Please Note: Students who exhibit excellence in academics, interpersonal skills and leadership qualities should consider applying for these prestigious national awards for graduate study. Applicants for these awards should start meeting with the ONCA director at least one semester before the deadline in order to understand the rigorous application process and to fully develop a competitive application. Contact ONCA if you have questions about a specific award or would like to speak with the director, who advises WU students applying for nationally competitive awards.
Description: In 1953, the British government established the Marshall Scholarships as a gesture of gratitude for the assistance received from the United States through the Marshall Plan. Awards are granted to graduates of four-year institutions to cover all expenses for two (and sometimes three) years of study at any university in the United Kingdom. The objective of the Marshall Scholarships is to bring intellectually distinguished young Americans to the United Kingdom for academic study, thereby establishing long-lasting bridges between the United States and Britain.
At least forty Marshall Scholars are selected each year to study either at graduate or occasionally undergraduate level at an U.K. institution in any field of study. As future leaders with a lasting understanding of British society, Marshall Scholars strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments and their institutions. Marshall Scholars are talented, independent and wide-ranging, and their time as Scholars enhances their intellectual and personal growth. Their direct engagement with Britain through its best academic programs contributes to their ultimate personal success. Each scholarship is held for two years. The award covers living expenses, tuition, books, and airfare for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen under 26 years old who has graduated from a U.S. college or university; GPA of 3.7 on academic coursework taken after the freshman year.
Application: Includes a description of proposed study, two letters of reference, and a university endorsement.
Information: British Marshall
Deadline: August 15
Description: In October 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of Seattle, Washington, USA announced a donation to the University of Cambridge of $210 million to establish the Gates Cambridge Trust. This benefaction created an international scholarship program to enable outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. The Trustees are required to award scholarships on the basis of a person's intellectual ability, leadership capacity and desire to use their knowledge to contribute to society throughout the world by providing service to their communities and applying their talents and knowledge to improve the lives of others. The Trust seeks to elect approximately 100 new scholars annually. Scholarships cover University and College fees for graduate study or a second bachelor's degree at the University of Cambridge in England, a maintenance allowance, a contribution toward return airfare, and other discretionary allowances.
Eligibility: Applicants must hold, or expect to be able to obtain before October of year of application, a first class or exceptionally high second class honors degree; gain admission to the University of Cambridge and to a constituent college; and be able to meet the conditions set by the University for admission.
Application: Applicants must first apply to and be accepted to the University of Cambridge. Upon acceptance, students will be sent a Gates Cambridge application form.
Information: Gates Scholar
Deadline: September 15
Description: The George J. Mitchell Scholarships provide tuition and room for graduate study at one of several institutions of Ireland and Northern Ireland. A stipend to cover additional expenses and a travel stipend is also provided.
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, aged 18 or over but not yet 30 on October 1 in the year of application. They must also have academic standing sufficient to assure completion of a Bachelor's degree before they begin study under the Mitchell Scholarship.
Application: Includes an institutional endorsement, academic transcript, birth certificate, 1000-word essay, description of activities during college years, and at least five letters of recommendation.
Information: Mitchell
Deadline: August 15
Description: From its humble beginnings in 1929, the Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship Program has become one of the largest and most respected scholarship programs in the country. Every year, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi awards fifty-seven Fellowships of $5,000 each and three of $15,000 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. Each Phi Kappa Phi chapter may select one candidate from among its local applicants to compete for the Society-wide awards.
Eligibility: To apply for a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship, you must: (1) Be an active member of Phi Kappa Phi (annual dues paid by March 31 of the application year) or have accepted invitation to join. Applications will be accepted from individuals selected for membership but not yet initiated; see the application form for details; (2) Have applied to enroll as a full-time student in a post-baccalaureate program of study for the following academic year, preferably at an accredited American Institution of higher learning. Accredited international institutions are acceptable. (3) Students registering in all professional and graduate fields are eligible. Selection is based on the applicant's promise of success in graduate or professional study, as evidenced by: (1) Academic achievement, including transcripts, honors and awards, relevant research experience, standardized test scores, and samples of creative work; (2) Service and leadership experience, on and off campus; (3) Letters of recommendation; (4) Personal statement and career goals; (5) Acceptance at an approved graduate or professional program.
Application: Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship
Deadline: March 15
Description: The Rhodes is one of the most competitive and prestigious awards available to students in the world. It includes all fees, travel expenses, and a yearly stipend for two years of study at Oxford, with a possible renewal for a third year. 32 Rhodes Scholars are awarded annually - winners must undergo interviews at the state and regional level.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen between 18 and 24 years old at time of application; must have graduated by October of the year in which study at Oxford is begun.
Application: Includes a 1,000-word personal essay, five to eight recommendations and a university endorsement.
Information: Rhodes
Deadline: September 1
Description: The purpose of The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is to provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The Program is established in recognition of the contributions New Americans have made to American life and in gratitude for the opportunities the United States has afforded the donors and their family. The Fellowships are grants for up to two years of graduate study in the United States. The recipients are chosen on a national competitive basis. Thirty Fellowships will be awarded each year. Fellows receive a maintenance grant of $20,000 per year and one half the tuition cost of the program.
Eligibility: Must be a New American, defined as: an individual who is a resident alien (holds a Green Card), has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen or has two parents who are naturalized citizens; must have bachelor's degree or be in final year of undergraduate study; must be no older than 30 years of age.
Application: Soros
Deadline: August 1
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