5th IAFFE Feminist Economics School 2027 in Japan: Free Three-Day Training Programme with Travel Grants for Eligible Applicants

Overview of the 5th IAFFE Feminist Economics School 2027

Applications are invited for the 5th International Association for Feminist Economics (IAFFE) Feminist Economics School 2027, an intensive educational programme designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of feminist economics, its research methods, and its practical applications in policy, activism, and professional work.

The 2027 Feminist Economics School will take place from 29 June to 1 July 2027 at Okayama University in Okayama, Japan. The programme will bring together participants for two and a half days of interactive workshops focused on feminist economic thought, methodologies, and policy applications.

The school is designed particularly for people who have had limited access to formal training in feminist economics but already have meaningful experience engaging with related questions through their professional work, activism, social movements, or academic research. It provides an opportunity for participants to strengthen their theoretical understanding, examine their existing practices, exchange experiences with others, and develop a deeper understanding of how feminist economics can contribute to addressing social and economic inequalities.

The programme is organised around interactive and participatory learning rather than conventional classroom instruction alone. Participants are expected to contribute their experiences, engage in group activities, learn from their peers, and reflect critically on the connections between economic systems, gender, power, social structures, and everyday life.

The school will take place immediately before the IAFFE Annual Conference 2027, scheduled for 2–4 July 2027. Participants in the Feminist Economics School are also expected to attend the IAFFE Pre-Conference on 1 July and the Annual Conference itself. The combined programme therefore requires a commitment of approximately six days.

One of the major benefits is that there is no participation fee for the Feminist Economics School. Travel grants are also available to support selected participants, although the application information does not guarantee that every participant will receive travel funding or that all travel costs will be covered.

The organisers particularly encourage applications from individuals based in the Global South and people belonging to historically discriminated groups worldwide.

Application deadline: 10 December 2026. No extensions will be granted.

Applicants should prepare their application carefully, ensure that every required section is completed, and submit it before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Decisions are expected to be communicated by early February 2027.

What Is the IAFFE Feminist Economics School?

The IAFFE Feminist Economics School is a specialised educational programme associated with the International Association for Feminist Economics, an academic and professional community concerned with the relationship between gender and economic life.

Feminist economics examines how economic systems, policies, institutions, and social relationships affect people differently according to gender and other dimensions of inequality. It also questions assumptions within conventional economic analysis and explores approaches that better recognise unpaid care work, social reproduction, power relations, inequality, and the contribution of activities that may be overlooked in traditional economic models.

The Feminist Economics School provides a structured setting for participants to engage with these questions in greater depth.

Rather than focusing exclusively on abstract economic theories, the programme places emphasis on connecting feminist economic thinking with participants’ own professional, academic, and community experiences. This approach allows people from different backgrounds to examine how economic concepts relate to the problems they encounter in their work and research.

The school is particularly relevant to individuals who have already engaged with issues such as gender inequality, labour rights, women’s economic empowerment, unpaid care work, social protection, economic justice, development, and related topics but have had limited opportunities to study feminist economics formally.

The 2027 edition will provide participants with opportunities to:

• Develop a stronger grounding in feminist economic thought.
• Explore methodologies used in feminist economics.
• Consider how feminist economics can inform public policy and institutional practices.
• Reflect critically on their existing work, research, and activism.
• Exchange ideas and experiences with participants from different contexts.
• Learn through interactive workshops and participatory activities.
• Build connections with people who share an interest in feminist economics.
• Participate in the wider IAFFE academic and professional community through the associated pre-conference and annual conference.

The school is not presented as a general introductory event for anyone interested in gender issues. It is a specialised programme for applicants who can demonstrate a genuine interest in feminist economics and relevant prior experience.

Dates and Location of the Feminist Economics School 2027

The programme will be held at Okayama University in Okayama, Japan.

Key dates are as follows:

Activity	Date
Application deadline	10 December 2026
Notification of application decisions	By early February 2027
Feminist Economics School	29 June–1 July 2027
IAFFE Pre-Conference	1 July 2027
IAFFE Annual Conference	2–4 July 2027
Overall expected participation period	Approximately six days

Applicants should plan for the full period rather than only the two and a half days of the school.

