In 1945, Senator J. William Fulbright proposed legislation to create the Fulbright Program in an effort to foster mutual understanding among nations through cultural exchanges; the proposal was signed into law in 1946. He saw this as a step toward building an alternative to armed conflict. These awards are U.S. Information Agency grants and are administered by the Institute of International Education.

Study proposals may include university coursework, independent research, classroom teaching, or a combination of these. Each country has specifications regarding requirements and preferred applicant profiles. It is important to refer to the web site to review these specifications. Selection is made based on the student's academic record, language preparation, the feasibility of the proposed project, and personal qualifications. This is affected by the extent to which the applicant and the project will facilitate international understanding. For further information, refer to the Fulbright web site.

Who is eligible? American citizens who are graduating seniors, alumni and graduate students. Applicants must be in good health and typically demonstrate a proficiency in the language of the host country.  Destination country should not be one with which the applicant has extensive experience; previous study-abroad semesters in the target country, however, areacceptable.

When is the Deadline? Campus: Early September, Fulbright: Early to mid-October

Applications are for either a research/study project or to act as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA).  Tenure is for one year, non-renewable. Award amounts vary depending on the country, but typically cover travel, in-country medical coverage, possibly tuition and a living allowance.  Consult the Fulbright web page for detailed country descriptions and requirements, and for award statistics.

How Do I Apply? Meet with the Fulbright Program Advisor to discuss potential projects and the application process. In the case of most research grants, formal affiliation must be made with a host institution prior to submitting the application.

Essay(s): Two-page statement of proposed study or research; one-page personal statement.  For the ETA: one-page proposal and one-page personal statement.

What happens after I submit an application? After the Marist Fellowship Committee reviews your application, there will be an on-campus interview. The committee will evaluate your application and provide feedback, and a Campus Committee Evaluation will be included with the application upon submission.
What's next? The Institute of International Education convenes country or regional committees to screen and select applications. These National Screening Committees will recommend approximately two times as many applications as there are grants available; these semifinalist applications are forwardedfor consideration by the host country commissions. Semifinalists are notified in late January that their names have been sent to the country to which they applied. Subsequently, the host country embassy or Fulbright Commission will make the final selection of Fulbright recipients; finalists will be notified in late spring, typically around late March or April.

In October 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Fund of Seattle, Washington, USA announced a donation to the University of Cambridge of $210 million to establish the Gates Cambridge Trust.

This benefaction creates in perpetuity 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. Each year, approximately 100 new Gates Scholars are elected.

Please review the award details on the Gates Cambridge website.

Who is eligible? Applicant must have been admitted to Cambridge University through the University's normal application procedures. Candidates are usually under 30 years old. Open to citizens of any country outside of the United Kingdom
When is the Deadline? Campus Deadline: Early September, Gates Deadline: Early October
Description This program hopes to create a network of future leaders from around the world who will bring new vision and commitment to improving the circumstances of citizens in their respective countries. Provides support for one-year postgraduate course of studies, for a two-year research-based masters degree, or for a three-year research based PhD.
How Do I Apply? Applicants for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship must apply to the University of Cambridge in the normal way and also submit the Cambridge Trusts Scholarship Application form.
Essay(s): Some faculty and departments ask a writing sample so they can make an assessment of your knowledge and the level at which you are working. In addition, the approximately 500-word Gate Cambridge Statement "is used by the Gates Cambridge Shortlisting Committees to distinguish between candidates who have been highly ranked by departments on academic grounds. It helps the Committees identify those candidates who, as well as being academically outstanding, possess a capacity for leadership and commitment to improving the lives of others. Note that this is the only part of the application form where you are asked about your 'fit' with Gates Cambridge."
What happens after I submit an application? The Gates Cambridge Trust will draw up a shortlist of applicants to be invited to interview, and also takes advice from the various academic committees at Cambridge about the relative merits of the different applications.
What's next? Candidates accepted for admission at Cambridge and awarded the Gates Scholarship take up residence at the University following the schedule for normal matriculants. Applicants who are declined scholarships are automatically considered for a part-cost award from other Cambridge Trusts.

 

Named in honor of former US Senator George J. Mitchell who was responsible for the Good Friday Peace Accord in Ireland, these scholarships allow Americans to pursue one year of post-graduate study at institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The goal of Mitchell Scholarships is to interest the next generation of American leaders in the island of Ireland. Scholars will be encouraged to take advantage of the various educational and social opportunities that will be offered to them during their stay by members and friends of the US-Ireland Alliance.

Prospective Scholars must have a "demonstrated record of intellectual distinction, leadership, and extra-curricular activity, as well as personal characteristics of honesty, integrity, fairness, and unselfish service to others, which indicates a potential for future leadership, and contribution to society." There are no restrictions as to academic field of study although the proposed course of study must be available at the university elected by the applicant and the applicant's undergraduate program must provide sufficient basis for study in the proposed field. As institutional balance will be a factor, an applicant's likelihood of being selected is significantly increased if the applicant expresses a willingness to attend more than one of the eligible institutions.
For more information, visit the Mitchell Scholarship home page.

