Aim and Benefits of McDonnell International Scholars Academy

• Comprehensive Support: Scholars benefit from a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, a generous monthly stipend, professional development funding, and a one-time relocation allowance. In addition, they gain access to extensive resources such as networking opportunities, specialized workshops, exclusive events, and corporate showcases. These opportunities provide invaluable insights, exposure, and connections that will significantly enhance their professional growth.

• Leadership Development: Scholars engage in enriching learning opportunities that have been specially tailored to develop leadership skills and to prepare them to tackle complex issues with ingenuity and resilience.

• Community Living: Scholars have the opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance to campus, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among fellow Scholars. 
• Mentorship by Renowned Faculty: Scholars partner with world-class faculty who provide personalized mentorship and guidance to support academic and professional development.

• Immersive Cultural Experiences: Scholars experience life in vibrant St. Louis and participate in cultural events and activities with McDonnell Scholars & Alumni from more than 70 academic programs and 50 international institutions around the world. Each year, first- and second-year McDonnell Scholars travel to New York and Washington, D.C., where they gain enriching insights into business, entrepreneurship, finance, media, and government.

• Communications Training: Scholars participate in specialized communication training courses to enhance their interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.

• Global Network: New scholars join a diverse and vibrant community of scholars and alumni from across the globe, creating lifelong connections that bridge cultures and academic disciplines.

Requirements for McDonnell International Scholars Academy Qualification

To qualify to apply for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy fellowship program:

• Applicants must submit an application to an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree program. For most programs, applicants can submit their applications to both the desired graduate program and the McDonnell Academy through the WashU graduate application portal. 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.
• Applicants must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the 2025-2026 academic year (July 2026). This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.

Applicants from from all domestic and international institutions are welcome to apply! Priority is given to international graduate candidates who are graduates of one of the 30+ partner universities.

Interview date, Process and Venue for McDonnell International Scholars Academy

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

• Personal essay – Write an essay, 750 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.