Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship Program, established in 1953, honors U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall and expresses Britain’s gratitude for economic assistance received through the Marshall plan after World War II. The Marshall Commission offers one year scholarships or two year scholarships. Candidates may apply for a one-year or a two-year scholarship but not both.

Marshall Scholarships gives high achieving young Americans the opportunity for graduate study in the United Kingdom. Each year, 40 scholars are selected for graduate study at a British University with all expenses paid by the British government. Marshall Scholars are talented, independent and wide-ranging, and their time as Scholars enhances their intellectual and personal growth. Candidates are selected who have the potential to excel as scholars, leaders and as contributors to improved UK-U.S. understanding. Assessment will be based on academic merit, leadership potential and ambassadorial potential.

Eligibility 

  • Institutional endorsement required - applicants are not able to apply directly
  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen
  • Open to all academic fields
  • Graduating senior or alumni (within two years of graduating from an undergraduate institution in the U.S.
  • 3.7 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • No prior study for or degree or degree-equivalent qualification from British universities/institutions

Award Highlights: 

  • University fees, living expenses
  • Annual book grant, and thesis grant including research and daily travel grants
  • Fares to and from the U.S. (and when applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse)

Application Components: 

  • Online application
  • Letter of recommendation (3)
    • Applicants should identify recommenders in the following order: the preferred recommender, a general recommender (who should have taught or supervised the applicant), and a leadership recommender; two of these recommenders must be located in the U.S.
  • Brief response on post-scholarship plans (150 words): Candidates should describe their immediate plans upon completion of their Marshall Scholarship and how two years spent undertaking a degree in the UK will enhance these plans. Candidates should describe plans for employment or further study and indicate how they will develop ongoing connections with the UK.  Candidates should also indicate a career objective.
  • Personal statement (1000 words max) that outlines the candidate's intellectual growth, long with their other interests and endeavors.
  • Academic Proposal: Candidates should describe their proposed academic program, giving reasons for their choice of course and preferred university. Those hoping to read for a research degree should give an outline proposal of the research they wish to undertake and with whom they want to work. Candidates should also explain their second-choice course of study and institution.
  • Leadership Statement: Candidates should describe a situation in which they were working with a group of people and recognized and responded to a need for leadership.  The objective is to the help the committee understand the candidate's leadership conviction and drive, style and potential, rather than provide a list of achievements. 
  • Official transcripts (uploaded; PDF must include both grades and explanation pages)
    • If invited to interview, candidates must mail a physical copy of the official transcript to their Regional Center
Award Website

http://www.marshallscholarship.org

application Deadline

Submit Intent to Apply by June 1 for those who wish to apply in fall of the same year

UO Endorsement Submission Deadline: August 23, 2023 (5:00 pm Pacific Time)

External Deadline: September 28, 2023 (5:00pm Pacific Time)

Contact the Advising Team

*Meeting with ODS Advising Team is REQUIRED for UO Endorsement

Advisor: Office of Distinguished Scholarship