The application information states that attendance at the school, the pre-conference, and the annual conference is expected. Candidates should therefore consider travel arrangements, visa requirements, accommodation, work commitments, and any accessibility needs before applying.

The precise arrangements for travel, accommodation, conference registration, and other logistical matters should be confirmed through the organisers’ official communications.

Main Objectives of the Feminist Economics School

The school is designed to provide participants with a stronger understanding of feminist economics while creating opportunities for reflection, collaborative learning, and practical application.

1. Building a foundation in feminist economic thought

One of the programme’s central objectives is to provide participants with a solid grounding in feminist economics.

Feminist economics considers how economic decisions and institutions interact with gender relations and broader structures of inequality. It challenges the assumption that economic activity can always be understood adequately by focusing only on markets, wages, production, or individual choices.

For example, conventional economic discussions may pay considerable attention to paid employment while giving less attention to unpaid caregiving, household responsibilities, and the social conditions that make paid work possible. Feminist economics draws attention to these relationships and examines how they influence economic opportunities and outcomes.

Through the school, participants will have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of these perspectives and consider how they apply to their own areas of work or research.

2. Exploring feminist economics methodologies

The programme will also introduce participants to methodologies relevant to feminist economics.

Research methodology matters because the way an economic problem is investigated can influence which experiences become visible, whose perspectives are included, and how conclusions are reached.

A feminist approach to research may involve examining power relations, questioning assumptions about whose experiences count as evidence, and considering the social contexts in which economic decisions occur.

The school places emphasis on interactive workshops, group-based learning, and reflection. Participants should therefore be prepared to engage actively with ideas, experiences, and different ways of understanding economic questions.

3. Connecting theory with policy applications

Feminist economics can inform discussions about public policy, institutional practices, economic development, social protection, labour conditions, and the distribution of resources and responsibilities.

The school will explore policy applications as part of its learning programme.

This means participants will have an opportunity to consider how feminist economic ideas relate to practical challenges rather than treating them only as theoretical concepts.

Depending on their backgrounds, participants may bring experiences from research, community development, public service, advocacy, social movements, or other fields that can enrich these discussions.

4. Encouraging reflection on participants’ own experiences

A defining feature of the school is its emphasis on reflecting on participants’ own practices and experiences.

Applicants are expected to have already engaged meaningfully with feminist economics questions through their work, activism, or research. The school provides an opportunity to reconsider those experiences in light of additional theoretical and methodological knowledge.

This reflective approach can help participants identify assumptions in their existing practices, recognise gaps in their understanding, and consider alternative ways of approaching economic and social problems.

5. Supporting collaborative and participatory learning

The school is intended to be a full-immersion learning experience. Participants are expected to engage with their peers both during formal sessions and through informal conversations outside the workshops.

The organisers recognise that learning does not happen only through presentations or structured classroom activities. Conversations, shared experiences, and collaborative reflection can also contribute significantly to the learning process.

Participants should therefore be willing to engage with group-based and participatory approaches rather than expecting the programme to consist entirely of lectures.

Who Should Apply for the IAFFE Feminist Economics School 2027?

The programme is designed for people who have already engaged with feminist economics questions and issues through professional work, activism, social movements, or advanced academic study.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate both relevant experience and a genuine interest in undertaking deeper study of feminist economics.

The organisers particularly encourage applications from individuals based in the Global South and people from historically discriminated groups around the world.

Eligibility requirement 1: Professional work, activism, or social movement experience

Applicants may qualify through a minimum of five years of professional work, activism, or social movement experience in areas related to feminist economics.

This route recognises that relevant knowledge and experience may be developed outside formal academic programmes.

For example, an applicant may have worked on issues related to gender and economic inequality, women’s livelihoods, labour conditions, economic justice, unpaid care work, social protection, or other subjects connected to feminist economic questions.

The key requirement is that the experience should be relevant to feminist economics. The application should make the connection between the candidate’s experience and the field clear.

