The British Marshall Scholarships are an expression of Britain's gratitude for economic assistance received through the Marshall plan after World War II. Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Up to 50 Scholars are selected each year to study at graduate level at a UK institution in any field of study.

The Two Year Marshall Scholarship is tenable for two academic years (ie 22 months), but may be extended by the Commission, though not beyond the end of a third academic year. Third-year extensions are granted by the Commission on a limited basis, for strong academic reasons, subject to the availability of funds. The One Year Marshall Scholarship is tenable for one academic year (ie 12 months) and cannot be extended.

The scholarship covers: university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.

Deadlines

Internal: Second Wednesday in August
External: mid-September
Here's the link to view this year's specific deadline dates.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Marshall Scholarship, candidates must:

  • be citizens of the U.S. (dual citizens are eligible, but must have resided primarily in the U.S. before starting their undergrad degree);
  • hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States (by the time they take up their scholarship) ;
  • have obtained a grade point average of not less than 3.7 on their undergraduate degree (applicants must have a GPA of 3.7 at the time of application);
  • not have studied for, or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British university or GCSE or A Levels taken at school in the U.K.

Application

In appointing Marshall Scholars, the selectors will look for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding. Assessment will be based on academic merit, leadership potential and ambassadorial potential. Preference will be given to candidates who display a potential to make a significant contribution to their own society. Selectors will also look for strong motivation and seriousness of purpose, including the presentation of a specific and realistic academic program. The application and the details of the criteria used for scholarship selection can be found at marshallscholarship.org and include the following:

  • Application form
  • Personal statement essay (750 words)
  • Proposed Academic Program essay (500 words)
  • Post-Scholarship Plan essay (150 words)
  • Ambassadorial Potential essay (500 word)
  • Leadership essay (500 word) 
  • COVID-19 statement (150 words) explaining your circumstances during Covid-19 and the impact on you.
  • Certified Academic transcript(s)
  • Three letters of recommendation - one preferred recommender (this is your primary academic mentor), one general (should be academic) recommender, one focused on leadership. 
  • Letter of endorsement from Kenyon

Learn more at marshallscholarship.org, by visiting the Office of National Fellowships & Scholarships, or by contacting the faculty liaison.