UK GOVERNMENT (MARSHALL AID COMMEMORATION COMMISSION)
Marshall Scholarship
full · masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Any UK universityHost institutions
- Up to ~50 / yearAwards
- US citizensEligibility
- Master’s & PhDStudy level
- 1–2 years (3rd possible)Duration
At a glance
full
Funding
€45k
Max amount
Sep 29, 2026
Deadline
United States
Country
UK Government (Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission)
Provider
The Marshall Scholarship finances young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Created by an Act of Parliament in 1953 as a living gift commemorating the Marshall Plan, it expresses British thanks to the United States and aims to strengthen the enduring relationship between the two countries. Up to ~50 scholars are selected each year. Marshall Scholars can study any subject at any UK university, at master's or doctoral level, for one or two years (with the possibility of a third). The scholarship is famous for its academic selectivity — successful candidates are typically at the very top of their class — and for producing leaders across government, academia, science, business, and the arts. Administered by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission and funded by the UK government, the scholarship combines generous funding with an emphasis on ambassadorial qualities: the capacity to engage with British society and to build lasting US–UK ties.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — University tuition and fees paid in full.
- Personal stipend — ~£18,000/year living allowance, with a higher rate for London.
- Travel — Return airfare between the US and the UK at the start and end of the scholarship.
- Book & thesis grants — Grants toward books, and a thesis/research grant where applicable.
- Research & daily travel — Support for research travel and approved fares relevant to the course.
- Partner contribution — A possible contribution toward a spouse/partner in defined circumstances.
How to apply
You apply online through the Marshall Scholarship system, assigned to one of ~8 U.S. regional committees. The application centres on four essays, references, transcripts, and a clear plan of UK study.
- Confirm eligibility — Check citizenship, GPA, recency, and the no-prior-UK-degree rule.
- Choose your UK programmes — Identify the UK universities and courses you would join and explain the academic case for each.
- Write the essays — Draft the personal/ambassadorial statement, the academic plan, the choice-of-universities essay, and the career plan.
- Secure endorsements — Obtain your institution's endorsement (where required) and letters of recommendation.
- Submit by the deadline — Apply online by ~late September through your assigned regional committee.
- Regional interview — Shortlisted candidates interview before the regional selection committee in ~November.
Eligibility
CitizenshipU.S. citizen at the time of application.
Degree & GPABachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution with a minimum GPA of 3.7.
RecencyCompleted your first undergraduate degree within the ~3 years before taking up the scholarship.
No prior UK degreeYou may not already hold a degree (or equivalent) from a UK institution.
CoursePlan a postgraduate degree (any field) at any UK university, normally for one or two years.
Applications are made through one of ~8 regional U.S. selection committees based on where you live or studied. There is no separate quota by region beyond committee allocation.
Eligible countries
United States
Deadlines
2027 UK study2026-09-29
Selection
Selection is by ~8 regional committees that assess academic distinction (most scholars are summa cum laude / top of class), leadership and ambassadorial potential, and the coherence of the proposed UK study and career plan. The four essays and a rigorous regional interview are decisive; the scholarship explicitly seeks people who will strengthen the US–UK relationship.
Verified sources
- Marshall Scholarship — Applymarshallscholarship.orgofficial
About the provider
The Marshall Scholarship is administered by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission and funded by the UK government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office). Established by Act of Parliament in 1953, it commemorates the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan and seeks to strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples by educating future American leaders in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Marshall Scholarship?
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A UK-government-funded scholarship, created in 1953 to commemorate the Marshall Plan, that finances outstanding young Americans to pursue a degree at any UK university. Up to ~50 scholars are chosen each year.
Who is eligible?
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U.S. citizens with a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution, a GPA of at least 3.7, who graduated within the last ~3 years and do not already hold a UK degree.
What does it cover?
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Full tuition, a personal stipend (~£18,000/year, higher in London), return airfare, book and thesis grants, research and daily travel support, and a possible partner contribution.
How long is the scholarship?
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One or two years for most scholars, with the possibility of applying for a third year. Both one-year and two-year study plans are offered.
What can I study?
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Any subject at any UK university, at master's or doctoral level. You may propose a single degree or, in some plans, study across institutions.
When is the deadline?
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Applications open in ~mid-August and close in ~late September for UK study beginning the following autumn. Confirm the exact date on the Marshall website.
How do I apply?
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Online, through one of ~8 U.S. regional selection committees based on where you live or studied. The application centres on four essays, transcripts, and references.
How competitive is the Marshall?
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Extremely — roughly 1,000 of the strongest U.S. graduates apply for up to ~50 awards each year (~3–5%). Academic distinction and ambassadorial potential are decisive.
Can I apply for the Marshall and the Rhodes at the same time?
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Yes, you can apply for both, but you cannot hold both. If offered both, you must choose one. Their committees and processes are independent.
What are the four essays?
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A personal/ambassadorial statement, an academic plan, an essay on your choice of UK universities and courses, and a career-plan essay. Together they must tell a coherent story.
Do I have to return to the US afterward?
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There is no formal return requirement, but the scholarship's purpose is to develop future American leaders who strengthen US–UK ties, and many scholars build careers connected to that mission.
Who are notable Marshall Scholars?
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Alumni include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, columnist Thomas Friedman, Nobel laureate economist Esther Duflo, and many leaders across government, academia, journalism, and the arts.