Marshall Scholarships aims to enable young Americans to study in the UK, promoting academic excellence and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to society.
The Marshall Scholarship aims to provide a transformative experience, encouraging recipients to engage in the intellectual, cultural, and social life of the UK while enhancing their knowledge in specific academic fields.
The scholarship was established in 1953 by the British government and are among the most prestigious international awards available to American students. It was named after George C. Marshall, the U.S. Secretary of State who proposed the Marshall Plan that aided in the post-World War II reconstruction of Europe, these scholarships are designed to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom through educational exchange and collaboration.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the Marshall Scholarship, candidates must:
- Be citizens of the United States of America (at the time they apply for a scholarship);
- (By the time they take up their scholarship i.e. September 2025) hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States;
- Have obtained a grade point average of not less than 3.7 on their undergraduate degree at the time of application. We do not accept rounded GPA’s.
- Have graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2022.
- Not have studied for, or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British University or GCSE or A Levels taken at school in the UK.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are responsible for completing the online application form and submitting it through the system to their undergraduate institution. The institution will then ensure that the application is complete and make a decision whether they wish to endorse the application or not. If the Institution elects to endorse the application, they will add a letter of endorsement on behalf of the candidate and will then submit it through the system to the appropriate regional committee. Candidates are advised to contact their undergraduate institution as soon as possible if they are considering applying for a Marshall Scholarship.
Applications will be received and reviewed at eight regional centres in the United States. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview in November. The final selection will be announced shortly after interview. Successful applicants will be offered a scholarship in writing, and will be asked to accept or decline this offer, also in writing, within 10-12 days of receiving it. In keeping with other UK government-funded programs the Marshall Commission asks Scholars to give a definitive and final response in this way, so that the Commission can at the earliest opportunity arrange the best and most appropriate graduate program and living accommodation for each Scholar’s needs.
AWARD BENEFITS
The Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel and other allowances typically for one or two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension for certain programs.
CONCLUSION
As the Marshall Scholarship enters its eighth decade, its relevance remains undiminished. The program’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and cultural exchange is as vital today as it was in 1953. By investing in the next generation of leaders, the scholarship continues to strengthen the bond between the United States and the United Kingdom while addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The legacy of the Marshall Scholarship is a testament to the enduring power of education to transform lives and build bridges between nations. As new cohorts of scholars embark on their journeys each year, they carry forward a tradition of excellence, service, and global engagement that will shape the future for generations to come.
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