goals
- Upload of a CV or résumé
- Optional references (contact details only; formal recommendation letters may not be required)
Applications are reviewed by the Mercatus Center, and applicants grant consent for communication regarding this fellowship and future opportunities.
To apply for this fellowship, click HERE
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