McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Program

🏫 About McDonnell International Scholars Academy

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a prestigious program designed to develop global leaders and experts in various fields. Scholars are selected based on their leadership potential, cultural competence, and academic excellence.

The Academy fosters a vibrant, diverse community of graduate students from around the world, offering unique opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and cultural exchange. Scholars participate in activities such as:

• First-year leadership seminars
• Cohort trips
• Community service projects
• Presentation skills development

Through these experiences, McDonnell Scholars are empowered to drive positive change and contribute to their communities with a global perspective.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: September 15, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
• Category:
  • Postgraduate
  • Masters
  • PhD
  • Fully Funded
  • Grants
• Opportunity Location: United States

🎁 Benefits of McDonnell International Scholars Academy

McDonnell Scholars receive comprehensive financial and programmatic support, including:

• Full tuition and a monthly living stipend
• Relocation expense allowance and travel allowance
• Opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance of campus
• Multifaceted instruction, cultural experiences, dedicated mentorship, and access to a global network of students and alumni

✅ Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

• Applicants from all countries and institutions are eligible to apply.
• Priority is given to international graduate candidates who are graduates of one of the Academy’s Partner Universities.
• Applicants must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before July 2025.
• This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.

Specific Applicant Categories:

1. Partner Applicants (Partner Scholars):
   Graduates of one of the McDonnell Academy’s 30+ partner universities. Priority is given to these candidates.

2. International Applicants (Global Scholars):
   Non-U.S. citizens who graduated from institutions outside the partner network, either internationally or U.S.-based. Limited fellowships are available.

3. Domestic Applicants (U.S. Scholars):
   U.S. citizens who earned degrees from U.S. or international institutions. Limited fellowships are available.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, use the “Am I Eligible” tool on the admissions webpage.

📝 Application Process

1. Submit WashU Graduate Application

• Apply to an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree program through the WashU Graduate Admissions Portal.
• After submission, a link to the McDonnell Academy fellowship application will appear on your Status Page.

2. Opt-In for McDonnell Academy

• During your WashU application, indicate interest in applying for the McDonnell Academy fellowship.

3. Complete McDonnell Academy Application

• For programs within the portal (PhD, MSW, MFA, etc.), complete the McDonnell Academy application on your Status Page.
• For external programs (JD, MBA, MD, etc.), follow specific instructions provided via email after submitting your WashU application.

4. Submit All Required Materials

• Ensure both your graduate program and McDonnell Academy applications are complete before the deadline.

5. Receive Further Instructions

• If applying through SOPHAS or external portals, check your email for additional details on the fellowship application process.
• Refer to the application instructions for more details.

📌 Application Deadline

October 1, 2025

🌐 Additional Information

• For more details, visit the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.
• To apply, visit the official application portal.

This is a fully funded opportunity for outstanding graduate students to join a global network of leaders and innovators. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative program!

• Full tuition and a monthly living stipend.
• A relocation expense allowance and travel allowance.
• Opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance to campus.
• Multifaceted instruction, cultural experiences, dedicated mentorship, and an expansive worldwide network of students and alumni.