Applicants following this route should use their statement of purpose to explain how their work, activism, or movement involvement has shaped their interest in feminist economics and what they hope to gain from the school.

Eligibility requirement 2: Advanced graduate studies

Alternatively, applicants may qualify if they have completed at least three years of advanced graduate studies in a field related to feminist economics.

This route recognises candidates whose engagement with feminist economics has developed through advanced academic study.

Applicants using this route should explain their academic background and demonstrate how their studies connect to feminist economics.

The announcement does not provide a complete list of qualifying degrees or academic disciplines. Candidates should therefore explain the relevance of their field of study in their application and seek clarification from the organisers if they are uncertain whether their academic background satisfies the requirement.

Applicants must meet at least one of the two requirements

The eligibility criteria are presented as alternatives. Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional work, activism, or social movement experience; or
• At least three years of advanced graduate studies in a field related to feminist economics.

Applicants should not assume that a general interest in gender equality alone satisfies these criteria. The school is designed for people with meaningful prior engagement in relevant issues.

What Participants Will Receive

The Feminist Economics School provides a specialised learning opportunity with several practical benefits.

1. Free participation in the school

There is no participation fee for the school.

This means selected participants will not be charged a school participation fee according to the supplied announcement. However, applicants should not assume that every expense associated with attending in Japan will automatically be covered.

2. Opportunities to apply for travel grants

Travel grants are available to support selected participants.

These grants may help eligible participants with the costs of travelling to Okayama, Japan. The application form asks candidates to indicate whether they require full or partial travel funding and to estimate the amount required in US dollars.

The announcement does not specify the maximum travel grant, the number of grants available, the selection formula, or whether all requested costs will be covered.

Applicants who require assistance should therefore provide a realistic estimate and explain their needs through the application form.

3. Intensive learning in feminist economics

The two-and-a-half-day programme is designed to provide a solid grounding in feminist economic thought, methodologies, and policy applications.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in concentrated learning, discuss ideas with others, and reflect on the relationship between their existing experiences and feminist economic analysis.

4. Participation in the IAFFE Pre-Conference and Annual Conference

Participants are expected to attend the IAFFE Pre-Conference on 1 July and the IAFFE Annual Conference from 2–4 July 2027.

This provides an opportunity to engage with a broader academic and professional community interested in feminist economics.

The combined programme also allows participants to place their learning within wider discussions and exchanges related to the field.

5. Peer learning and professional connections

The school encourages participants to spend time with fellow students outside formal sessions.

These informal interactions form part of the intended learning experience. Participants can exchange perspectives, learn from others’ experiences, and develop connections with people working on related questions.

The programme does not explicitly guarantee future employment, a formal academic qualification, publication, or additional funding beyond the travel-grant arrangements described.

Travel Grants and Funding Requirements

Although participation in the school is free, travelling to Japan may involve expenses such as airfare, ground transportation, visa-related costs, and other personal travel expenses.

The application form specifically asks applicants to indicate whether they need full or partial travel funding for airfare and/or ground transportation.

Candidates who require travel assistance should consider their circumstances carefully before completing this section.

What information should applicants provide?

The form asks applicants to identify whether they need full or partial travel funding and, if funding is required, to indicate the estimated amount in US dollars.

Applicants should:

1. Consider the likely cost of travelling from their country of residence to Okayama, Japan.
2. Estimate relevant airfare and ground transportation expenses.
3. State the amount requested in US dollars, as required by the form.
4. Enter “0” if no travel funding is required.
5. Ensure that the amount requested is realistic and reflects their expected travel needs.

The form indicates that the estimated amount can change later. Applicants should nevertheless provide a reasonable estimate at the application stage.

The school does not guarantee that every participant who requests support will receive a grant. Applicants should wait for official confirmation before making financial commitments based on anticipated travel funding.

Attendance and Participation Commitment

The organisers emphasise that successful participation requires more than attending the initial workshops.

The school is designed as an intensive, full-immersion experience in which participants are expected to engage actively, make time for peer learning, and contribute to a shared learning environment.

