Excellence begins here. Join us!
Thinking of a predoctoral fellowship in economics? Wondering how to apply? The PhD Excellence Initiative is a two-year predoctoral program that identifies high-achieving students whose research promises to bring new, important perspectives to the discipline of economics and prepares them for the rigors of pursuing a PhD in the field. Initiative Fellows work and study at Stanford University, under the guidance of Peter Blair Henry.
Applications for Fellowships beginning in 2026 are now CLOSED.
Thanks to funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Hoover Institution, our fellowships at Stanford award a competitive stipend to offset living expenses, as well as the opportunity to enroll for credit in Stanford University classes in economics, advanced mathematics, statistics, or other relevant subject areas. Access to student health insurance is included in the fellowship package. Fellows of the Initiative are appointed at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, becoming part of the community of GSB Research Fellows. Please note: our programs are nevertheless distinct from each other. If you wish to be considered for both a PhD Excellence Initiative fellowship and GSB’s Research Fellows Program, YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL REQUIREMENTS OF EACH APPLICATION SEPARATELY.
How to Apply to the Initiative
Our application season OPENS ON NOVEMBER 1 for fellowships beginning the following summer.
Please carefully review our eligibility and application requirements, listed below, and mark your calendar: Deadline for applications: FEBRUARY 1, 2026.
Eligibility
Our ideal candidate is intellectually curious, highly motivated, and possesses strong determination to gain admittance to a top PhD program in economics. Applicants to the PhD Excellence Initiative must possess:
- A baccalaureate degree (or expect to receive it in the academic year during which they apply)
- Outstanding grades
- Strong writing and quantitative skills
- Commitment to elevating the field of economics by contributing new research perspectives
Additionally, under guidelines established by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, research fellows of the PhD Excellence Initiative must be citizens of the United States.
Nondiscrimination
The PhD Excellence Initiative welcomes all qualified applicants and adheres strictly to Stanford University’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy in compliance with all federal laws.
Application Materials
For a complete application, we require candidates to submit:
2. The following supplemental materials, which you must upload as part of the online application submission process:
- CV or resume
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- Academic writing sample
- Personal statement — no more than 250 words explaining the contribution you hope to make to economics; specifically, why your research and entry into the profession will add important new perspectives to the field
- Optional supplement — Our application form contains space for a short paragraph that explains your motivation for applying to our Initiative. If you believe there is anything critical we should know in order to fairly evaluate your application, that cannot be covered in this “motivation” paragraph or your personal statement, you may submit a supplementary statement of no more than 250 words to elaborate. If you use the supplement simply as an expansion of your personal statement, or if you exceed the length limit, we will discard it.
Upload materials as PDF files only
Please have all files ready and accessible when you begin the online application form, since you will NOT be able to save the form and continue later!
3. At least one letter of recommendation, sent directly by the recommender, via email
Letters should be sent directly by the recommender, on or before the deadline, using official letterhead. Recommenders should email letters to: apply “at” phdexcellence “dot” org
Once you request your recommendations and have ready and accessible ALL DOCUMENTS listed in Item 2 above, you are ready to fill out our online application form
Deadline and Notifications
Applications are currently CLOSED. For fellowships beginning in 2026, applications were due by FEBRUARY 1, 2026.
Notifications regarding admission decisions occur in late February and early March.
