George Mason University James Buchanan Scholarships USA, 2025/2026

Located in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason University (GMU) is a leading public research institution celebrated for its dynamic approach to higher education and its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. GMU fosters an environment where creativity and intellectual curiosity thrive, empowering both students and faculty to tackle complex global challenges and pursue innovative solutions. The university offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, attracting a diverse international community and providing ample opportunities for research and academic growth.

GMU is particularly renowned for its focus on practical, real-world applications, especially in the fields of economics, law, political science, and public policy. The university is home to the renowned Mercatus Center, a distinguished think tank dedicated to promoting cutting-edge research in economics and public policy. With a distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and abundant opportunities for networking, GMU provides a vibrant atmosphere where academic exploration and professional development go hand in hand.

Scholarship Description

• Host University: George Mason University
• Host Country: United States
• Study Level: Undertake Fellowship level ;
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Scholarship Worth: $8,000 (includes stipend, reading materials, travel, and lodging for colloquia)
• Eligible Countries: Open to both international and domestic students
• Subjects Available: All subjects (with a primary focus on political economy and social sciences)
• Application Deadline: April 15th, 2025

The 2025 James Buchanan Fellowship provides a distinguished, year-long opportunity for emerging scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies. Designed for those passionate about exploring political economy, this fellowship focuses on understanding and applying the principles of the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought.

Named after Nobel laureate James Buchanan, whose pioneering work in public choice theory reshaped the discipline, the fellowship encourages deep exploration into how institutional structures can enhance the coordination of economic, political, and social systems. Fellows will immerse themselves in a variety of intellectual engagements, including interactive seminars, collaborative research projects, and mentorship sessions, where they will examine the works of key scholars such as Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, Buchanan, and Elinor Ostrom.

The fellowship aims to:

• Foster interdisciplinary research that bridges economics, political science, and public policy.
• Provide a collaborative setting to help scholars refine and expand their political economy research.
• Support the dissemination of research through academic conferences, journals, and workshops.
• Build a strong community of scholars and professionals dedicated to advancing the field of political economy.

This program is designed to be flexible, with a hybrid structure that combines on-campus gatherings at George Mason University with remote work, allowing fellows to continue their academic and professional pursuits while taking full advantage of the fellowship’s resources and networks.

Scholarship Benefits

The James Buchanan Fellowship presents a unique and highly coveted opportunity for early-career scholars in the field of political economy. It offers a comprehensive package of support and professional development to those committed to advancing research on the intersection of economics, political science, and public policy. The key benefits of participating in the fellowship are as follows:

1. Financial Support : Fellows are provided with significant financial assistance, including:
   • A substantial grant of up to $8,000, specifically allocated for research-related expenses.
   • Access to essential academic resources, including core texts in political economy and related fields.
   • Full coverage of travel and accommodation for in-person events at George Mason University, ensuring fellows can fully engage with the program.
2. Collaboration with Experts : The fellowship provides participants with the chance to connect with leading scholars through:
   • Three engaging, in-person academic weekends at GMU, offering immersive workshops and discussions.
   • Access to distinguished lectures from influential economists, political theorists, and philosophers, particularly from the Mercatus Center’s renowned Hayek Program.
   • Opportunities to network and build relationships with other scholars, facilitating potential future collaborations and knowledge exchange.
3. Guidance and Research Development : Fellows benefit from continuous academic guidance, including:
   • Tailored mentorship from experienced political economy scholars, providing both support and constructive challenges.
   • Opportunities to present research, receiving valuable feedback from a community of expert academics.
   • Additional funding to support further research endeavors, conference participation, and publication costs.
4. Career Advancement and Networking : The fellowship offers long-term professional benefits, such as:
   • The esteemed title of “James Buchanan Fellow,” which significantly enhances career prospects in academia and beyond.
   • Inclusion in a prestigious alumni network that offers opportunities for research partnerships, funding avenues, and potential academic positions.

This fellowship is designed to provide scholars with not just immediate academic support, but also a lasting foundation for their future academic and professional careers.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2025 James Buchanan Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Qualifications
   • Candidates must have completed their Ph.D. within the past five years.
   • The fellowship is open to scholars with expertise in economics, political science, philosophy, public policy, history, or other related fields within the social sciences.
2. Professional Background
   • Applicants should hold a current position as a faculty member, researcher, or academic professional at an accredited university or respected research institution.
   • Individuals working in think tanks, government research bodies, or policy analysis roles are also eligible to apply.
3. Research Commitment
   • A deep interest in political economy, with a focus on understanding the relationship between economic systems and institutional structures.
   • A willingness to explore and engage with the intellectual traditions of the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought.
   • The capability and drive to produce innovative and original contributions to the field of political economy.

Application Process

1. Application Timeline
   • The application window for the 2025-2026 academic cycle closes on April 15, 2025.
   • Once the deadline has passed, the selection process will commence, with final results expected within 10 to 12 weeks.
2. Required Documents
   Applicants must submit the following materials:
   • A current CV highlighting academic achievements and relevant professional experience.
   • A personal statement (500–1,000 words) discussing your research goals, academic journey, and reasons for pursuing this fellowship.
   • A research proposal or writing sample that demonstrates your engagement with political economy.
   • Two letters of recommendation from academic mentors or supervisors who can speak to your research potential and qualifications.
3. Application Submission
   • All materials must be submitted electronically via the official Mercatus Center website.
   • Documents should be uploaded in PDF format, and applicants must follow the specific guidelines for formatting and content provided on the site.
4. Evaluation Criteria
   Applications will be assessed based on:
   • Academic achievement and research potential.
   • Fit with the fellowship’s focus on the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy.
   • Quality and originality of the research proposal or writing sample.
   • Strength of the recommendation letters and their relevance to the fellowship’s objectives.

Conclusion

The James Buchanan Fellowship 2025 offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to expand their expertise in political economy. With financial backing, personalized mentorship, and access to leading scholars, this program supports both intellectual growth and professional advancement.

If you are eager to delve into the core principles of economic and social structures, this fellowship is a perfect platform to elevate your research, enhance your career, and join a prestigious academic community.

How to Apply

Visit the official Mercatus Center website to submit your application materials by April 15, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to the field of political economy and advance your academic career!

Official Website :

For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://economics.gmu.edu/graduate/funding