Who is eligible? U.S. citizens, aged eighteen or over but not yet thirty on October 1 in the year of application. Completion of a Bachelor's degree before they begin postgraduate studies in Ireland.
When is the Deadline? Campus: Mid-August, Mitchell: End of September
Description: Scholars are eligible to attend institutions of higher learning in Ireland, including the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and the two universities in Northern Ireland, for one academic year of graduate study. The award seeks evidence of high academic achievement, leadership, and clear commitment to community and public service. The award covers tuition and room/board, as well as a monthly stipend.  Round-trip airfare to Ireland is also provided.
How Do I Apply? The Mitchell application is entirely online. The student is responsible for ensuring all materials, including recommendations, are uploaded prior to the deadline, but should also seek out the guidance of the campus representative.  Once the online application is complete and submitted, the student will be contacted to set up an online video interview.
Essay(s): Personal statement (1,000 words maximum). The personal statement or essay is your opportunity to share your personality, passion, and drive with the selection committee that cannot be communicated elsewhere in the application materials. You will be required to affirm that this is your original work and that no one has assisted you with the personal statement in any way.
What happens after I submit an application? Semifinalist Skype interviews will take place in late October.  "Finalist Weekend," when in-person interviews take place, is held in mid- to late November.
What's next? Three events are mandatory for each Mitchell Scholar:  a September orientation (usually held in Dublin), a mid-year retreat (usually held in Northern Ireland), and commencement in May (somewhere on the island -- it changes each year).  The Mitchell Scholarship covers hotel expenses for these obligatory events, but the Scholars are expected to use the stipend to cover their travel and any incidentals.  There are also optional but highly recommended gatherings, such as Thanksgiving dinner in Dublin and a trip to Glenstal Abbey.  

Four times in the year, on assigned dates, the Mitchell Scholars will write blogs for the Mitchell Scholarship website about their experience.

Established in 1953 by the British Parliament, the scholarships commemorate the human ideals of the European recovery program and are an expression of gratitude to the United States for the aid granted under the Marshall plan. These scholarships enable Americans to gain an understanding and appreciation of the British way of life, as well as their social and academic values. The hope is to encourage recipients to be ambassadors to the United Kingdom for their own way of life, and to establish long-lasting ties between the UK and the US on a personal level. Up to 40 Marshall scholarships are awarded annually.

The committee looks for students that are distinct in intellect and character, as demonstrated by academic achievements as well as participation in other activities and purposes. Preference is given to candidates that display a potential to make significant contributions in their own society. Candidates should indicate two preferred universities; it should be known that university choices other than Oxford or Cambridge are particularly welcome.

For further information refer to the Marshall Scholarship web site at 
http://www.marshallscholarship.org

For more information about UK Universities and University Colleges
http://www.educationuk.org/

Who is eligible? American citizens holding a bachelor's degree conferred between 3 years before and the fall after application is made. Must have at least a 3.7 cumulative GPA. May not already hold a British degree or the degree-equivalent.

When is the Deadline? Campus: Mid-August, Marshall: Early October

Description: Covers expenses for travel, living and one to two years of study, earning a postgraduate degree in any discipline in the United Kingdom. "Expressions of interest in studying at universities other than Oxford, Cambridge and LSE are particularly welcomed. Candidates are especially encouraged to consider the Marshall Partnership Universities."  Up to forty Marshall Scholars are named each year.
How Do I Apply? Candidates must be nominated by Marist College, and may not apply directly. Applicants must make a case for first- and second-choice programs of study, typically from the most rigorous programs in the target discipline. Application is online through the Embark electronic system.Essay(s):One 500-word discussion of the applicant's promise as a prospective young ambassador from the United States; one 500-word essay illustrating the candidate's leadership qualities; a 500-word essay providing the rationale for the student's target university; one 1000-word personal statement.  The applicant should bear in mind the Marshall priority on candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding.
What happens after I submit an application? Finalists are invited to interview in one of the eight Marshall regions during the month of November.

What happens next? For each selected Scholar,the Commission makes every effort to secure placement at the first choice University and course, but ultimately the decision to accept a Scholar is with the University and not with the Commission. The Marshall Commission cannot, therefore, guarantee that a Marshall Scholar will be admitted to the University of their choice.

Thirty-two Rhodes scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors each year. The awards are distributed geographically over the United States, thus making the Rhodes one of the most competitive scholarships available. Initial screening is at the state level; successful applicants are then interviewed in one of 8 districts. You can apply either in your home state or the state where you attend college.

