{"id":32255,"date":"2025-09-29T01:17:58","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T01:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=32255"},"modified":"2025-09-29T01:17:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T01:17:58","slug":"mcdonnell-academy-call-for-applications-for-2024-25-graduate-fellowships-is-now-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=32255","title":{"rendered":"McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship 2026 \u2013 Fully Funded Graduate Scholarship at Washington University"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"433\">About the McDonnell Scholars Academy<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"828\">The <strong data-start=\"438\" data-end=\"482\">McDonnell International Scholars Academy<\/strong> at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a prestigious graduate fellowship program dedicated to cultivating future global leaders. Each year, the Academy brings together exceptional graduate students from across the world, offering them an unparalleled combination of academic excellence, leadership development, and cultural exchange.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"907\">Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open through <strong data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"904\">January 31, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"935\">Program Overview<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"1263\">The McDonnell Academy equips outstanding students with the skills, networks, and opportunities to make a lasting global impact. Through comprehensive support, immersive experiences, and mentorship from world-class faculty, McDonnell Scholars are empowered to excel in their fields while fostering international collaboration. For more info please visit the <a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/about\/the-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Program Overview<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-underline\">Eligibility<\/h2>\n<p>To qualify to apply for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy fellowship program:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants must submit an application to an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/apply\/eligible-washu-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eligible WashU doctoral or master\u2019s degree program<\/a>. For most programs, applicants can submit their applications to both the desired graduate program and the McDonnell Academy through the WashU graduate application portal.\u00a0<em>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.<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Applicants must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree or higher before the end of the 2025-2026 academic year (July 2026). This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/community\/partners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">30+ partner universities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list link-toggle-true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list-item\">\n<div class=\"has-icon has-icon-ambassador\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-underline\">Benefits<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Comprehensive Support:<\/strong>\u00a0Scholars 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leadership Development:<\/strong>\u00a0Scholars 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Community Living:<\/strong>\u00a0Scholars 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mentorship by Renowned Faculty:<\/strong>\u00a0Scholars partner with world-class faculty who provide personalized mentorship and guidance to support academic and professional development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Immersive Cultural Experiences:<\/strong>\u00a0Scholars experience life in vibrant St. Louis and participate in cultural events and activities with McDonnell Scholars &amp; 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Communications Training:<\/strong>\u00a0Scholars participate in specialized communication training courses to enhance their interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Global Network:<\/strong>\u00a0New scholars join a diverse and vibrant community of scholars and alumni from across the globe, creating lifelong connections that bridge cultures and academic disciplines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list link-toggle-false\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-underline\">Application Requirements<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>To complete your application, you must submit the following materials:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Personal essay \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Short video \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Record a two-minute video using the provided prompts to help us get to know you beyond your academic pursuits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list link-toggle-false\">\n<div class=\"has-icon has-icon-profile\">\n<h2 data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3608\">How to Apply<\/h2>\n<ol data-start=\"3609\" data-end=\"3842\">\n<li data-start=\"3609\" data-end=\"3676\">\n<p data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3676\">Submit your application to an eligible WashU graduate program.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3677\" data-end=\"3768\">\n<p data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3768\">Complete the separate McDonnell Academy fellowship application within the same portal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3769\" data-end=\"3842\">\n<p data-start=\"3772\" data-end=\"3842\">Ensure all required documents are submitted by <strong data-start=\"3819\" data-end=\"3839\">January 31, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list-item\">\n<div class=\"item-link is-style-text-arrow\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/apply\/application-instructions\/#prepare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Prepare to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list-item\">\n<div class=\"has-icon has-icon-forms\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-link is-style-text-arrow\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/apply\/application-instructions\/#how-to-apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find out more on How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evaluation &amp; Decision Process<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Each year the McDonnell Academy receives numerous applications from highly competitive candidates. McDonnell Scholars are chosen through a rigorous selection process.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The McDonnell Academy admissions committee reviews applications in mid to late February. Please note that only completed applications, including all required materials, will be reviewed.