Established in 1959, the Winston Churchill Foundation was founded by American friends of Churchill, who wanted to fulfill his wish of always having young American graduate students at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge.
The Foundation looks for “outstanding achievement” in courses in the major, “proven talent” in research, and “outstanding personal qualities” in extracurricular activities.
At least fourteen Churchill Scholarships, tenable for nine or twelve months, depending on the academic program, are offered annually. The Scholarship covers all University and College tuition and fees. In addition, students receive a living allowance of £11,000 if enrolled in a nine-month academic program, £12,000 if enrolled in a ten- or eleven-month program, and £13,000 if enrolled in a full-year program. They also receive a travel allowance of $1,500 for travel to and from the United Kingdom. In addition, the Foundation now offers a Personal Travel Award of $500 to enable Churchill Scholars to take better advantage of opportunities to travel abroad. Churchill Scholars may also apply for a Special Research Grant of up to $2,000 for additional research travel (e.g., conferences, seminars, etc.). The total value of the scholarship varies with the exchange rate; and consequently the Churchill Scholarship is worth between $60,000 and $64,000.
Applicants for the selection of Churchill Scholarships must be citizens of the United States and must be enrolled in one of the institutions participating in the scholarship competition. Upon taking up a Churchill Scholarship, applicants must be in their final year of undergraduate study or be within 12 months of graduating. They may not have attained a doctorate.
The criteria for the selection of Churchill Scholars include the following:
- Exceptional academic achievement, as indicated by course grades (previous Scholars have usually had a grade point average of at least 3.7 or A-, but most have a 3.9 or higher)
- A capacity to pursue original, creative work as shown by special recognition and letters of reference
- Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the Sciences, Engineering, or Mathematics
- Outstanding personal qualities as demonstrated by leadership, activities, and social engagement
How to Apply
- Review the Churchill Scholarship website and guidance
- Complete the NIFS Intent to Apply Form to get on our list of applicants.
- Complete the Internal Churchill Pre-Application Form, and email to nifs@msu.edu along with your resume and possible dates/times to meet with an advisor.
- Work with the NIFS Office on application draft and resume.
Application Materials (send all to nifs@msu.edu):
- Churchill Pre-application
- Churchill Internal Application
- Resume using the NIFS Resume Template
- Four recommendations (have a conversation with NIFS Office first)
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended after high school
- Churchill Recommendation Handout
The Churchill Scholarship requires an institutional endorsement. If you intend to apply, make sure you know the MSU internal competition deadline.
For more information, visit the Churchill Scholarship Website
