Churchill Scholarship

Description

The Churchill Scholarship provides funding to American students for a year of Master’s study at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College. Sir Winston Churchill requested that this program be developed in order to fulfill his vision of US-UK scientific exchange. While attending the only college at Cambridge that is focused on STEM subjects, the scholars pursue independent research, which often leads to publication and constitutes excellent preparation for entering PhD programs.

Award

Full Scholarship for a one-year Master’s degree. The scholarship covers tuition, all University and College fees, living expenses, travel to and from the U.K., and the cost of a U.K. visa and health surcharge.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens
  • Seniors enrolled in a participating university or college 

Application Materials 

  • Online application
  • Four academic letters of recommendation
  • Separate application to the University of Cambridge, Churchill College 

Selection Criteria

  • Outstanding academic achievement. There is no minimum GPA, though most applicants have a very high average. The Committee looks at achievement in STEM courses, especially in the major, as indicated by course grades and recommendation letters.
  • Proven talent in research. Applicants in the sciences and engineering will demonstrate extensive laboratory experience, internships, or other related work, while applicants in mathematics will show substantial independent work or other projects. The Committee looks for originality and creativity.
  • Outstanding personal qualities. Understanding the time commitment required by research, the Churchill Foundation does not seek so-called “well-rounded” applicants; instead, it seeks applicants with interesting “jagged edges.” The Committee takes into account interests and achievements outside of research, but it does not favor any particular kind of activity.
Note: We are seeking more applicants for this scholarship. If you have a strong STEM background, substantial research experience, and a desire for a research-focused career, you are strongly encouraged to apply. According to the program website, "Many Churchill Scholars describe their year in Cambridge as the best year of their lives since it allows scholars to form friendships with their future colleagues from around the world, to attend the only college at Cambridge that is focused on STEM subjects, and have an opportunity for independent research (often leading to publications) that Churchill Scholars will not find again until well into their PhD programs."