McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Program 2025-2026

📖 About the Program

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Program is a university-wide initiative at Washington University in St. Louis that attracts premier graduate students from international institutions and the United States.

Key Highlights:

• McDonnell Scholars are selected based on their leadership potential and cultural competence.
• The program fosters a dynamic community enriched by diverse academic disciplines and global perspectives.
• Scholars participate in leadership seminars, cohort trips, community service projects, and presentation skills development.

Through mentorship, professional development, and unique engagement opportunities, McDonnell Scholars embark on a transformative journey to drive positive change and foster growth in their communities and beyond.

🎁 Benefits

Comprehensive Support

• Fully funded tuition
• Generous monthly stipend
• Professional development funding
• One-time relocation allowance
• Access to networking opportunities, specialized workshops, exclusive events, and corporate showcases.

Leadership Development

• Tailored learning opportunities to develop leadership skills and tackle complex global issues.

Community Living

• Opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance of the Danforth campus.

Mentorship by Renowned Faculty

• Personalized mentorship and guidance from world-class faculty to support academic and professional development.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

• Experience life in vibrant St. Louis and participate in cultural events and activities.
• Annual trips to New York or Washington D.C. for first- and second-year scholars.

Communications Training

• Specialized courses to enhance interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.

Global Network

• Join a diverse community of scholars and alumni from across the globe, creating lifelong connections that bridge cultures and academic disciplines.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Program:

• Applicants must submit an application to an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree program.

  • Application to the McDonnell Academy is separate from the application to a graduate degree program at Washington University in St. Louis.

• Applicants must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the 2025-2026 academic year (July 2026).

  • This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.

• Applicants from all domestic and international institutions are welcome to apply.

  • Priority is given to international graduate candidates who are graduates of one of the 30+ partner universities.

📝 Application Process

To complete your application, you must submit the following materials:

1. Personal Essay
   Write an essay (750 words or less) explaining why you want to be a McDonnell Scholar and how the fellowship will impact your goals and career aspirations.

2. Short Video
   Record a two-minute video using the provided prompts to help the selection committee understand you beyond your academic pursuits.

📅 Important Dates

• Date Published: September 30, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

🌐 Scholarship Application Portal

For more details, visit the McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Program.

🏫 School

• Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

This fellowship program offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain cultural competence, and join a global network of scholars while pursuing advanced degrees at one of the world's leading universities.

• Comprehensive Support: Fully funded tuition, generous monthly stipend, professional development funding, one-time relocation allowance, and access to extensive resources such as networking opportunities, specialized workshops, exclusive events, and corporate showcases.
• Leadership Development: Scholars engage in enriching learning opportunities that have been specially tailored to develop leadership skills and to prepare them to tackle complex issues with ingenuity and resilience.
• Community Living: Opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance to the Danforth campus.
• Mentorship by Renowned Faculty: World-class faculty provide personalized mentorship and guidance to support academic and professional development.
• Immersive Cultural Experiences: Experience life in vibrant St. Louis and participate in cultural events and activities. Each year, first- and second-year McDonnell Scholars travel to either New York or Washington D.C.
• Communications Training: Scholars participate in specialized communication training courses to enhance their interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Global Network: Join a diverse and vibrant community of scholars and alumni from across the globe, creating lifelong connections that bridge cultures and academic disciplines.