The Marshall Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded award for US citizens to pursue graduate studies in the UK. It aims to strengthen the enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom by selecting scholars who have the potential to excel as leaders and contributors to improved UK-US understanding.
The Marshall Scholarship is administered by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, a UK government body. The program was established by an Act of the British Parliament in 1953 as a living memorial to the Marshall Plan, reflecting the continued gratitude of the British people for post-war American assistance.
Marshall Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees for up to two years of graduate study at any UK university
- A living allowance to cover accommodation and other expenses
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- A book and equipment allowance
- A contribution towards the cost of a thesis or dissertation
- Access to a network of distinguished alumni and ongoing support
Marshall Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of the United States of America
- Have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university in the US
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale
- Be applying for a one-year or two-year graduate degree at a UK university
- Not have previously studied for a degree in the UK
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving UK-US understanding
Important Application Requirements
- Applications must be completed through the online application system.
- Candidates may apply in only one geographic region.
- Applicants may choose either a one-year or two-year scholarship pathway, but not both.
- Applications require endorsement from the applicant’s undergraduate institution.
- Endorsements must be provided by authorized institutional representatives such as a President, Provost, Academic Dean, or designated university official.
- Three letters of recommendation are required as part of the application package.
How to Apply for Marshall Scholarship?
- Read the eligibility requirements, scholarship pathways, and Rules for Candidates carefully
- Review the evaluation criteria used by Selection Committees
- Review information on Marshall Partnership Scholarships
- Complete the online application form via the ASAMS system
- Submit the application to your undergraduate institution for endorsement
- Ensure your institution submits the application, including three letters of recommendation and a letter of endorsement, by the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Marshall Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Marshall Scholarship?
The Marshall Scholarship is a fully funded award for US citizens to pursue graduate studies in the UK. It was established in 1953 as a living memorial to the Marshall Plan and aims to strengthen the relationship between the US and UK by selecting future leaders.
Who is eligible for the Marshall Scholarship?
Applicants must be US citizens who have graduated from an accredited four-year US college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.7. They must be applying for a one-year or two-year graduate degree at a UK university and must not have previously studied for a degree in the UK.
What does the Marshall Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees for up to two years, a living allowance, travel costs to and from the UK, a book and equipment allowance, and a contribution towards thesis or dissertation costs. It is a fully funded award.
When is the deadline for the Marshall Scholarship?
For the 2027 competition, applicants and recommenders must submit by 29 September 2026 at 5:00pm in the time zone of the endorsing institution. The endorsing institution must submit by 1 October 2026 at 5:00pm in their time zone.
How do I apply for the Marshall Scholarship?
Applications are submitted online via the ASAMS system. Candidates must complete the form, submit it to their undergraduate institution for endorsement, and the institution then submits it to the appropriate regional committee. Detailed guidance is available on the official website.
Can I apply for both the one-year and two-year Marshall Scholarship?
No, candidates may apply for either the one-year or two-year scholarship, but not both. Applying for both will result in automatic disqualification.
How many applications can an endorsing institution submit?
No endorsing institution may submit more than 24 applications overall. There is no cap on the number of applications sent to an individual region.
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are reviewed at eight regional centres in the US. Shortlisted candidates are notified by early to mid-November and invited for interviews. Final selections are announced shortly after interviews.
Can I apply in more than one region?
No, candidates may apply in only one region: either the region of their permanent home address or ordinary residence, or the region where they are studying. Applying in more than one region leads to automatic disqualification.
What are the selection criteria for the Marshall Scholarship?
Selection committees look for candidates with the potential to excel as scholars, leaders, and contributors to improved UK-US understanding. Academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear plan for graduate study in the UK are key factors.
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