McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for exceptional graduate students to join Washington University in St. Louis and become part of a global network of future leaders. Designed to attract top talent from around the world, this fully funded fellowship supports Master’s and PhD students across all seven academic schools, providing comprehensive financial assistance, mentorship, and leadership development. Scholars benefit from a vibrant, multicultural community where diverse perspectives drive innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.
As a McDonnell International Fellow, students engage in transformative experiences, including first-year leadership seminars, cohort trips, community service initiatives, and professional development programs. The fellowship emphasizes cultural competence, interdisciplinary research, and global impact, empowering scholars to cultivate leadership skills and foster positive change in their fields and communities. With full financial support and access to unique academic and networking opportunities, the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 equips graduate students to excel as globally minded leaders.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
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.
Required Documents for McDonnell International Fellowship 2026
- Personal essay
- Short video
- Recommendation letter
How to Apply?
- Click the button to visit the official scholarship webpage.
- Apply to an eligible Washington University doctoral or master’s degree program.
- Apply for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship through your WashU graduate program application.
- Submit your application online via the WashU Graduate Application Status Portal.
- Ensure the following materials are submitted by January 31, 2026, 11:59 pm CST: see the Required Documents section.
- Decisions are usually made by the end of March and no later than mid-April.
- Approximately 20 Scholars are admitted to the McDonnell Academy each year.
- Your applicant dashboard will be updated with your admission decision, and accepted individuals will receive an email notification with further instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 welcomes graduate applicants worldwide applying to eligible WashU programs. Required materials include a personal essay and a short video. Decisions are made by late March or mid-April, selecting about 20 scholars annually.
Who is eligible to apply for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026?
Applicants from all countries and institutions are welcome, whether graduates of partner universities or other institutions. Eligible candidates must apply to an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s program and meet specific partner, global, or domestic criteria.
Do I need to submit a CV, GRE score, or other documents for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026?
No. For the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026, only your completed application, personal essay, and short video are required. CVs, GRE scores, and other academic records are not needed or evaluated for this fellowship.
How do I submit my video introduction for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026?
Applicants provide a URL to their video in the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 application. Videos can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, or WeTransfer. Ensure privacy settings allow the committee to view it.
Does the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 require an interview?
Yes. Selected candidates are invited for virtual interviews via Zoom in early March. Not every applicant will receive an interview due to the high number of applications for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 each year.
Can I be accepted to the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 without a WashU degree program offer?
No. Only candidates accepted to an eligible Washington University graduate program are considered for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026. Admission to WashU is mandatory for fellowship eligibility.
When are decisions announced for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026?
The McDonnell Academy committee reviews applications in mid to late February. Decisions are typically made by the end of March and no later than mid-April. Approximately 20 scholars are selected each year and notifications are sent via the applicant dashboard and email.
If I applied to multiple WashU programs, do I need separate applications?
Yes. You must complete a separate McDonnell Academy application for each WashU graduate program you applied to. However, you may use the same essay and video materials for each application, streamlining the process while meeting the requirement.
Can international students with a US degree apply?
Yes, international applicants who obtained a US undergraduate degree but spent most of their lives outside the US are eligible. They qualify as Global Scholars and can submit an application for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 under the same criteria as other international candidates.
How do I apply for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026?
To apply for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026, submit an application to an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s program. A link to the fellowship will appear on your WashU status page. Specific instructions are provided for programs outside the portal. Applications close January 31.
I haven’t applied to a WashU graduate program yet. Can I still apply for the McDonnell International Fellowship 2026?
No. The McDonnell International Fellowship 2026 is only open to applicants who have applied to an eligible WashU graduate or professional program. First, explore the available WashU degree programs before applying.
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