Applicants should consider the following commitments before applying.

1. Attend the full programme

Participants are expected to attend:

• The full two-and-a-half days of the Feminist Economics School.
• Half an afternoon of the IAFFE Pre-Conference.
• The IAFFE Annual Conference itself.

The overall commitment is approximately six days.

Applicants should check their work, study, caregiving, and travel arrangements to ensure that they can participate throughout the required period.

2. Demonstrate genuine interest and relevant experience

The programme has limited places and is designed for people who have already meaningfully engaged with feminist economics questions.

Applicants should be able to explain why they want to deepen their knowledge and how the programme relates to their existing work, activism, or research.

A general desire to attend an international event may not adequately demonstrate the commitment the organisers are seeking.

3. Participate in informal learning

Participants are encouraged to spend time with fellow students outside formal sessions.

This expectation reflects the school’s emphasis on learning through interaction, experience-sharing, and discussion.

Applicants should be comfortable engaging with others in a collaborative environment while also communicating any needs that could affect their participation.

4. Remain present and focused

During the two-and-a-half days of the school, participants are asked to give their full attention to the programme.

The organisers encourage participants to step away from work commitments, limit phone distractions, and engage fully with the learning activities and the group.

They also recognise that focus and social interaction can look different for different people and invite applicants to discuss accommodations that would support their participation.

5. Be open to participatory methods

The programme uses interactive and group-based approaches to learning.

Participants should therefore be willing to contribute to discussions, work with others, reflect on their experiences, and engage with perspectives that may differ from their own.

6. Respect shared community responsibilities

The organisers describe the success of the school as a collective responsibility.

IAFFE will have someone available to answer questions throughout the programme. Participants are also expected to follow the protocols developed for the learning community, including applicable safety protocols.

These expectations are intended to support a respectful and constructive environment for everyone involved.

Accessibility and Disability Support

The application form asks whether candidates have a disability, and the organisers explicitly invite applicants to communicate accessibility needs in advance.

The school states that it respects access needs and will do its best to provide appropriate support.

Applicants who require accommodations should disclose their needs through the appropriate part of the application or contact the organisers directly.

Where relevant, candidates may wish to clarify the arrangements available for participation in workshops, accommodation, travel, or other aspects of the programme.

The announcement does not provide a detailed list of specific accommodations, so applicants should communicate their individual needs early enough for the organisers to consider possible arrangements.

Accommodation and Travel to Japan

The application information states that the IAFFE school will provide shared accommodation.

Applicants should read the accommodation section of the form carefully and indicate the relevant statement as requested. The supplied information does not specify whether every night of accommodation is covered, whether accommodation includes the entire conference period, or whether associated costs are fully funded.

Candidates should confirm these details with the organisers before finalising travel arrangements.

The form also asks whether applicants require a visa to travel to Japan. Visa requirements depend on the traveller’s circumstances, including nationality and the applicable Japanese immigration rules.

Applicants who are unsure whether they need a visa are directed to the official visa exemption information published by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Candidates should verify their individual requirements through official Japanese government information and allow sufficient time for any required visa application. Participation in the school should not be taken as a guarantee of visa approval.

How to Apply for the IAFFE Feminist Economics School 2027

Applicants must complete the official Feminist Economics School application form.

The organisers state that all sections must be completed and that incomplete submissions will not be considered. After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email.

The application form collects personal information, educational and employment details, a statement of purpose, and information about funding and other needs.

Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements

Before starting the application, confirm that you meet at least one of the two eligibility requirements:

• Five years of relevant professional work, activism, or social movement experience; or
• Three years of advanced graduate studies in a field related to feminist economics.

Consider how your background connects to the programme and whether you can demonstrate a genuine commitment to further study in the field.

Step 2: Prepare your personal information

The application form requests the following information:

• Full name.
• Email address.
• Country of origin.
• Country of residence.
• Gender identity.
• Whether you belong to a marginalised group in your country of residence.
• Details of the marginalised group, where applicable.
• The language you use most often in your work or studies.
• Other languages in which you are fluent.