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants who have been accepted into their graduate degree program will be advanced to the review stage of the McDonnell Academy\u2019s selection process.<\/li>\n<li>Reader teams will conduct evaluations to identify the most qualified individuals. A select group of candidates will be chosen to proceed to the interview round.<\/li>\n<li>In early March, selected candidates will be invited to participate in virtual interviews with the admissions committee panel.<\/li>\n<li>Each year, approximately 20-25 exceptional candidates are admitted to the prestigious McDonnell Academy, with final decisions communicated by the end of March, and no later than mid-April.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list link-toggle-true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list-item\">\n<div class=\"item-link is-style-text-arrow\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/apply\/faqs\/#application-evaluation-and-decisions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find out more at the Evaluation &amp; Decision FAQs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-photo-spotlight image-align-right-false fadeInUp\">\n<div class=\"wide-media-inner\">\n<div class=\"left\">\n<div class=\"media-container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"right has-accent-color has-color_red1000-accent-color\">\n<div class=\"right-inner\">\n<h2 data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4476\">What the Academy Seeks in a Scholar<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4477\" data-end=\"4538\">The McDonnell Academy looks for applicants who demonstrate:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4539\" data-end=\"4882\">\n<li data-start=\"4539\" data-end=\"4625\">\n<p data-start=\"4541\" data-end=\"4625\"><strong data-start=\"4541\" data-end=\"4565\">Academic Distinction<\/strong> \u2013 Proven record of excellence and intellectual curiosity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4626\" data-end=\"4712\">\n<p data-start=\"4628\" data-end=\"4712\"><strong data-start=\"4628\" data-end=\"4646\">Global Mindset<\/strong> \u2013 Commitment to cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4713\" data-end=\"4791\">\n<p data-start=\"4715\" data-end=\"4791\"><strong data-start=\"4715\" data-end=\"4739\">Leadership Potential<\/strong> \u2013 Ability to lead with innovation and resilience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4792\" data-end=\"4882\">\n<p data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4882\"><strong data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4818\">Community Engagement<\/strong> \u2013 Dedication to service and fostering meaningful connections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"is-style-text-arrow\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/about\/the-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-call-out\">\n<div class=\"has-accent-color has-color_gray200-accent-color\">\n<h2 data-start=\"4889\" data-end=\"4924\">Admissions Information Session<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4925\" data-end=\"5090\"><strong data-start=\"4925\" data-end=\"4934\">Date:<\/strong> October 15, 2025<br data-start=\"4951\" data-end=\"4954\" \/><strong data-start=\"4954\" data-end=\"4963\">Time:<\/strong> 9\u201310 AM (U.S. Central Time)<br data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"4994\" \/><strong data-start=\"4994\" data-end=\"5004\">Event:<\/strong> Virtual session for prospective applicants<br data-start=\"5047\" data-end=\"5050\" \/><strong data-start=\"5050\" data-end=\"5067\">Registration:<\/strong> <a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4ncEcj4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">REGISTER TO ATTEND<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"call-out-inner\">\n<div class=\"has-color_red1000-accent-color has-accent-color heading-accent\">\n<h2 data-start=\"5097\" data-end=\"5120\">Contact Admissions<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5121\" data-end=\"5292\">For questions about eligibility, application requirements, or admissions, please visit the <strong data-start=\"5212\" data-end=\"5249\">McDonnell Academy Admissions page<\/strong> or contact the admissions team directly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/apply\/faqs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Application FAQs<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Us<\/a><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list-item\">\n<div class=\"item-link is-style-text-arrow\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/apply\/application-instructions\/#prepare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Prepare to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-washu-icon-list-item\">\n<div class=\"has-icon has-icon-forms\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-link is-style-text-arrow\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/mcdonnell.washu.edu\/apply\/application-instructions\/#how-to-apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find out more on How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About the McDonnell Scholars Academy The McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a prestigious graduate fellowship program dedicated to cultivating future global leaders. Each year, the Academy brings together exceptional graduate students from across the world, offering them an unparalleled combination of academic excellence, leadership development, and cultural exchange&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32256,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,23,28,29,32,25,33,38,41,26,42,35],"tags":[87,196,103,197,198],"class_list":{"0":"post-32255","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-africa","8":"category-america","9":"category-asia","10":"category-australia-and-oceania","11":"category-courses","12":"category-education","13":"category-europe","14":"category-fellowship","15":"category-master","16":"category-middle-east","17":"category-phd","18":"category-south-america","19":"tag-fellowship","20":"tag-graduates","21":"tag-leadership-development","22":"tag-post-graduate-students","23":"tag-usa","24":"article","25":"","27":"has-excerpt","28":"has-avatar","29":"has-author","30":"has-nickname","31":"has-date","32":"has-comment-count","33":"has-category-meta","34":"has-read-more","35":"has-title","36":"has-post-media","37":"thumbnail-","38":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=32255"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32255\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/32256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=32255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=32255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=32255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}