WashU McDonnell International Scholarship and Fellowship 2026
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WashU McDonnell International Scholarship and Fellowship 2026.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy cultivates a community of culturally and academically diverse leaders who will address the world’s most complex challenges by driving positive and lasting change.
Through the WashU McDonnell International Scholarship’s longstanding international partnerships, the program is an incubator of groundbreaking ideas that advance collaborative interdisciplinary research.
A transformational experience, the Academy enhances leadership capacity through mentorship, professional development, and unique engagement opportunities.
The WashU McDonnell International Scholarship fosters the character and conviction to lead with a global mindset and social responsibility.
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.
Summary of the 2026 WashU McDonnell International Scholarship and Fellowship
- Type: Master’s, PhD Scholarships, Fellowships
- Country to study: USA
- School to study: Washington University in St. Louis
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Sponsor: McDonnell International Scholars Academy
- Benefits: Full Scholarship, Living Stipend, Travel Costs, Mentorship
- Deadline: January 31st, 2026
Requirements for the 2026 WashU McDonnell International Scholarship and Fellowship
- 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
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.
Selection Criteria for 2026 WashU McDonnell International Scholarship and Fellowship
Academic distinction:
- Scholars are selected based on 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 globally.
- 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.
Application Guidelines
- Applicants must apply to an eligible Washington University doctoral or master’s degree program
- Apply for the McDonnell’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.
