2026 Marshall Scholarship for US Citizens

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom, in a system of higher education recognised for its excellence. Established by a 1953 Act of Parliament, Marshall Scholarships are primarily funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and were created in enduring gratitude to the American people for the Marshall Plan, by which the United States provided economic aid to the United Kingdom after World War II.

The Marshall Scholarship programme is overseen by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission – a UK government body referred to below as the “Marshall Commission” or “the Commission”. The Marshall Secretariat administers the Marshall Scholarship programme. 

• Table of Content
• About Marshall Scholarship
• Marshall Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Marshall Scholarship
• Requirements for Marshall Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Marshall Scholarship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Marshall Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Marshall Scholarship

The total value of a Marshall Scholarship varies according to costs associated with particular courses and locations within the UK, but all Scholars will receive the following: 3

• Payment of tuition fees;
• A personal allowance (“stipend”) to cover accommodation and basic living expenses. The stipend rates are set by the UK Government and are reviewed annually. As an indicator, the current 2024-25 stipend rate is £1,378 per month if studying outside of London and £1,690 for those studying in London. The first stipend payment is received upon arrival to the UK;
• Fares for economy flights to and from the United States at the start and end of tenure (plus a mid-term visit to the US for those on multi-year programmes);
• Payment of visa fees and for access to the UK National Health Service;
• Additional allowances totalling at least £3,000 to support academic research, leadership development and ambassadorial engagement during scholarship tenure. 

Requirements for Marshall Scholarship Qualification

To be eligible for a 2026 Marshall Scholarship, candidates must:

• Be citizens of the United States of America (at the time they apply for a scholarship);
• (By the time they take up their scholarship i.e. September 2026) hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States;
• Have obtained a grade point average of not less than 3.7 on their undergraduate degree at the time of application. We do not accept rounded GPA’s.
• Have graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2023.
• 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 UK.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Marshall Scholarship

They are looking for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding. In doing so, we recognise the value of diversity among applicants and promote equality of opportunity.

The selection criteria are divided into three equally weighted categories:

• Academic Merit
• Leadership Potential
• Ambassadorial Potential

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Chevening Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Candidates are responsible for completing the online application form and submitting it through the system to their undergraduate institution. The institution will then ensure that the application is complete and make a decision whether they wish to endorse the application or not. If the Institution elects to endorse the application, they will add a letter of endorsement on behalf of the candidate and will then submit it through the system to the appropriate regional committee. Candidates are advised to contact their undergraduate institution as soon as possible if they are considering applying for a Marshall Scholarship.

For more details, visit Marshall Scholarship webpage