Admissions

What are We Seeking in a Scholar? 

McDonnell Scholars are chosen for their potential to become future leaders and are supported in developing their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. In selecting our Scholars, we consider:

• Academic distinction: Scholars are selected on the basis of their academic talent, and ambition to become leaders in their chosen profession or community.
• Global mindset: Scholars share a global outlook, embrace difference, and are interested in broader social and cultural issues.
• Leadership: Scholars demonstrate a desire and potential to generate positive change in their communities and around the world.
• Community: Scholars are part of a diverse, close-knit community. They engage in the Academy’s academic, professional, and social activities.

Selected from diverse degree programs and countries, our Scholars enrich the program with their varied perspectives, fostering a rich dialogue and experience. Explore more about the program.

Eligibility

The McDonnell International Scholars graduate fellowship is open to WashU graduate and professional degree applicants who have applied to an eligible WashU graduate degree program.

To qualify to apply for the McDonnell International Scholars program:

• Applicants must submit an application 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. For most programs, applicants can submit their applications to both the desired graduate program and the McDonnell Academy through the WashU graduate application portal.
• Applicants must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the 2024-2025 academic year (July 2025). This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.
• Whether you’re a graduate of one of our esteemed partner universities or from other domestic and international institutions, we invite you to apply! Applicants from all countries are welcome! Priority is given to international graduate candidates who are graduates of one of the Academy’s Partner Universities.

Fellowship Benefits

• Full tuition for study in an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree program;
• Monthly living stipend
• One-time relocation allowance
• Annual travel allowance to support travel for leadership, academic and career development activities
• Opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance to campus. Read more about the McDonnell Academy Residences.
• Multifaceted instruction designed to develop the McDonnell Scholars defining attributes of global mindset, leadership, and community;
• Cultural experiences such as cohort trips to Washington D.C. and New York, and participation in international research symposia
• Individual mentorship by dedicated faculty and alumni who support the Scholar’s academic and professional growth
• Expansive network of students and alumni from across countries and disciplines.

Application and Selection Process

Applying

Embark on your journey toward becoming a global leader and engaged citizen!

The McDonnell Academy fellowship application is offered as an optional component of the online WashU graduate program application. If your program is eligible, a link to apply to the McDonnell Academy will be available on your WashU Graduate Application Status Portal once you submit your degree program application.

For eligible programs that are not within the WashU Graduate Application Portal, you will receive further instructions on how to apply after you submit your degree program application.

To complete the application process, you must submit the following materials:

• Personal essay – Write an essay, 1,000 words or less, explaining why you want to be a McDonnell Scholar and how the McDonnell Academy fellowship will impact your goals and career aspirations. 
• Short video – Record a two-minute video using the provided prompts to help us get to know you beyond your academic pursuits.
• Recommendation letter – Select an individual who knows you well and can highlight your leadership skills, character, and potential for growth. Provide their contact information in the application.

Please note: The McDonnell Academy application opening date aligns with the respective graduate program application opening date. If the program you plan to apply for has not opened applications yet, you cannot apply to the Academy until it does.

Evaluation & Decisions

Each year the McDonnell Academy receives numerous applications from highly competitive candidates. McDonnell Scholars are chosen through a rigorous selection process.

1. Beginning February 15th, applications are reviewed and evaluated by the McDonnell Academy admissions committee. A select group of will be advanced to the next round of the selection process.
2. In early March, selected candidates will be invited to participate in virtual interviews with the admissions committee panel.
3. Each year, approximately 20-25 exceptional candidates are admitted to the prestigious McDonnell Academy, with final decisions communicated by the end of March, and usually no later than mid-April.

Applicants can track their application’s progress through their WashU Graduate Application Portal status page.