Introduction
The Marshall Scholarship is among the most prestigious awards available to American students, providing total funding for graduate-level studies at British universities. The Marshall Commission receives around 1,000 to 1,200 applications from qualified candidates nationwide annuall. With up to 50 scholarships awarded annually, the acceptance rate is approximately 4-5%, highlighting the highly competitive nature of this esteemed program. This blog covers everything you need about the scholarship, from eligibility criteria to the application process and the financial benefits it offers.
Covered Expenses
The Marshall Scholarship covers all reasonable educational costs, which include:
Tuition fees
Living expenses
Travel costs to and from the United States
Claimable allowances totalling approximately £3,500 for various academic expenses, UK travel, shipping, and one return flight to the US during the scholarship tenure
Participating Universities
The Marshall Scholarship can be used at any British university, including those part of the Marshall Partnership Universities. These include:
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
King's College London
London School of Economics (LSE)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Marshall Scholarship, you must:
Be a citizen of the United States (at the time of application).
Hold your first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
Have a minimum GPA of 3.7 on your undergraduate degree.
Have graduated from your first undergraduate college or university after April 2022.
Not have studied for or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British university or undertaken GCSE or A Levels in the UK.
Application Process
The application cycle for the Marshall Scholarship opens in June, with a deadline at the end of September. Here's a step-by-step guide to the process:
Submit Personal Statements:
Personal statement
Statement about proposed study plans
Statement about post-scholarship plans
Leadership statement
Ambassadorial potential statement
2. Provide Academic Transcripts: Include transcripts from all attended institutions.
3. Upload a CV: Outline your academic and extracurricular achievements.
4. Secure Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required:
One primary academic reference
One general academic reference
One focusing on leadership skills
Important Notes
Candidates can only apply for either the one-year or the two-year Marshall Scholarship. Applying for both results in automatic disqualification.
It is essential to read course descriptions and structures thoroughly. Listing qualifications not funded by the Marshall Commission will lead to disqualification from the interview process.
Selected candidates are expected to attend their first-choice university, although the Marshall Commission cannot guarantee admission.
Conclusion
The Marshall Scholarship offers American students a prestigious opportunity to pursue graduate studies at top UK universities with comprehensive financial support. With a 4-5% competitive acceptance rate, applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and ambassadorial qualities. Thorough preparation and strong application materials are crucial for success. If eligible, the scholarship can significantly enhance your academic and professional journey.
We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.
Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.
