The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027 is a prestigious one-year program offered by the Mercatus Center. It is designed for PhD students across various disciplines—including economics, sociology, and political science—who are interested in exploring the themes of markets, culture, and sociality. The program provides a total financial award of up to $7,000, which includes a stipend and full coverage for travel and lodging to attend three specialized colloquia. Participants are exposed to the foundational teachings of the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy. Selection is based on research interest, academic standing, and the potential to contribute to the Mercatus network of scholars. The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Mercatus Center Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Mercatus Center (USA) |
| Study Abroad | Remote with Travel to USA |
| Category | PhD Fellowships / Postgraduate Research |
| Eligible Countries | International (Open to all universities) |
| Reward | Up to $7,000 (Stipend + Travel) |
| Key Criteria | Enrolled PhD Student & Research Interest |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 |
Mercatus Center Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027 Details
The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027 is a competitive, interdisciplinary program that bridges the gap between theoretical political economy and contemporary academic research. Named after the Nobel Prize-winning scholar Elinor Ostrom, this fellowship seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how institutional frameworks shape human interaction.
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Fellows are integrated into a high-level intellectual community, participating in three intensive weekend colloquia. These sessions focus on the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy, providing scholars with the analytical tools to explore complex social and moral themes within their own doctoral research.
Selection Criteria
Candidates are selected based on their academic trajectory and the alignment of their research with the themes of the Mercatus Center. The selection committee evaluates the applicant’s ability to utilize political economy frameworks in their future teaching and research careers.
Benefits of the Mercatus Center Elinor Ostrom Fellowship 2026-2027
Tier 1: Financial Stipend & Research Award (Up to $7,000)
- Direct Stipend: A cash award provided to the fellow to support their research and academic expenses during the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Network Access: Inclusion in the Mercatus Center’s elite network of alumni, scholars, and cutting-edge researchers.
Tier 2: Colloquia & Educational Materials
- Required Readings: All academic texts and curated readings for the three schools of political economy are provided at no cost.
- Specialized Instruction: Direct engagement with senior scholars during exclusive weekend workshops and seminars.
Tier 3: Travel and Lodging Benefits
- Fully Funded Travel: Coverage for all transportation costs required to attend the three mandatory colloquia weekends.
- Accommodation: Full lodging and meal provision during the duration of the residency weekends hosted by the Mercatus Center.
Eligibility Requirements for Mercatus Center PhD Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must demonstrate a strong research or teaching interest in the themes of markets, culture, morality, and sociality.
- Study Status: You must be currently enrolled in an accredited PhD program in any university globally for the upcoming academic year.
- Visa Status: While the program is open to international students, you must be able to secure the necessary travel documents to enter the United States for the colloquia.
- Program Admission: Candidates must commit to traveling for three full weekends during the academic year to participate in the mandatory sessions.
How to Apply for Elinor Ostrom Fellowships 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Visit the Mercatus Center fellowship portal and choose the Elinor Ostrom program to begin the online application.
- Automatic Evaluation: Submit a 1-2 page cover letter detailing your research interests, graduate career to date, and how the fellowship themes align with your projects.
- Eligibility Assessment: Upload a current CV/Resume and complete the short-answer questions regarding your academic background.
- Notification of Award: The Mercatus Center will review all applications after the March 15 deadline and notify successful candidates via email regarding their selection status.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can PhD students from outside the United States apply?
Yes, the fellowship is open to students enrolled in accredited PhD programs at any university worldwide.
2. What disciplines are eligible for the Elinor Ostrom Fellowship?
It is open to all disciplines, including economics, philosophy, political science, sociology, and other related social sciences.
3. Is the $7,000 award paid all at once?
The award is typically distributed in installments throughout the academic year, contingent upon participation in the colloquia.
4. Are the weekend colloquia mandatory?
Yes, fellows must commit to attending all three weekend sessions to remain eligible for the stipend and fellowship status.
5. Does the fellowship require me to move to George Mason University?
No, this is a non-resident fellowship. You continue your studies at your home university and only travel for the scheduled weekends.
6. What costs are covered for the travel weekends?
The Mercatus Center covers airfare/transportation, hotel lodging, and meals during the colloquia weekends.
7. What is the main focus of the “Bloomington School” mentioned?
It refers to the institutional analysis and development framework pioneered by Elinor and Vincent Ostrom at Indiana University.
8. Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, there is no age limit, as long as you are an enrolled PhD student during the 2026-2027 academic year.
9. Can I apply if I am in the final year of my PhD?
Yes, as long as you remain enrolled in your accredited program for the duration of the fellowship year.
10. When will I hear back about my application status?
Selection notifications are generally sent out a few weeks after the March 15 deadline following a thorough review process.
