Fellowships & Scholarships
British Marshall Scholarship
Deadlines
  • Northeastern: 08/17/2023
  • Fellowship: 09/20/2023
Contact

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in applying for this fellowship, please fill out a preliminary questionnaire. You may contact the office with any questions.

Award Details

Award Website

The Marshall Scholarship enables intellectually distinguished young Americans, their country's future leaders, to study in the UK in order to help Scholars gain an understanding and appreciation of contemporary Britain and to motivate Scholars to act as ambassadors between the USA and the UK. The award is also designed to promote the personal and academic fulfillment of each Scholar. To this end, scholarships provide winners with two fully funded years of study, with a possible third-year extension, at any university in the United Kingdom and applicable to nearly any field of study. The scholarships have strengthened the bonds between our two countries since 1953 when they were first established by the British government to celebrate the implementation of the Marshall Plan.

Former Marshall Scholars, among whom are government dignitaries, pioneers in science and authors, have become distinguished in many professions. Current scholars are often noted for guiding school government and community work, as well as excelling in studies and personal endeavors.

In addition to the 40 regular scholarships, up to two post-doctoral Fellowships in science and engineering are offered to enable American scientists or engineers to undertake post-doctoral research for up to one year at a British university or research institute.

Many students who apply for a Marshall Scholarship will also end up applying for another prestigious fellowship, such as the Rhodes or Mitchell Scholarships.

Abroad Award
Term Length: 2 year or more
Needs Institutional Endorsement
US Citizenship Required
Minimum GPA: 3.7

  • 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 2023) 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 2020.
  • 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.
  • Application must be endorsed by a Northeastern internal committee.

The scholarships are open to American undergraduate and graduate students from all walks of life. In appointing Scholars, Marshall selectors seek those who “have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding.” For more information, see the Marshall web site, which offers a breakdown of each of these selection criteria.

Like the Rhodes, then, the Marshall seeks candidates who can demonstrate a distinction of intellect and character as evidenced by significant achievements, scholarly and otherwise, as well as candidates who are poised to make deep and meaningful contributions to society. The Marshall tends differ from the Rhodes somewhat, however, by placing more emphasis on the presentation of a specific and realistic academic program. Applicants must propose a feasible program of study to culminate in a second degree within two years.

The awards total approximately £20,000 (about $32,000 current exchange) and include tuition and fees, a living allowance, fares between the U.S. and Britain and a book grant.

Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships for an Applying for Prestigious Fellowships booklet and Request for Reference forms.

Applicants for the Marshall scholarship must be endorsed by Northeastern. In order to apply, please submit the following documents through Northeastern’s Internal Fellowship Portal by the internal deadline:

  1. A complete application form (which will include the Personal Statement and Proposed Academic Program).  The application becomes available when you register on the Marshall site. DO NOT submit your application through the Marshall site electronically for the internal deadline. Once your application is complete, but before it has been submitted electronically, create a PDF & submit this via the Prestigious Fellowships portal.
  2. Three letters of recommendation At least two of these must be from university faculty, at least three of these should be from people in the United States. One must be from a “Primary Academic Recommender” of your choice who can speak of your suitability for your proposed academic program. Contact Undergraduate Research and Fellowships for a Request for Reference form to send your recommenders. It is important that applicants DO NOT register recommenders online on official Marshall Application.  Once you register your referees on the online application, you will not be able to change your recommenders nor will your referees be able to make any changes to their letters for the national deadlines.
  3. A personal statement not exceeding 1000 words.
  4. A leadership statement.
  5. A proposed academic program.
  6. An official Northeastern University Transcript and any transcripts from other institutions you have attended.  Northeastern transcripts can be ordered through the Office of Registrar at 120 Hayden Hall or through the myNEU Web Portal.

In addition to a personal statement, an important part of the application is a statement describing the applicant’s “proposed academic programme” and justifying the candidate’s preferences for British institutions. Before applying, candidates are advised to investigate the availability of programs of study at various British universities. Some useful resources can be found through the Marshall web site.

All of these materials should be submitted electronically through Northeastern’s internal fellowship application portal.

NORTHEASTERN’S INTERNAL FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION PORTAL

Please be sure to include the YOUR NAME and THE FELLOWSHIP YOU ARE APPLYING TO in the subject line of any e-mails.

After the internal evaluation, selected candidates apply in one of eight regions, either the one in which they permanently reside or the one in which their undergraduate institution is located. In November, applications are reviewed by a regional committee. Short-listed candidates are called for interviews at the regional site. The 40 winners are announced in late November.

Interested? Have Questions?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in a fellowship or opportunity, please fill out a preliminary questionnaire. Contact the office with any questions: