Overview:
Founded by a 1953 Act of Parliament, Marshall Scholarships offer 1 – 3 years of post-graduate study to young Americans to a pursue a graduate degree in the United Kingdom in almost any field of study. Marshall Scholars receive funding for graduate study, including tuition, stipend and travel expenses.
The Marshall Scholarship is looking for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding. The selection criteria include:
- Academic Merit
- Leadership Potential
- Ambassadorial Potential
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen at the time of application
- Hold an undergraduate degree by the time the scholarship is awarded.
- First bachelor degree earned no earlier than April two years prior to application
- 3.7 GPA or higher (3.8 or higher, highly recommended)
Application Process:
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Penn State is required to nominate candidates, so students should follow this on-campus nomination process to be considered:
- Step 1: Email URFM@psu.edu your intent to apply.
- Step 2: Meet with URFM staff to go over application process and scholarship details. Appointments can be made via Starfish or by contacting URFM.
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Step 3: Complete the Marshall Application. This can be obtained by emailing URFM@ psu.edu. The application will include:
- Essay prompts
- A Resume
- A recent unofficial transcript
- Proposed academic program including UK institution choice
- 3 recommendations addressed to the UK Awards Nomination Committee must be emailed separately by the recommender to URFM@psu.edu. Recommendations should include: 1 preferred letter, 1 academic letter, and 1 leadership letter. For more information visit the Marshall Scholarship website.
- Step 4: Successful applicants will be invited for an interview with the Penn State UK Awards Nomination Committee after the applicable office deadline.
Office Application Priority Deadline – April 21, 2025
It is strongly recommended that applicants complete their application by the priority deadline. Applicants for this deadline will have the benefit of early notification of nomination status along with enhanced mentoring support over the summer to revise application materials for the national deadline.
Office Application Final Deadline – August 10, 2025
National Application Deadline – September 16, 2025 5:00 PM EST
Application materials required by the Marshall Commission must be submitted online via the portal and include a institutional letter of support prepared by the URFM office.