The Rhodes Scholarships, in short, are investments in individuals rather than in project proposals. While a strong academic record is required to compete, this alone does not constitute a Rhodes scholar. Rhodes scholars are well-rounded individuals possessing many attributes such as leadership ability and service activities.

Any field of study may be pursued at Oxford, however a program in that field must be available and the student's undergraduate record must provide a sufficient basis for advanced study in the selected area.You can explore different graduate study opportunities at Oxford by visiting this page.

For further information, refer to the Rhodes Scholarship web site.

Who is eligible? American citizens 18-23 years old by October 1 of the year of application and receiving the bachelor's degree by the following October.
When is the Deadline? Campus Deadline: Mid-August, Rhodes Deadline: Early October
Description: Two years, renewable in some circumstances for a third year of postgraduate study. All expenses and travel for study in any subject to earn a graduate degree from the University of Oxford..
How Do I Apply? Candidates must be nominated by Marist College, and may not apply directly. An application must be submitted to the nomination committee.
Essay(s): "A personal statement not exceeding 1000 words which the applicant must attest as wholly truthful and his or her own work. The statement should describe the applicant's academic and other interests, and describe the specific areas of proposed study and the reasons for wishing to study at Oxford."
What happens after I submit an application? There are sixteen Rhodes Districts.  Finalists selected by the regional screening committees will be invited to attend a reception and personal interview, and remain for possible reinterviews and the election announcement, in the city serving the respective district region, on the Friday and Saturday preceding the Thanksgiving holiday.
What's next? The announcement of the new class of Rhodes Scholars follows closely after the selection interviews.

Since 1960, the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York has awarded over 120 scholarships for graduate studies in Scotland. The goal of the Society is to promote good will and cultural exchange between the United States and Scotland.

For more information, see the Saint Andrew's website.

Who is eligible? College seniors who will receive the bachelor's degree in the Spring following submission of their scholarship applications; who are of some Scottish descent; who have evidence of high academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and financial need.
When is the Deadline? Campus: Early November, St. Andrew's: December 15 of the senior year
Description: The scholarship awards a total of $30,000 to help pay for the student's tuition, board, transportation and incidentals while attending a year of graduate school in Scotland. Preference is given to applicants with no previous study in the United Kingdom. The program prioritizes students with notable academic achievements, significant extracurricular activities, financial need, and evidence of both Scottish background and U.S. citizenship.
How Do I Apply? Applicants must research specific schools in Scotland that appeal to their particular interests. The Saint Andrew's Society will consider only one applicant per undergraduate institution. All candidates must live or attend school within 250 miles of New York State.
Essay(s): Statement of personal objectives, including the significance to the student of studying in Scotland.
What happens after I submit an application? In February or early March, the Review Committee generally invites six finalists to lunch in New York City. These finalists are required to provide proof of application to their chosen Scottish graduate program.
What's next? Following the luncheon interviews, the Committee selects two students to receive a scholarship for graduate study in Scotland.

Of the 200 applicants selected as Schwarzman Scholars, 45 percent will come from the United States, 20 percent will come from China, and 35 percent will come from the rest of the world.

“Every year, up to 200 Schwarzman Scholars will represent the world’s next generation of leaders — high-caliber individuals with open minds and limitless potential.

Schwarzman Scholars will be selected on the basis of not only their academic aptitude and intellectual ability, but also their leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, ability to anticipate and act on emerging trends and opportunities, exemplary character, and desire to understand other cultures, perspectives and positions.

All qualified candidates will have successfully completed their undergraduate degrees prior to enrollment and must be proficient in English.”

Explore the Schwarzman Scholars Program website.

Who is eligible? Applicants must be at least 18, but not yet 29 years old by the August 1, preceding Orientation to the Schwarzman Scholars Program in China. Applicants must have strong mastery of English. Instruction in Mandarin is included in the Schwarzman curriculum.
When is the Deadline? Campus Deadline: Mid-August, Schwarzman Deadline: End of September
Description: One year of international leadership studies in China, with three curricular specializations (Public Policy/Economics and Business/International Studies) leading to the award of the Masters in Global Studies from Tsinghua University. The Program also includes the opportunity to work with a senior mentor, and to meet business and community leaders across China. The Schwarzman Program seeks out potential leaders with strength of character, an interest in other cultures and worldviews, and evident skills in innovation,
How Do I Apply? Students apply through the Schwarzman Program application online. Those applying as seniors must work with the Marist Campus Representative –the Graduate School and Fellowship Advisor—for both guidance and because the campus representative provides the institutional endorsement letter.  Applicants are also encouraged to submit a brief (one minute) video of self-introduction.
Essay(s): One essay comprised of three subsections: a 750 word Personal Statement; a 750 word Leadership Section; a 500 word Current Affairs Section.
What happens after I submit an application? Finalists are invited to interview at one of three locations around the world by mid-October. Final admissions decisions are announced in mid-November.