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McDonnell International Scholarship at Washington University USA, 2026

By: StudyPlace Joy
Last Updated: October 2, 2025

Fully funded, Merit Based

Funded By: Universities & Colleges
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis, USA
Slots: 20
Duration: Varies
Deadline: 31/01/2026

The McDonnell International Scholarship provides financial support for graduate and professional studies at Washington University in St. Louis, USA. This scholarship is for students who show leadership skills and cultural understanding. The 2026 McDonnell Scholars will receive full tuition, a monthly living stipend, a relocation allowance, and travel funds.

Benefits

Scholars will get:

Full tuition and a monthly living allowance.
Money for moving and travel.
Housing in private, modern apartments close to campus.
Teaching, cultural experiences, mentorship, and a worldwide network of students and alumni.

Eligibility

To apply for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy:

You must apply to an eligible doctoral or master’s degree program at Washington University.
You need to submit a separate application to both the McDonnell Academy and the WashU graduate program.
You should have already completed or plan to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher by the end of the 2025-26 academic year (July 2026).
This scholarship is not for undergraduate studies.
Applications are welcome from all countries, but priority is given to international students who are graduates from the Academy’s Partner Universities.

Selection Criteria

Academic Achievement: We choose scholars based on their school performance and their drive to be leaders in different fields like education, government, professional sectors, or business.
Global Awareness: Scholars should think globally, appreciate differences, and care about social and cultural issues. They are eager to communicate and learn from people of various backgrounds.
Leadership Potential: Scholars should want to make positive changes in their communities and the world. They must be ready to participate in leadership training and improve their communication skills through the Academy.
Community Involvement: Scholars join a diverse community where they take part in academic, professional, and social events and build connections with partners worldwide.

How to Apply

To apply for the McDonnell International Scholarship, interested candidates should:

Click the application link to go to the scholarship website.
Apply to a suitable doctoral or master’s program at Washington University.
Apply for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship for funding.
Complete the application for McDonnell Academy online as part of your WashU graduate program application. You need to submit the following by the deadline—January 31 at 11:59 pm CST:

Personal essay
Short video
Recommendation letter

For more details on how to apply and what you need to include;

Visit the application instructions page.
Decisions about the scholarship are usually announced by the end of March or mid-April.
About 20 scholars are chosen each year.
You can check your online application dashboard for your acceptance status.
Accepted applicants will also receive an email with more information.

StudyPlace Joy

Joy is a seasoned educational writer and a leading voice on the Nigerian education system. She provides trusted, insightful articles on university admissions and scholarships to empower students on their academic journey. She is dedicated to empowering Nigerian youth by providing them with the essential knowledge and strategic tools needed to achieve their goals.