If you’re a talented American looking to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom, you may want to consider applying for a Marshall Scholarship.
Established in 1953 by the British government as a gesture of gratitude for the assistance provided through the Marshall Plan, the scholarship is named after Secretary of State George C. Marshall.
Its aim is to strengthen the enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom by providing future leaders with a lasting understanding of British society.
The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses for up to two years of graduate study at a British university of your choice. As a Marshall Scholar, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with Britain through its best academic programmes, enhancing your intellectual and personal growth.
Selection and Award
Selection Criteria
The Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission selects winners of the Marshall Scholarship based on three main criteria: academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential.
The selection process is highly competitive, with only the most accomplished undergraduate university students and recent graduates in the United States being chosen.
Academic merit is a key factor in the selection process. Candidates must have obtained a first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States by the time they take up their scholarship in September of the year following their selection.
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential for future academic success.
Leadership potential is another important factor. Candidates must show evidence of leadership skills and potential to make a significant contribution to their field of study and society as a whole. This can be demonstrated through academic, athletic, or extracurricular activities.
Ambassadorial potential is also considered. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to represent the United States in the United Kingdom and serve as ambassadors of American culture, values, and ideas.
This can be demonstrated through previous experiences living or working abroad, as well as through the candidate’s personal statement.
Award Benefits
The Marshall Scholarship provides full funding for up to two years of graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers tuition and fees, living expenses, and travel costs to and from the United Kingdom. In addition, the scholarship provides a book allowance and a research allowance.
Winners of the Marshall Scholarship also become part of a prestigious community of scholars and leaders. They have the opportunity to participate in exclusive events and programs, including the Marshall Forum, which brings together winners from across the years to discuss important issues facing the world today.
Overall, the Marshall Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious award that recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential.
If you meet the selection criteria and are awarded the scholarship, you will have the opportunity to pursue graduate study at a top university in the United Kingdom and become part of a community of scholars and leaders who are making a difference in the world.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Marshall Scholarship, you must be a citizen of the United States of America and hold your first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
You must have obtained your degree by the time you take up your scholarship, which would be in September 2024 for the 2024 Marshall Scholarship.
Additionally, you must have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. However, it is important to note that the GPA is just one of many factors considered during the selection process.
The Marshall Scholarship is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. Therefore, it is important to highlight your achievements in these areas in your application.
If you are not eligible for this program, there are other scholarship programs available to study in USA (with different requirements).
Application Procedure
The application process for the Marshall Scholarship is highly competitive and requires careful planning and preparation. Before applying, it is important to read the Rules for Candidates carefully to ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
The application consists of several components, including a personal statement, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You will also need to provide details of your proposed course of study and your chosen universities in the UK.
It is important to note that the selection process for the Marshall Scholarship is highly competitive and involves multiple rounds of review. Therefore, it is important to submit a strong and well-prepared application.
In summary, to be eligible for a Marshall Scholarship, you must be a citizen of the United States of America and hold your first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
You must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.7 and demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. To apply, you must carefully prepare and submit a strong application that highlights your achievements in these areas.
Participating Institutions
If you’re interested in applying for a Marshall Scholarship, it’s important to know which institutions participate in the program. Marshall Scholarships are tenable at a variety of institutions in the UK and the US, including public universities, private universities, and colleges.
British Universities
Marshall Scholarships are currently available at a number of British universities, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, King’s College London, the London School of Economics, University College London, the University of Bristol, and Cardiff University.
These universities are all highly regarded and offer a wide range of degree programs in various fields, from the humanities to the sciences.
American Universities
In the United States, Marshall Scholarships are available at a variety of universities, including some of the most prestigious institutions in the country.
These include Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Columbia University, Stanford University, Brown University, the University of Alabama, the US Air Force Academy, Arizona State University, and the University of Connecticut, among others.
It’s worth noting that Marshall Scholarships are not limited to these institutions, and in some cases, awards may be held at other institutions that offer degree courses in partnership with and validated by a university.
If you’re interested in a particular institution that isn’t listed here, it’s worth contacting the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission to find out if it’s eligible for the program.
Overall, the participating institutions in the Marshall Scholarship program represent a diverse range of academic disciplines and offer students the opportunity to pursue their interests and passions at some of the world’s most respected universities and colleges.
In conclusion, the 2023 Marshall Scholarships represent an exciting opportunity for talented individuals to pursue their academic goals and contribute to society.
The scholarship programme is expected to continue to play a vital role in supporting future leaders and building partnerships in the years to come.