Call for the application!!!
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy (McDonnell Academy) is a prestigious graduate fellowship program offering exceptional leadership training for WashU graduate students.
The McDonnell Academy unites graduate students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, creating a dynamic and vibrant community of future leaders who will address the world’s most complex challenges. Through mentorship, professional development, and unique engagement opportunities, they embark on a transformative journey that enhances their capacity to effect positive change.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
The McDonnell Academy is closely aligned with WashU’s Here and Next strategic plan, advancing the university’s vision for innovation and global engagement. Our emphasis on global perspective, leadership development, and community building reflects WashU’s priorities of inclusivity, innovation, and meaningful impact.
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
The McDonnell Academy is a university-wide initiative that benefits all seven WashU academic schools by attracting premier graduate students from international institutions and the United States.
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.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy at WashU is an esteemed fellowship program that unites exceptional graduate students from across the globe.
Dedicated to cultivating global leaders, the McDonnell Academy offers comprehensive support, immersive experiences, and dynamic platforms for sharing diverse perspectives. By providing unparallelled opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and community engagement, the McDonnell Academy empowers scholars to excel and innovate in their fields. Join us in shaping a brighter future through excellence, collaboration, and transformative education at the McDonnell Academy.
Location:
North AmericaBenefits
- 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.
- Community Living: Scholars 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.
- 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.
Eligibilities
- 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 earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the 2025-2026 academic year (July 2026). This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.
Application Process
To complete the application, must submit the following materials:
- Personal essay – Write an essay, 750 words or fewer, explaining why you want to be a McDonnell Scholar and how the McDonnell Academy fellowship will impact your goals and career aspirations.
- Short video – Record a two-minute video using the provided prompts to help the admission authority get to know you beyond your academic pursuits.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (112 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
