McDonnell Scholars
McDonnell International Scholars Academy fellowship program is a community of culturally and academically diverse leaders who will address the world’s most complex challenges by driving positive and lasting change.
Through its longstanding international partnerships, the program is an incubator of groundbreaking ideas that advance collaborative interdisciplinary research. The Academy enhances leadership capacity through mentorship, professional development, and unique engagement opportunities. It is this foundation that builds 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.
McDonnell International Scholars Eligibility
Interested candidates in this scholars must have:
- The McDonnell International Scholars graduate fellowship is open to prospective graduate and professional degree students who plan to attend Washington University in St. Louis and enroll in one of a select group of full-time doctoral or master’s degree programs.
- Applicants must apply to an eligible WashU 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 2023-24 academic year (July 2024).
McDonnell Academy Scholars Process & Requirements
- Application to the 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.
- Candidate’s biographic information and academic history
- Personal essay
- Short video
- Recommendation letter
- Online application requirements are outlined in detail on the application instructions page.