The Marshall Scholarships were established in 1953 by the British government to commemorate the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan conceived by General George C. Marshall. The scholarships express the continuing gratitude of the British people to their American counterparts. The main objective of the scholarship is to enable intellectually distinguished young Americans to study in the UK. Such study will help Scholars gain an understanding and appreciation of contemporary Britain and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in science, technology, the humanities and social sciences, and the creative arts.
The scholarships support up to approximately 44 scholars for one-two years of study towards degrees at any university or approved institution of higher learning in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Marshall Scholarships pay tuition and fees, personal travel, book allowances, and a living stipend. Scholars are occasionally awarded a third-year extension of the scholarship for certain programs. Applications expressing an interest in studying at universities other than Oxford and Cambridge are especially welcome.
As future leaders with a lasting understanding of British society, Marshall Scholars will strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments, and their institutions. Marshall Scholars are talented, independent, and wide-ranging in their interests. Their time as Scholars will enhance their intellectual and personal growth.
The official selection criteria are divided into three equally weighted categories: academic merit, leadership potential, ambassadorial potential. In appointing Scholars, the selectors will look for distinction of intellect and character as evidenced both by scholastic attainments and other activities and achievements. The selectors will also look for adequate preparation for the proposed course of study, particularly in the upper-level coursework and strength in the major field. Applicants will be required to present a cogent argument as to why their studies and proposed career would be best served by spending two years at a British university. Preference will be given to candidates who combine high academic ability with the capacity to play an active part in the life of the United Kingdom university to which they go, and to those who display a potential to make a significant contribution to their own society.
Candidates must be a U.S. citizen who will hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States by the time they take up their scholarship or have been graduated within the past three years. They must have obtained a grade point average of not less than 3.7 (or A-) on their undergraduate degree. (Exceptions will be considered only on the specific recommendation of the sponsoring college.)
The Marshall Scholarship requires an institutional endorsement. If you intend to apply, make sure you know the MSU internal competition deadline.
How to Apply
- Review the Marshall Scholarship website and guidance
- Complete the NIFS Intent to Apply Form to get on our list of applicants.
- Complete the Internal Marshall 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):
- Marshall Pre-application
- Marshall Internal Application
- Resume using the NIFS Resume Template
- Three recommendations (have a conversation with NIFS Office first)
- Marshall Recommendation Handout
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended after high school
- For more information, visit the Marshall Scholarship website.
