Marshall Scholarship (United Kingdom)

Website: www.marshallscholarship.org

Campus Contact: Nate Eastman, Associate Professor of English, eastmna@earlham.edu

This fellowship requires an institutional endorsement. A copy of all materials must be submitted by the Campus Deadline of September 11 to enable the Earlham Fellowship Liaison to write an institutional letter of endorsement.

Who May Apply

U.S. citizens who wish to pursue graduate study in the United Kingdom. The applicant’s GPA must be at least a 3.7; most winners have a 3.85 or better. Applicants must also demonstrate success in campus leadership and the ability to be an effective “ambassador” for the U.S.

Application Pool Description

Marshall is highly completive: From a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants, approximately 40 scholarships are awarded annually. The awards are divided among eight regions in the United States.

Eligibility Limitations

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who, within the last two years, have graduated from college with a B.A. or B.S.

Award Description and Duration

A Marshall Scholarship covers two years of university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grants, thesis grants, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States, and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse at any institution of higher learning in the UK. Applications are encouraged for study at institutions other than those in London, Cambridge, and Oxford. Third-year extensions are occasionally granted.

Campus Application Requirements and Deadline

Applicants need to submit a specific plan of study indicating why they need to study in the UK (500 words), a personal essay (1,000 words maximum), four letters of recommendation (two academic) and an institutional endorsement, and college transcript(s) to the Fellowship Liaison by September 11.

Final Deadline

Applicants must submit their application materials by October 1. The Liaison submits the letter of institutional endorsement.

Notification

Candidates selected for a regional interview receive a phone call around Thanksgiving. After the interviews, if notified that you’ve been awarded a Marshall, you are required to accept or decline it within 48 hours. An acceptance is understood as a very serious good-faith commitment.

Typical Essay Questions

  • Personal statement describing your academic and other interests and pursuits (1000 words maximum).
  • Candidates should describe their proposed academic program, giving reasons for their choice of course, and preferred university. Those hoping to read for a research degree should give an outline proposal of the research they wish to undertake. If any postgraduate study has already been undertaken, state briefly the field, and list any theses or dissertations written or published.