Applicants should provide accurate information and complete the relevant fields.

Step 3: Provide your employment and educational background

The form asks applicants to describe their current occupation and organisation of work or study.

It also asks for information about their role or status, highest completed educational qualification, year of their most recent academic degree, field of study, and institution where the degree was completed.

Applicants must also indicate whether they have received formal training in economics.

These questions help the organisers understand the applicant’s professional and academic background and how it relates to feminist economics.

Step 4: Prepare a statement of purpose

The application requires a statement of purpose of up to 3,000 characters.

This is an important opportunity to explain why you are applying and how your background connects to the school.

The organisers ask applicants to address four questions:

1. How does your current work, activism, or study connect to feminist economics?
2. What do you hope to learn or gain through participation in the Feminist Economics School?
3. What knowledge, experiences, or skills can you bring to the school?
4. Why would you like to participate in the Feminist Economics School?

A strong statement should answer these questions clearly, demonstrate relevant experience, and explain how the programme fits the applicant’s goals.

Applicants should avoid relying only on general statements about gender equality. Instead, they should explain their specific engagement with feminist economic questions and identify what they hope to learn through this specialised programme.

The statement should remain within the stated 3,000-character limit.

Step 5: Complete the funding and logistics section

The form asks several questions about travel funding, disability, accommodation, and travel requirements.

Applicants will need to indicate whether they require full or partial travel funding and provide an estimated amount in US dollars if support is needed. If no travel funding is required, the form instructs applicants to enter “0”.

Candidates must also respond to questions about disability, shared accommodation, and whether a visa is required to travel to Japan.

The form asks whether applicants intend to submit a presentation, paper, or session proposal for the conference and apply for an IAFFE conference travel grant. It also asks whether applicants are IAFFE members and how they learned about the school.

Applicants should answer each question according to their circumstances and follow any instructions shown in the form.

Step 6: Review the consent and data collection policy

The application form includes a consent section explaining that personal information supplied through forms, event registrations, and emails is protected under standard non-disclosure constraints and processed for legitimate organisational operations.

Applicants are asked to agree to the data collection policy.

Read the consent statement carefully before selecting the relevant option.

Step 7: Check the entire application

Before submission, confirm that all required questions have been answered and that the statement of purpose is within the character limit.

Check that your academic and professional details are accurate and that the funding and logistics information is complete.

The organisers explicitly state that incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Step 8: Submit before 10 December 2026

The application deadline is 10 December 2026, and the organisers state that no extensions will be granted.

Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the final day to complete their submissions.

After submitting the form, check your email for the confirmation message. If you have questions about the application, contact the designated programme representative.

Application contact: Mayra Gonçalves

Email: conference@iaffe.org

Applicants should use the official IAFFE application form associated with the 5th Feminist Economics School and verify any updates directly with the organisers.

APPLY HERE

How to Write a Strong Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is a central part of the application because it allows candidates to explain their motivation, relevant experience, and expectations for the school.

Given the programme’s specialised focus and limited places, applicants should use this section to demonstrate a meaningful connection to feminist economics.

Explain your current engagement with feminist economics

Describe the work, activism, research, or study through which you have encountered feminist economic questions.

This may include experience related to gender and labour markets, economic inequality, unpaid care work, women’s livelihoods, social protection, economic development, or other relevant issues.

Explain what you have done, what questions have emerged from that experience, and why those questions matter to you.

Explain what you want to learn

Identify specific areas in which you want to deepen your understanding.

For example, you may want to strengthen your knowledge of feminist economic theories, learn more about relevant research methods, or explore how feminist economics can inform policy and practice.

Your learning objectives should relate directly to the programme’s focus.

Describe what you can contribute

The organisers want to understand the knowledge, experiences, and skills applicants can bring to the school.

Candidates should explain how their backgrounds may contribute to discussions and collaborative learning.

This could include relevant professional experience, community engagement, research, activism, or knowledge of a particular economic or social context.

Explain why this particular school matters

Finally, explain why you want to attend the IAFFE Feminist Economics School rather than simply expressing a general interest in an international academic event.

