The Niskanen Center has opened applications for the 2026 Niskanen Summer Institute for motivated and ambitious undergraduate students from around the world.
The Niskanen Summer Institute 2026 is a fully funded one-week intensive program designed to expose participants to American politics and public policy through immersive learning experiences in Washington, D.C.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Niskanen Center
- Program Location: Washington, D.C., United States
- Category: Fully Funded Summer Program | Policy & Leadership Program
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Program Duration: 1 Week (Intensive)
- Program Dates: June 8 – June 12, 2026
- Reward: Round-Trip Airfare | Accommodation | Meals | Local Transport | $250 Stipend
- Deadline: February 27, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Niskanen Summer Institute is a highly immersive policy-focused program centered on the theme “Democracy That Works.” Hosted in downtown Washington, D.C., the program is designed to help undergraduate students better understand the complexities of American governance, political institutions, and public policy development. Participants will engage in daily seminars, policy discussions, and site visits to key government institutions, including Capitol Hill.
The institute provides a unique opportunity to interact face-to-face with policymakers, authors, scholars, and researchers while developing practical skills in policy research, political communication, and critical analysis. The program is intensive but short, allowing students to participate without disrupting other summer commitments.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the Niskanen Summer Institute 2026, applicants must:
- Be a current undergraduate student
- Be graduating in the Class of 2026 or later (e.g., current sophomores or juniors)
- Be open to students from all academic majors and backgrounds
- Demonstrate an interest in public policy, liberal democracy, and institutional reform
- Be willing to engage with diverse perspectives and collaborate in a team-based environment
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the Niskanen Summer Institute will receive:
- Round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C.
- Free hotel accommodation for the duration of the program
- Daily meals
- Coverage of local transportation costs
- $250 USD cash stipend
What You Will Learn
Participants will gain exposure to:
- Climate policy, immigration, and healthcare reform
- Direct engagement with policymakers and thought leaders
- Visits to Capitol Hill and key Washington institutions
- Training in political communication and policy research
Required Documents
To apply for this program, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Current Resume or CV
- Unofficial academic transcript
- Written responses to three short essay questions
- Contact details for one academic or professional reference
How to Apply
To apply for the Niskanen Summer Institute 2026:
- Visit the official Niskanen Center website to access the online application portal
- Complete the personal information section
- Upload your resume, transcript, and essay responses
- Submit the contact information of your recommender
- Complete and submit the application before February 27, 2026
- Monitor your email for interview invitations, which are sent on a rolling basis
To begin the application process, click HERE
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To join EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
