Apply for the Tobin Center/Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program at Yale University 2027-2028 - a paid, full-time research training pathway for graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who are considering a Ph.D. in economics or a closely related field.
Hosted by the Tobin Center for Economic Policy with the Yale Department of Economics, the programme places fellows with faculty mentors on policy-relevant, data-intensive projects. The community includes roughly 70 scholars from around the world. Applications for the 2027-28 cohort are open and reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Deadline: Rolling (apply early - positions fill continuously). Most roles start July 2027 in New Haven, Connecticut. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Tobin Center / Yale materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Tobin Center Pre-Doctoral Fellows 2027-2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Tobin Center / Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program (Yale University) |
| Host Landmark | Harkness Tower / Yale campus, New Haven, Connecticut, USA 🇺🇸 |
| Start | Most positions begin July 2027 (multi-day orientation); other dates may be negotiable |
| Duration | 1 year, renewable for a second and final year by mutual agreement |
| Location | Full-time, on campus in New Haven (shared workspaces for most fellows) |
| Compensation | Competitive salary with similar predoc programmes + standard benefits (incl. health insurance) |
| Visa | Yale sponsors visas for accepted international candidates (unless a project says otherwise) |
| Deadline | Rolling until positions are filled |
| Official Gateway | Tobin Apply page · Programme overview |
What Fellows Do
- Work 1 - 2 years as full-time research trainees under one or more Yale faculty mentors
- Contribute to empirical, policy-relevant economics and related social-science projects
- Take for credit or audit one course per semester
- Join a weekly professional development seminar and department research seminars
- Collaborate in common campus workspaces with a diverse predoc community
Benefits
- Competitive full-time salary aligned with peer university predoc programmes
- Standard Yale benefits, including health insurance
- Faculty mentorship, coursework access, and professional development seminars
- Strong preparation pathway toward Ph.D. programmes in economics and related fields
- Visa sponsorship for eligible international fellows (unless noted otherwise on a project)
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or completing one before the start date)
- Considering a Ph.D. in economics or a closely related discipline
- Able to work full-time, on campus, in New Haven, Connecticut
- Applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome
- Strong quantitative / programming skills and research experience strengthen applications (coding sample required)
How to Apply
- Review open faculty projects on the Tobin Apply page and Opportunities board.
- Complete the common application (background info + ranking of prospective faculty supervisors).
- Upload one PDF named
LastName_FirstName_Tobin_Predoc_Applicationcontaining, in order:- Cover letter (interest, specific projects, dates available, programming/research experience, 2 - 3 references with email & phone)
- Resume/CV
- Undergraduate transcript (unofficial OK)
- Graduate transcript if applicable (unofficial OK)
- Writing sample (any length)
- Coding sample(s) or GitHub link
- If a faculty project lists extra instructions, follow those and still submit the common application.
- Apply early - shortlists may include a data/technical exercise and interview.
Questions: tobinpredocs@yale.edu. Programme FAQs: Tobin Predoc FAQ.
Official Links
Tobin Center / Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027-2028
- Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027-2028
- Yale Peace Fellowship 2027
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Apply as early as possible.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes - salary is competitive with similar programmes, and the role includes standard benefits such as health insurance.
Where is it based?
Full-time, on campus at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Yale sponsors visas for accepted international candidates unless an individual project description says otherwise.
When do positions start?
Most begin in July 2027 to align with orientation and training; other start dates may be negotiable.
Where do I apply?
Through the official Tobin Center apply page: tobin.yale.edu/programs/pre-doctoral-fellows-program/apply.
