Excellence begins here. Join us!
Thinking of a predoctoral fellowship in economics? Wondering how to apply? The PhD Excellence Initiative (PhDEI) is a two-year predoctoral program that identifies high-achieving students with a proven commitment to addressing underrepresentation within economic research and prepares them for the rigors of pursuing a PhD in economics. PhDEI Research Fellows work and study at Stanford University, under the guidance of Peter Blair Henry.
Applications for Fellowships beginning July 2025 open on NOVEMBER 1, 2024.
For Fellowships Beginning Summer 2025
Thanks to generous funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Hoover Institution, our fellowships at Stanford award a competitive stipend to offset housing and living expenses on campus / in Palo Alto, and the opportunity to enroll for credit in Stanford University classes (average of seven units per quarter) in economics, advanced mathematics, statistics, or other relevant subject areas. Access to Student Health Insurance is also 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: although a joint community, our programs are distinct from each other. If you wish to be considered for both PhDEI and GSB’s Research Fellows Program, YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL REQUIREMENTS OF EACH APPLICATION SEPARATELY.
How to Apply to PhDEI
Our application season OPENS ON NOVEMBER 1 each year 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-tier 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
Additionally, under guidelines established by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, research fellows of the PhDEI 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
- (OPTIONAL but encouraged: Personal statement of no more than 250 words; our application form includes space for a brief paragraph explaining your motivation for applying, which is required. This supplement may be used to provide additional context that 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 are due on or before FEBRUARY 1, 2025.
Notifications regarding admission decisions occur in late February and early March.