SCHOLARSHIP: Washington University McDonnell, USA International Scholarship for Postgraduate | Masters | Ph.D | Fellowship Students
The McDonnell International Scholarship Academy program cultivates a community of culturally and academically diverse leaders who will address the world’s most complex challenges by driving positive and lasting change.
McDonnell Scholars are selected based on their ability to emerge as leaders who are experts in their fields with perspectives that reflect cultural competence. Scholars are given a generous financial package to support their graduate and professional degree studies at Washington University in St. Louis.
About university:
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a private research university in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1853 by a group of civic leaders and named for George Washington, the university spans 355 acres across its Danforth and Medical campuses. It comprises nine schools and offers more than 150 undergraduate, 80 master’s and professional, and 50 doctoral degree programs. As of 2024, Washington University enrolled 16,399 students representing all 50 U.S. states and more than 110 countries.
Scholarship deadline:
January 31, 2026
Scholarship details:
- Host Country: United States of America USA
- Study Abroad: Study in USA
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | Travel Costs | Mentorship
- No IELTS Required
Scholarship eligibility requirements:
To be considered for the 2026 McDonnell International Scholars Academy;
- Applicants must apply to an eligible Washington University doctoral or master’s degree program.
- Application to the McDonnell Academy is separate from and in addition to an application to a graduate degree program at Washington University in St. Louis. Applicants must apply separately to both the McDonnell Academy and the WashU doctoral or master’s program.
- Applicants must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the 2025-26 academic year (July 2026).
- This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.
- Applicants from all countries are welcome. However, priority is given to international graduate candidates who are graduates of one of the Academy’s Partner Universities.
Selection Criteria for 2026 McDonnell International Scholars Academy
- Academic distinction: Scholars are selected on the basis of their academic talent, promise and ambition to become future leaders in academia, government, the professions, or the corporate world.
- Global mindset: Scholars share a global outlook, embrace difference, and express interest in broader social and cultural issues. They are committed to engaging in dialogue across disciplines and cultures.
- Leadership: Scholars demonstrate a desire and potential to generate positive change in their communities and around the world. They are committed to engaging in the Academy’s platform for leadership development and communication acumen.
- Community: Scholars become part of a diverse, close-knit community. They share a commitment to engaging in the Academy’s academic, professional and social activities and to strengthening ties across our global network of partners.
Scholarship Application Guidelines:
To apply for the 2026 McDonnell International Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should;
- Click on the button below to visit the scholarship webpage
- Applicants must apply to an eligible Washingon University doctoral or master’s degree program.
- Apply for the MCDonell’s International Scholars Academy Fellowship program for funding
- Application to the McDonnell Academy should be completed online as part of your WashU graduate program application. The following application materials should be received by the application deadline — January 31 at 11:59 pm CST.
- Personal essay
- Short video
- Recommendation letter
- Please visit the application instructions page for detailed information on the required components and to learn how to apply.
- Decisions are typically made by the end of March, and usually no later than mid-April. Approximately 20 Scholars are admitted to the McDonnell Academy each year.
- Your applicant dashboard within the online application will be updated to reflect the decision that is reached regarding your acceptance. Accepted individuals will also receive an email notification with further information.
Scholarship Benefits:
McDonnell Scholars receive both financial and programmatic support, including:
- 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, and;
- multifaceted instruction, cultural experiences, dedicated mentorship, and an expansive worldwide network of students and alumni.
