The Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship 2026-2027 is a one-year competitive program hosted by the Mercatus Center for graduate students (Master’s, JD, and PhD) across diverse fields such as economics, law, and public policy. The program introduces fellows to the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy as foundations for applied policy research. Participants receive a total award of up to $5,000, including a stipend, books, and travel for two colloquia weekends. The fellowship emphasizes the application of economic frameworks to contemporary issues like technological innovation, immigration, and fiscal policy. Applications are due by March 15, 2026.
Mercatus Center Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship 2026-2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Mercatus Center at George Mason University |
| Location | United States (Travel required for colloquia) |
| Category | Graduate Fellowship (Master’s, JD, PhD) |
| Eligible Disciplines | Economics, Law, Political Science, Public Policy, etc. |
| Reward | Up to $5,000 (Stipend + Travel + Books) |
| Requirement | Enrollment in a degree-seeking graduate program |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 |
Mercatus Center Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship 2026-2027 Details
The Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship serves as a bridge between academic theory and practical policy analysis. While the Adam Smith Fellowship focuses on foundational texts, the Bastiat program is specifically curated for students who want to see how the “Mainline” schools of political economy apply to real-world policy debates.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
Throughout the academic year, fellows explore how frameworks from the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools can be used to analyze complex topics such as immigration, natural disasters, military conflicts, and state-level fiscal policy. By interacting directly with Mercatus scholars who produce influential policy-relevant research, fellows gain a unique perspective on how to communicate economic ideas to a broader policy audience.
Policy Research Focus
The program is ideal for students pursuing careers in think tanks, government agencies, or applied academic roles. It challenges participants to think critically about the institutional barriers to innovation and the unintended consequences of regulation, all while building a network of like-minded peers and mentors.
Benefits for the Mercatus Center Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship 2026-2027
Tier 1: Financial Stipend & Applied Research Award (Up to $5,000)
- Direct Stipend: A monetary grant provided to support the fellow’s academic studies and applied research projects throughout the year.
- Curated Library: Access to a collection of essential books and readings focused on the intersection of political economy and public policy.
Tier 2: Policy Colloquia & Scholar Interaction
- Travel and Lodging: Full coverage of travel and accommodation expenses for two weekend-long colloquia hosted by the Mercatus Center.
- Mentorship: Opportunities to network and engage with Mercatus scholars who are actively involved in contemporary policy analysis.
Tier 3: Professional Networking & Skill Building
- Global Network: Entry into a prestigious network of Mercatus alumni working in academia, law, and government.
- Skill Development: Training in policy-relevant academic research and the communication of complex economic concepts.
Eligibility Requirements for Mercatus Center Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship 2026-2027
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in public policy and an alignment with the Mercatus approach to research.
- Study Status: Open to any student enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program (Master’s, JD, or PhD) at any university globally.
- Visa Status: Open to all nationalities (international students must be able to travel to the US for colloquia).
- Program Admission: Fellows must commit to attending two weekend colloquia during the academic year.
How to Apply for Mercatus Center Frédéric Bastiat Fellowships 2026-2027 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Complete the online application, ensuring your 1-2 page cover letter addresses your interest in policy and familiarity with Mercatus scholars.
- Automatic Evaluation: Applications are screened for graduate enrollment and the relevance of the student’s research to policy debates.
- Eligibility Assessment: The selection committee reviews short-answer questions to gauge the candidate’s potential to contribute to the Mercatus network.
- Notification of Award: Successful applicants are notified of their selection for the one-year fellowship cycle.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this fellowship only for US citizens?
No, any student of any nationality enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program globally is eligible to apply.
2. Can I apply if I am a Master’s student?
Yes, the Bastiat Fellowship is specifically open to Master’s students, as well as JD and PhD candidates.
3. What is the difference between this and the Adam Smith Fellowship?
The Bastiat Fellowship focuses more on “applied” policy analysis and contemporary public policy debates, while the Smith Fellowship is more focused on academic political economy and foundational theory.
4. Are JD (Law) students encouraged to apply?
Absolutely. The program welcomes law students who are interested in the economic analysis of law and public policy.
5. What topics are covered in the policy colloquia?
Topics include entrepreneurship, regulation, immigration, public health, and the economic impact of military conflicts or natural disasters.
6. How many colloquia am I required to attend?
Fellows must commit to traveling for two weekend-long colloquia during the academic year.
7. Does the stipend cover the costs of books?
The “Total Award” of $5,000 includes the direct stipend, plus the value of all required readings and travel costs provided by the center.
8. What should I emphasize in my cover letter?
You should specifically mention your graduate career, research projects, and your familiarity with the research produced by Mercatus scholars.
9. Can I apply if I am not an Economics major?
Yes, as long as you are in a related field (like Political Science, Law, or Public Policy) and have an interest in economic frameworks.
10. Can I be a Bastiat Fellow and an Adam Smith Fellow at the same time?
No, these are separate programs. You should apply for the one that best fits your current research focus (theoretical vs. applied).
