The McDonnell International Scholars Academy (McDonnell Academy) at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a prestigious graduate fellowship program. It brings together high-potential students from around the world to pursue master’s or doctoral/professional degree programs, with a strong emphasis not only on academic excellence but leadership, global mindset, community engagement, and cross-cultural understanding.
The program is fully funded; successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support plus enriched programming designed to develop leadership, communication, and global skills.
Benefits of The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship
Here is what Scholars receive under the 2025-26 cohort:
- Full coverage of tuition in an eligible WashU master’s or doctoral degree program.
- Generous monthly stipend to cover day-to-day living expenses.
- One-time relocation allowance to move to St. Louis; travel allowances for academic, leadership, and conference-related travel.
- Prestige, access to professional opportunities, visibility, and possible collaborations.
- Opportunity to live in private, modern cohort housing near WashU’s Danforth Campus, fostering community among Scholars.
- Includes a first-year leadership seminar, communication training (written, presentation, interpersonal skills), cohort trips (e.g. to New York or Washington, D.C.), workshops, professional development funding, exclusive events and corporate showcases.
- Each Scholar is mentored by faculty; they also join a global network of alumni and students from many countries and disciplines.
- Activities and trips intended to broaden cultural exposure and help integrate into a global academic community.
Eligibility Criteria for The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship
To be eligible for the 2025-2026 McDonnell Academy Fellowship, Applicants must meet the following:
- Hold (or expect to hold before the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year) a bachelor’s degree or higher. Undergraduates are not eligible.
- Apply (or have applied) to an eligible WashU master’s or doctoral (or professional graduate) degree program. The McDonnell Academy application is separate from, but runs alongside, your WashU graduate program application.
- International and domestic applicants are welcome. Priority is often given to students from one of the McDonnell Academy’s 30+ partner universities around the world. But graduates from other institutions may also apply.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Required Materials.
To apply for The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship, Applicants must submit the following;
- Personal Essay: Typically ≤ 750 words, explaining why you want to be a McDonnell Scholar, how the Fellowship aligns with your goals and what you aim to contribute.
- Short Video: ~2 minutes, following prompts supplied, to reveal your personality, leadership, aspirations beyond academic credentials.
- Graduate Program Materials: All standard materials for the WashU graduate program (transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores if required, etc.). Without admission to the graduate program, you cannot be considered for the Fellowship.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship Selection Criteria
When evaluating applicants, McDonnell looks for a mix of:
- Strong past academic performance, research or professional experience.
- Evidence of leadership roles, initiative, capacity to drive positive change in your community or field.
- Interest in cross-cultural issues, international collaboration, adaptability, perspective.
- Desire to engage with community, teamwork, service, building networks, giving back.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 for the 2025-26 cohort.
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