Applications for the 2027 Mannkal Scholarship intake open soon. Get the reminder →
Get notified →
2027 intake: applications open soon

Earn your place at the world's leading policy institutes.

Mannkal Scholars spend a year studying economics, philosophy, and public policy with the researchers and practitioners advancing those ideas. The strongest go on to earn placements at institutions like the Institute of Economic Affairs in London, the Atlas Network in Washington, and the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney.

See the scholarship → Explore other opportunities

Places are competitive and limited. Nearly 3,000 alumni have earned theirs since 1997.

Since 1997nearly 3,000 alumni across business, government, and academia
14+partner institutes in Australia, the UK, the US, and New Zealand
Earnedplacements are competitive and awarded on merit
Any degreelaw, engineering, science, commerce, and arts all welcome

Mannkal Scholars have studied and worked at

Start here

Three ways in. Pick the one that sounds like you.

Not everyone is ready to apply today, and that is fine. Every one of these paths puts you in the same room as the people who can change your career.

Primary. Most competitive

The Mannkal Scholarship

For WA tertiary students serious about economics, philosophy, and public policy

A year of structured study inside the Mannkal community: fortnightly seminars, entrepreneurship and critical thinking training, and the chance to compete for a placement at one of our partner institutes.

  • Fortnightly seminars and professional development in Perth
  • Compete for placements at institutes in London, Washington, Atlanta, Sydney, Melbourne, and Wellington
  • Lifetime access to nearly 3,000 alumni
  • Scholars who earn a placement have their costs covered
See what's involved →

Secondary

Ambassador Program

For students who want to build something on their own campus

Represent Mannkal at your university, run events, bring your friends into the network, and grow your leadership record while you study.

  • Run events with Mannkal's backing
  • Direct line to the Mannkal team
  • Strong pathway into the Scholarship
Become an ambassador

Lowest commitment

Come to a seminar

For anyone still working out whether this is for them

Turn up, listen, argue, meet current scholars. Free, no application, no obligation. Most of our scholars started here.

  • Free student seminars and speaker nights in Perth
  • Meet scholars who have just come back
  • Read the papers and back catalogue first
See what's on

Don't miss the 2027 intake

Applications open once a year. We'll tell you the day they do.

One email when applications open, plus event invites you can actually get to. No spam, no daily newsletter, unsubscribe in one click.

Already a scholar or alum? Reconnect with the alumni network →

We use this to tell you when applications open and to invite you to events in Perth. Nothing else. See our privacy policy.

You're on the list.

We'll email you the moment 2027 applications open. In the meantime, come to a seminar.

No jargon version

What you actually get

Four things, in plain terms.

Scholars at the Centre for Independent Studies

Real work, not filing

Policy research, published writing, and events at institutes that shape the debate.

Panel discussion at a Mannkal event

Arguments worth having

Fortnightly seminars on economics, liberty, and the ideas behind the headlines.

Scholars speaking on a panel at a conference

Earned, then supported

Placements are competitive. Scholars who win one have their costs covered so they can take it up.

Scholars and practitioners at a library reception

A network that answers

Nearly 3,000 alumni in business, government, and academia who take your call.

The network

Where the work happens

Mannkal is one of 500 Atlas Network members. These are the research institutes and policy shops that host our scholars.

London, UK

Institute of Economic Affairs

London, UK

Centre for Policy Studies / CapX

Arlington, US

Atlas Network

Atlanta, US

Foundation for Economic Education

Sydney

Centre for Independent Studies

Sydney

Menzies Research Centre

Melbourne

Institute of Public Affairs

Melbourne

Ray Evans Institute

Melbourne

Samuel Griffith Society

Melbourne

H. R. Nicholls Society

Melbourne

Australian Taxpayers' Alliance

Wellington, NZ

New Zealand Taxpayers' Union

Placements are full-time professional work, scheduled between November and March so they fit around semester. See all placements and dates →

From scholars, not staff

They were exactly where you are

Hannah Waldron outside the New York Stock Exchange
“Talking with leading economists and exchanging ideas with fellow interns has expanded my perspective.”
Hannah WaldronScholar, 2024
Christian Zurakowski working at a Mannkal lecture
“Mannkal opened doors for me that otherwise would not have been possible. They provide access to their rich source of alumni, ambassadors and extended network.”
Christian ZurakowskiScholar, 2023
Elliot Norris headshot
“This open environment of collaboration and discussion is essential in developing creative solutions for issues in our world today.”
Elliot NorrisScholar, 2025
Hear what scholars are working on, in their own words →

30-second check

Am I eligible?

Three boxes. That is the whole test.

  • 1You're enrolled in a tertiary course at a Western Australian institution.
  • 2You're an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
  • 3You're based in Western Australia.

Ticked all three? Read the scholarship page next →

Three things students get wrong

“I don't study economics.”

Neither do most scholars. Law, engineering, science, medicine, arts, and commerce students all get in. Curiosity matters more than your major.

“My marks aren't good enough.”

Marks are one consideration, not the test. Initiative and what you have actually built or organised count for more.

“I can't afford to stop working over summer.”

Mannkal covers accommodation, travel, daily expenses, and visa costs where needed. The placements themselves are unpaid, and we're upfront about that.

No mystery

What happens after you apply

Four steps. Competitive, but supportive, and you always know where you stand.

Step 1

Apply online

A short form about you, your degree, and why the ideas interest you. Around 15 minutes.

Step 2

Interview

Shortlisted applicants meet the Mannkal team. A conversation, not an exam.

Step 3

You're a Scholar

Confirmed by email. Seminars start, roughly one event a fortnight around your study.

Step 4

Apply for a placement

Put yourself forward for the conferences and internships that match your field.

The community

Scholars at work this year

Scholars at a conference group photo Scholars on a conference panel Scholars at a Centre for Independent Studies event Scholars in discussion at a conference Scholars at the ARC conference Scholars at a student seminar Scholars at the Centre for Independent Studies offices Scholars at a program in the United States Scholars at a Mannkal event Interns and a mentor in the office A scholar receiving an award Scholars at Trinity College, Cambridge

Before you ask

Questions we get most

What does Mannkal actually pay for?
For successful internship applicants, Mannkal covers accommodation, travel, daily expenses, and visa costs where necessary. The internships themselves are unpaid.
Do I need to study economics?
No. The program is open to any Western Australian tertiary student from any degree or major. A background in economics or public policy helps, but genuine interest in the ideas matters more.
How much time does it take?
On average, one event a fortnight. Mannkal works with scholars around work and study commitments.
When do applications open?
Once a year, and they close when the intake is full. Put your email in the form above and we'll tell you the day the next round opens.
What do you look for?
Initiative, curiosity, and engagement with ideas about economics, public policy, and a free society. Marks are one consideration, not the whole picture.
I'm not eligible. Is there anything else?
Yes. Seminars and events in Perth are open to anyone, the papers and library are free to read, and the Ambassador Program is worth a look.

The people who took this seriously are now the people you want to know.

Nearly 3,000 alumni started with one application. Yours is next.

See the scholarship → Get notified when applications open
Scholarship Notify me