The George Mason University is a great institution for any aspiring student who wants to get the best education in the US, the institution is situated in the Fairfax city in Virginia and it has always been a university that lead in the public research sector. The university is celebrated for their great academic excellence and approach to interdisciplinary partnership. George Mason University also known as GMU provides a very comfortable and conducive learning environment where student can grow academically and creatively, the modern designed classroom improve and empower the student so they can navigate the challenges that any student might face in the community and their future career.
The university has a wide range of courses for undergraduates, graduate and post graduate level and this development has attract multiple foreigners from diverse backgrounds because they are keen to enjoy the educational growth and research opportunities that the GMU offers. The university is renowned for its real life practical experience, especially in courses such as law, political science, economics and public policy, the Mercatus center which is the facility for the promotion of advanced research for economics and public policy. With the best faculty and a modern and advanced research equipment, the school also provides a Networking opportunity that improve the student education and their future career.
Scholarship overview
The Buchanan fellowship program is a prestigious program that awards a fully funded Scholarship to outstanding student who show a high academic excellence and have previously completed their doctoral studies. The program is designed primarily to sponsor student who are willing to get a degree in political science field and practice. The fellowship focus on instilling the best political education applying principles from the Virginia, Austrian, and the Bloomington school of thoughts. The program is named after James Buchanan who is a Nobel laureate and has work in the public choice theory, James’s work reshaped the public and the fellowship program is founded to reshaped the political landscape by providing an indepth education on how institutions can improve the social, political and economic system.
Selected candidate would have a hands on various academic engagements which includes an extensive research project which is formed by some group of student, a seminar that educates student on how to navigate any difficulties. The fellowship program also offers the candidate with a mentorship program where they provide student with professional advice and services while exploring notable works for scholars like F.A. Hayek, Adam Smith, Elinor Ostrom and James Buchanan. The scholarship program aim to improve the academic research that connects political science, economics and public policy, to make this possible the program provides a well comfortable lecture room and research center that helps the student make an extensive research in political economy.
If the board found any student work worthy, the candidate would be given the opportunity to publish their research project through the help of journals, workshops and conferences. This research project are given to group of student so they build a connection with their fellow student and scholars that are committed to improving the field of political economy. To make things easier for the student, the program embarks on a flexible learning plan that combines a physical presence at the institution, and a remote work that allows student to continue their education at the comfort of their home, while taking full benefits of the program network and materials.
Scholarship Benefits
The James Buchanan fellowship program is the best program that any student could benefit from and it presents a very unique scholarship opportunity for student in the political economy filed of study. The program offers the selected candidate with the right benefits and package that can develop the student academically and creatively, the aim is to create a professional development to any talented student who shows interest in revolving the intersection of the economics field. Below are some key benefits that the scholarship program offers:
1. Financial aid: Selected candidate are provided with the needed financial aid that is needed to complete their studies without any bothers. The program offers up to $80,000 which covers the tuition fees and other research project. Aside from thus, the program also offers a payment of all academic related expenses which includes equipment and materials needed to complete their education.
The scholarship program also offers a full coverage for travel and accommodation of qualified applicant. Transport such as airfare are paid by the program to ensure applicant has a smooth landing to the George mason University. Once the student arrives, the program would provide an on campus accommodation to ease the student stress and financial burden.
2. Collaboration with professionals: The program allows student to work in hand with industry professional and leaders. This is aimed to increase the student knowledge on real life practical experience and a chance to work with partner organization as an intern. The program requires the student to engage in a three collaborative physical lectures to discuss about important updates and access to attend multiple industry workshop.
At the George Mason University, student has the opportunity to receive lectures from popular economist, philosophers, and political experts. The program features top professionals especially from the school owned Mercatus center which is renowned by the Hayek program.These opportunities allows student to build a connection and relationship with professionals and other scholars, so they can partner professionally and share knowledge in the nearest future.
3. Mentorship and research program: The fellowship program offers the student an exceptional opportunity to gain experience and mentorship from scholars in the political economy field, providing the student with both financial support and mentorship program that is aimed to shape the future career of the selected candidate.
This mentorship opportunity also gives student the opportunity to show their research project to industry experts and receive immediate feedback and response. Student whose academic project stands out would be provided with an additional funds that would be use to continue their research project, the student would also receive payment for some conference and publication in notable company.
4. Future career advancement and networking: apart from the financial benefits, the program offers a long term support that would position the student for future career success. Upon completion of the degree, the students would be given the “James Buchanan fellow” title which would serve as an enhancement to the student career, the title would increase the student chance in the workforce.
The alumni connect building also helps student navigate their future career, which include some collaboration for research, funding avenue and other important academic related position. The program is designed for student to get the immediate support they need throughout their study time and a lifelong foundation for their education and future career.
Eligibility Requirements
The Buchanan fellowship program is awarded to students on a merit basis and to student who can prove their financial need, the program receives multiple application yearly, making it one of the competitive program to apply for. Here are some of the criteria required from all applicant:
Academic achievement
Before any student would be considered for the program, that have to possess a PhD degree within past 4 years. Student only allow application from students who are studying in the field of political science, philosophy, economics, public policy, history and other courses related to the field of social science.
Professional background
Before an applicant would be considered, they have to hold an active position in any notable university or a research center. Some of the roles includes faculty members, academic professional and a researcher. Applicant who also holds a position in the government organization like a research center, think tanks and other public related roles are also allowed to apply for the program.
Research Commitment
Before a student would be qualified for the program, they have to show a keen interest in the research program that the school offers.
Provide Required Documents
Applicant must attach all necessary document with their application before the program would consider them for the award, failure to attach the documents would lead to an automatic disqualification. Applicant are required to attach their current CV, personal statement, research sample or proposal and two recommendation letter.
How to apply
The deadline for the application is currently set to the 15th of August and once the deadline elapsed, the program would begin the selection process. The selection process usually takes just 10 weeks before the final result would be released. To apply for the program, you have to visit the scholarship portal and submit your application along with your documents. Below is the link to the application portal.