Who Are McDonnell Scholars?

McDonnell Scholars are WashU graduate students chosen based on their ability to emerge as leaders and experts in their fields, with perspectives that reflect cultural competence. The McDonnell Academy unites these exceptional individuals from diverse academic disciplines and regions around the world, fostering a dynamic and vibrant community enriched by a multitude of cultures and perspectives.

As part of the commitment to being a McDonnell Scholar, students engage in a first-year leadership seminar, cohort trips, community service projects, and presentation skills development. Participation is a key component of the program. Through mentorship, professional development, and unique engagement opportunities, McDonnell Scholars embark on a transformative journey that enhances their capacity to drive positive change, emerging with a global outlook and the ability to foster growth in their communities and beyond.

In selecting its Scholars, the Academy considers the following:

• Academic Distinction: Scholars are selected on the basis of their academic talent, promise, and ambition to become future leaders in academia, government, the professions, or the corporate world.
• Global Mindset: Scholars share a global outlook, embrace differences, and express interest in broader social and cultural issues. They are committed to engaging in dialogue across disciplines and cultures.
• Leadership: Scholars demonstrate a desire and potential to generate positive change in their communities and around the world. They are committed to engaging in the Academy's platform for leadership development and communication acumen.
• Community: Scholars become part of a diverse, close-knit community. They share a commitment to engaging in the Academy's academic, professional, and social activities and to strengthening ties across the Academy's global network of partners.

Fellowship Benefits

The McDonnell Academy provides both financial and programmatic support to enrich the WashU graduate experience, including the following:

• 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.
• 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.

Applying & Eligibility

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy graduate fellowship is open to incoming WashU graduate and professional degree applicants who have applied to an eligible WashU graduate program. Applications to the McDonnell Academy are accepted from September 1 through January 31 for fall enrollment.

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 completed or be on track to complete a bachelor's degree or higher before the start of the upcoming fall academic year. Please note that this fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.
• Continuing WashU graduate students are not eligible to apply, unless they are beginning a new eligible program during the upcoming fall semester.

Whether students are graduates of one of WashU's esteemed partner universities or from other domestic and international institutions, we invite them to apply! Applicants from all countries are welcome! Priority is given to international graduate candidates who are graduates of one of the Academy’s Partner Universities.

Learn More

For more information about eligibility, programming, and financial support, please visit the Admissions page of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy website.