Marshall Scholarship | Eligibility And How to Apply

Marshall Scholarship enables young Americans of exceptional talent to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Each year, up to fifty Scholars are chosen to pursue graduate studies in a UK school in any subject. Interesting, right? Read on!

Marshall Scholarship Overview

The Marshall Scholarships are among the most prestigious awards available to American students pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK, offering financial support for up to two years, with a possible third-year extension in some cases.

Competition for these scholarships is intense, and they are open to postgraduate students in any discipline at any UK university.

This guide will outline the benefits of the Marshall Scholarships and explain the application process, including eligibility criteria and the interview process.

What is the Marshall Scholarship?

Established by the British government in 1953 and named after General George C. Marshall, the Marshall Scholarship honours the man behind the Marshall Plan, which provided economic aid from the USA to Europe after World War II.

Over the decades, more than 2,000 American students have studied in the UK through this scholarship, including two US Supreme Court Justices, 14 MacArthur Genius Grant recipients, six Pulitzer Prize winners, and a Nobel Prize laureate—highlighting the scholarship’s prestige.

Each year, up to 50 Marshall Scholarships are awarded, providing recipients with the following financial benefits:

Coverage of tuition fees
A personal allowance
Travel expenses to and from the UK
Grants for books, thesis, and research expenses
A daily travel allowance

The total value of a Marshall Scholarship is approximately £38,000 per year (around USD $49,945).

While the scholarships are available at all UK universities, applicants are particularly encouraged to consider Marshall Partner Universities, which have strong ties with the scholarship program.

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Marshall Partner Universities

The Marshall Scholarships are linked with several prominent UK universities, including:

University of Bath
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Edinburgh
King’s College London
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge, among others.
Pathways Under the Marshall Scholarship

There are several pathways you can pursue with a Marshall Scholarship:

One-year Master’s Scholarship:

For a single one-year Master’s program, non-extendable.

Two-year Master’s Scholarship:

For either two one-year Master’s programs, a two-year research Master’s, or the first two years of a PhD.

Two-year Scholarship (with a possible third-year extension):

This can combine Master’s and PhD studies.

For the third option, you can either start a PhD in the first year or transition from a Master’s to a PhD and apply for a third-year extension.

Eligibility for a Marshall Scholarship

To be eligible for a Marshall Scholarship, you must:

Be a US citizen
Have completed a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited US university by the time the scholarship begins
Have a minimum GPA of 3.7 during your undergraduate studies
Be a recent graduate, having graduated no more than three and a half years before the start of the scholarship (e.g., April 2021 for September 2024 applicants)
Not have previously studied in the UK

Course Eligibility

Marshall Scholarships can be used for most Master’s and PhD programs at UK universities, with exceptions for:

MBAs
Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
Distance learning courses
Courses starting in January
Programs involving an international placement

How to Apply for a Marshall Scholarship

Applications usually open in June, with a deadline in late September. You’ll apply through one of eight regional centres in the USA, depending on your university and home address:

Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Houston
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
Washington DC

Your application must be endorsed by your undergraduate university or, in some cases, your graduate school. The application includes the following components:

Personal statement
Study plans
Post-scholarship plans
Leadership statement
Ambassador potential statement

You’ll also need to submit academic transcripts, a CV, and three letters of recommendation.

Apply HERE

Selection Criteria

Marshall Scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants are assessed on three equally important criteria:

Academic Merit:

A minimum GPA of 3.7 is required, and candidates should demonstrate additional achievements such as prizes, publications, or scholarships. A clear study plan that aligns with your academic and career goals is essential.

Leadership Potential:

This involves showcasing your influence, determination, and leadership abilities, both academically and in extracurricular activities. Evidence of your capacity to contribute to society is key.

Ambassadorial Potential:

Candidates should have a strong understanding of US-UK relations and demonstrate interpersonal skills, confidence, and the ability to engage others. Knowledge of US-UK relations is crucial, as is evidence of activities that promote these relations.

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Marshall Scholarship Interviews

The interview, typically lasting about 30 minutes, is conducted by a selection committee, often including previous Marshall Scholars.

The interview covers your area of expertise, personal interests, current affairs, and your potential contributions as a Marshall Scholar.

It’s important to align your responses with the Marshall Scholarship selection criteria, focusing on your affinity with the UK.

Be prepared to discuss current events, and your motivations for choosing your program and institution, and demonstrate knowledge of General George Marshall and the Marshall Plan.

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