A strong response should show that you understand the programme’s emphasis on feminist economics, participatory learning, reflection, and engagement with the broader IAFFE conference.

Applicants should be specific, authentic, and concise enough to remain within the 3,000-character limit.

Important Deadlines and Selection Timeline

The application and decision timeline provided by the organisers is as follows:

Milestone	Date
Application deadline	10 December 2026
Notification of decisions	By early February 2027
Feminist Economics School	29 June–1 July 2027
IAFFE Pre-Conference	1 July 2027
IAFFE Annual Conference	2–4 July 2027

The organisers state that no extensions will be granted for the application deadline.

Candidates should also note that the decision notification date is an expected period, not a guarantee of a specific notification day.

Because successful participation requires a commitment of approximately six days, applicants should consider their availability for the school and associated conference activities when deciding whether to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IAFFE Feminist Economics School 2027

Is participation free?

Yes. The supplied announcement states that there is no participation fee for the school. Travel grants are available to support selected participants, but the announcement does not guarantee full coverage of every participant’s expenses.

Is the programme online or in person?

The school will take place at Okayama University in Okayama, Japan. Applicants should plan for in-person participation and confirm the relevant travel arrangements with the organisers.

Do I need a degree in economics?

The supplied eligibility criteria do not require every applicant to hold a degree specifically in economics. Candidates must meet at least one of the stated requirements concerning relevant professional or activist experience or advanced graduate studies in a related field. The form asks whether applicants have formal training in economics, but this question is not presented as a universal eligibility requirement.

Can I apply if I work in activism rather than academia?

Yes, the eligibility criteria explicitly recognise professional work, activism, and social movement experience. Applicants using this route must have at least five years of relevant experience connected to feminist economics.

Can I apply if I am a postgraduate student?

Potentially, yes, if you have completed at least three years of advanced graduate studies in a field related to feminist economics. You should explain the relevance of your academic background in your application.

Must I belong to a marginalised group?

The organisers encourage applications from historically discriminated groups worldwide, and the form asks applicants whether they belong to a marginalised group in their country of residence. However, the supplied criteria do not state that marginalised-group membership is compulsory for eligibility.

Can applicants from outside the Global South apply?

The announcement particularly encourages applications from the Global South but does not explicitly restrict eligibility to those countries. Applicants from other regions should contact IAFFE if they need clarification about eligibility and selection priorities.

Are travel grants guaranteed?

No. The announcement states that travel grants are available to support selected participants. It does not guarantee that every applicant will receive a grant or that all requested travel costs will be covered.

When will applicants receive a decision?

The organisers expect to notify applicants by early February 2027.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 10 December 2026. The organisers state that no extensions will be granted.

Visit HERE to learn more about the 5th IAFFE Feminist Economics School 2027.

Conclusion

The 5th IAFFE Feminist Economics School 2027 offers a specialised opportunity for people with relevant professional, activist, social movement, or advanced academic experience to deepen their understanding of feminist economics. Hosted at Okayama University in Japan from 29 June to 1 July 2027, the programme combines interactive workshops, methodological learning, policy discussions, and reflection on participants’ own experiences.

The school is particularly relevant to individuals who have had limited access to formal training in feminist economics but are already meaningfully engaged with related questions in their work or research. Applicants must meet at least one of the two stated eligibility requirements: five years of relevant professional or activist experience, or three years of advanced graduate studies in a related field.

There is no participation fee, and travel grants are available to support selected participants. However, applicants should confirm the details of travel assistance, accommodation, and other logistical arrangements before making financial commitments. They should also be prepared to attend the full school, the IAFFE Pre-Conference, and the Annual Conference, for a total commitment of approximately six days.

The application deadline is 10 December 2026, with no extensions. Candidates should prepare a thoughtful statement of purpose, complete every section of the application form, and explain clearly how their background connects to feminist economics.

For individuals committed to understanding and addressing economic inequalities through feminist perspectives, the programme offers an opportunity to develop their knowledge, exchange experiences, and engage with a wider international community working on feminist economics.

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