The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is an esteemed graduate fellowship program that provides outstanding leadership training for students pursuing graduate and professional degrees. This Academy brings together students from various cultural and academic backgrounds, forming a vibrant community of future leaders committed to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. Through mentorship, professional growth, and unique engagement opportunities, scholars undergo a transformative experience that enhances their ability to create meaningful change. The program fosters a diverse community of leaders dedicated to driving positive and enduring impact. With its established international partnerships, it serves as a hub for innovative ideas that promote collaborative interdisciplinary research. The Academy builds leadership capacity through mentorship and professional development, instilling the values and commitment necessary for global-minded and socially responsible leadership. Scholars are chosen for their potential to excel as leaders in their fields, demonstrating cultural competence. They receive substantial financial support for their graduate studies.
McDonnell International Scholarship Summary:
- Host Country: 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
- Deadline: January 31, 2025
Eligibility Requirements for 2025 McDonnell International Scholars Academy:
To be considered for the 2025 McDonnell International Scholars Academy:
- Applicants must apply to an eligible doctoral or master’s degree program at Washington University.
- The application to the McDonnell Academy is separate from the application for a graduate degree program at Washington University in St. Louis. Applicants are required to submit separate applications for both the McDonnell Academy and the WashU doctoral or master’s program.
- Applicants must have either earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the 2024-2025 academic year (July 2025).
- This fellowship is not available for undergraduate programs.
- Applicants from esteemed partner universities or other domestic and international institutions are invited to apply! All applicants are welcome, but priority is given to international graduates from the Academy’s Partner Universities.
Benefits of McDonnell International Scholarship 2025:
McDonnell Scholars receive both financial and programmatic support, including:
- Full tuition coverage for an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree program is provided.
- A monthly living stipend is offered.
- A one-time relocation allowance is provided.
- An annual travel allowance is available to support leadership, academic, and career development activities.
- Opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance to campus.
- Comprehensive education, diverse cultural experiences, dedicated mentorship, and a vast global network of students and alumni are offered.
Selection Criteria for 2025 McDonnell International Scholars Academy:
- Academic Excellence: Scholars are selected based on academic talent, promise, and ambition to lead in various fields.
- Global Perspective: Scholars embrace a global outlook, welcome differences, and engage with broader social and cultural issues.
- Leadership Potential: Scholars demonstrate a desire and ability to create positive change in their communities and worldwide.
- Diverse Community: Scholars join a close-knit, diverse community committed to participating in academic, professional, and social activities while strengthening global connections.
Required document for the McDonnell International Scholarship:
To apply for the McDonnell International Scholarship, you need to fill out the online application and include the necessary documents as part of your WashU graduate program submission. Please ensure that you submit the following materials by the deadline of January 31 at 11:59 pm CST:
- Personal essay – Write a 1,000-word essay or less explaining your reasons for wanting to be a McDonnell Scholar and how the McDonnell Academy fellowship will impact your goals and career aspirations.
- Short video – Create a two-minute video using the provided prompts to share more about yourself beyond your academic interests.
- Recommendation letter – Select someone who knows you well and can speak to your leadership skills, character, and potential for growth. Include their contact information in your application.
Eligible Programs for the McDonnell International Scholarship:
Here are the eligible graduate programs for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University in St. Louis, categorized by school:
Arts & Sciences:
PhD in Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Comparative Literature, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Economics, Education, English, Germanic Languages and Literatures, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychological & Brain Sciences, Romance Languages and Literatures, Sociology.
Brown School:
Master of Public Health (MPH)
PhD in Public Health Sciences
Master of Social Work (MSW)
PhD in Social Work
Olin Business School:
MBA
PhD in Business Administration
Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts:
Master of Architecture
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Art, MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture
McKelvey School of Engineering:
PhD programs in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
School of Law:
Juris Doctor (JD)
Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD)
School of Medicine:
PhD in Biochemistry, Computational & Systems Biology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics & Genomics, Molecular Microbiology, Neurosciences, Plant & Microbial Biosciences
Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI), Genetic Epidemiology (MSGE)
How to Apply for 2025 McDonnell International Scholarship:
To apply for the 2025 McDonnell International Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should:
- Click on the button below to apply for the scholarship. 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.
- During your WashU application, indicate interest in applying for the McDonnell Academy fellowship.
- 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.
- Ensure both your graduate program and McDonnell Academy applications are complete before the deadline.
- If applying through SOPHAS or external portals, check your email for additional details on the fellowship application process.
Apply online for McDonnell International Scholars programs using this link below:
