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. PhD Excellence Research Fellows work and study at Stanford University, under the guidance of Peter Blair Henry.
Applications for Fellowships beginning July 2025 are now CLOSED.
For Fellowships Beginning Summer 2025
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.
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 economic research with new 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.
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 your motivation for applying, the contribution you hope to make to economics, and any additional context you believe would be critical for a fair evaluation of your application.
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
For fellowships beginning in 2025, applications were due on or before FEBRUARY 1, 2025. Applications are now CLOSED.
Notifications regarding admission decisions occur in late February and early March.