McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes31 Jan, 2026

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis supports outstanding graduate students. The fellowship provides full tuition coverage for eligible master’s and doctoral programs at WashU. Scholars receive a generous monthly living stipend, a one-time relocation allowance, and a monthly travel allowance to support academic and professional activities.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.0

Languages

DuoLingo English Test 125, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, PhD

Total Scholarships

~20-25

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Yes

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

March-April

Program Start

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline31 Jan, 2026
LevelMaster's, PhD
InstitutionWashington University in St. Louis
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) supports outstanding graduate students worldwide. The program recognizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to global engagement. It aims to cultivate future leaders who can tackle complex global challenges and make meaningful contributions in their fields.

Background and Purpose

WashU established the McDonnell Fellowship to bring together top graduate students from diverse disciplines and countries. The program promotes intercultural collaboration, professional growth, and global leadership. Fellows benefit from a supportive academic community and mentorship that enhances research, leadership, and career development skills. The Academy fosters connections among scholars, faculty, and alumni to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange on global issues.

McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides full tuition coverage for eligible master’s and doctoral programs at WashU. Scholars receive a generous monthly living stipend, a one-time relocation allowance, and a monthly travel allowance to support academic and professional activities. Beyond financial support, the program offers leadership workshops, communication training, and cohort-based experiences, including visits to Washington, D.C., and New York. Fellows also benefit from individualized faculty mentorship and access to a vibrant global network of peers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must apply to an eligible WashU master’s or doctoral program. Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and global engagement. Selection considers achievements, potential for impact, and alignment with the Academy’s goals. The fellowship is highly competitive, with only 20–25 scholars selected annually.

McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Application Process

Applicants submit a separate fellowship application through WashU’s graduate admissions portal alongside their program application. The selection process includes an extensive review of academic records, leadership accomplishments, and personal statements, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates.

Opportunities for Scholars

McDonnell Fellows gain comprehensive financial support, professional development, and global networking opportunities. They join a diverse and collaborative community that fosters leadership, intercultural dialogue, and career advancement. The program prepares scholars to become influential leaders in academia, policy, and global initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to apply?

Are applying (or have applied) to an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree program.
Will have earned a bachelor’s degree before the start of the academic year you wish to enroll (e.g., before July 2026 for the 2026 admission cycle).
Are not enrolled already in a graduate degree program at WashU (first‑year students only).
Applicants from all countries and institutions are welcome; international candidates and graduates of McDonnell partner universities may receive priority consideration.

How do I apply?

Submit your application to an eligible WashU doctoral or Master’s degree program (via the WashU graduate admissions portal).
Once submitted, your WashU Graduate Application Status Portal will display a link to the McDonnell Academy fellowship application.
Complete and submit the McDonnell Academy application by January 31st with all required materials (see below).
Ensure all components, including your graduate application and fellowship application, are submitted on time.

What qualities do selectors look for?

Academic excellence and distinction
Global perspective and mindset
Leadership potential and community engagement
Capacity for positive impact and transformative leadership