Marshall Scholarship finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Each year, the selection committee chooses up to fifty Scholars to study at a UK institution. They can choose any field of study.
As future leaders who will always understand British society, Marshall Scholars help to strengthen the long-lasting ties between the British and American people, their governments, and their institutions. Marshall Scholars are smart, independent, and well-rounded people, and their time as Scholars helps them grow mentally and personally. Their direct involvement with Britain through its best academic programs helps them succeed in the long run.
In this blog post, we’ve assembled the full details about the Marshall scholarship awards. Here, you will get to know the eligibility criteria, benefits, required documents and application procedure. Let’s start without further delay!
2026 Marshall Scholarship Abstract/Summary
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: The deadlines for the 2026 Marshall Competition are: 16 September 2025 for applicants and recommenders at 5:00pm in the time zone of your endorsing institution and 18 September 2025 for endorsement and submission by the US Institution at 5:00pm in the time zone of the endorsing institution.
Objectives of the Marshall Scholarship Programme
The Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission manages the Marshall Scholarship program. This is a UK government group called the “Marshall Commission” or “the Commission.” The Marshall Secretariat administers the Marshall Scholarship programme.
The objectives of the Marshall Scholarships are:
• To enable intellectually distinguished young Americans, their country’s future leaders, to study in the UK.
• To help Scholars gain an understanding and appreciation of contemporary Britain.
To help improve knowledge in science, technology, humanities, social sciences, and creative arts at top UK academic centers.
To encourage Scholars to be ambassadors between the USA and the UK for life. This will help improve British-American understanding.
• To promote the personal and academic fulfilment of each Scholar.
Marshall Scholarship Pathways
A Marshall Scholarship gives money for one or two years for a master’s degree. It can also cover up to three years for a doctoral study at any UK university. Five possible pathways of study exist:
One-year pathway
(1) 1 x one-year master’s degree (minimum 10-month programme).
Two-year pathways (including Master’s and Doctoral)
(2) 2 x one-year master’s degree (at the same or different universities, pursued consecutively)
(3) 1 x two-year master’s degree (at one university)
(4) PhD/DPhil degree (at one university, typically 3 years in the UK)
The Commission gives three years of guaranteed funding to Marshall Scholars who start as PhD/DPhil candidates. This funding depends on their academic progress.
(5) 1 x one-year master’s degree + start PhD/DPhil in Year 2 (at the same or different universities).
In this case, the Commission will guarantee funding for two years. They may also provide a third year of funding if they choose to. To complete their PhD/DPhil, Marshall, Scholars may need to secure external funding thereafter.
Marshall Scholarship 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
- To qualify for a 2026 Marshall Scholarship, candidates should:
• be citizens of the United States of America (at the time they apply for a scholarship);
• hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States (by the time they would take up a scholarship i.e. September 2026);
• have obtained a grade point average of not less than 3.7 on their undergraduate degree at the time of application (a candidate’s most up-to-date undergraduate GPA will be used for the application; final transcripts will be requested at the interview stage).
• have graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2023.
• not have studied for or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a UK University or undertaken GCSE or A-Level qualifications in the UK.
Candidates may only apply for one of the Marshall Scholarship pathways. Any candidate who applies for multiple
pathways will automatically be disqualified.
How To Apply For The Marshall Scholarship Award
- Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key application requirements:Where You Can Apply • Pick one region only – either where you live/work permanently or where you’re currently studying • Applying to multiple regions = automatic disqualification • Don’t lie about your address – that’s also automatic disqualification
Getting Your School’s Support • Your college/university President, Provost, or Academic Dean must endorse your application • A designated staff member at your school submits your application online • In rare cases, your Graduate School can nominate you (but they need special permission) • Ask your school about any internal deadlines they might have
School Limits • Each institution can only endorse 24 applications total across all regions
Key Deadlines
• September 16, 2025 at 5pm (your school’s time zone): You and your recommenders must submit everything
• September 18, 2025 at 5pm (your school’s time zone): Your school must submit the final application with their endorsement
• No changes allowed after September 16th – submit early to avoid problems!
AI Policy
- You can use AI tools for research• You cannot use AI to write any part of your essays or answers
• Your school must confirm the application is your own work
• Be ready to discuss your written work in detail during interviews
Marshall Scholarship 2025: Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts (PDF, digital, or scanned copies are fine)
- Unofficial transcripts will make your application ineligible
Code of Conduct for Scholars
- The Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission can take back a Scholarship offer under certain conditions. This includes if a Scholar or Scholar Elect breaks the Scholar Code of Conduct.
- As a Marshall Scholar or Scholar Elect, you represent the Marshall Commission and the United States. Your actions and words will affect the reputation of both.
- Scholars must follow high standards of conduct and behavior. They should always show respect to others and their surroundings.
- The Marshall Commission wants to allow a free exchange of ideas in all its activities. This helps all participants reach their full potential.
- Recognizing the different backgrounds, experiences, and views of our award holders, Scholars should always be respectful to others.
- The Marshall Commission is committed to upholding its safeguarding policy, which is subject to regular review.
- The Commission works with UK universities to support the welfare of all Marshall Scholars. The main responsibility for student welfare in the UK lies with the student’s university.
- The Commission wants Commissioners, Secretariat staff, and Scholars and Fellows to work safely. Everyone’s safety is important.
- Any complaints we receive will be taken seriously. The Marshall Commission will address any behavior that does not follow these values and expectations.
Other Scholarships and Earned Income
- Candidates should say on their application form if they have applied or plan to apply for similar scholarships.
- Students cannot hold Marshall Scholarships concurrently with any scholarship or award of like value.
- The Commission can reduce or take away its Scholarships if Scholars receive other large awards, prizes, or earned income.
- Scholars must share if they will receive other scholarships or income. The total cannot be more than £10,000.
- Scholars cannot be in receipt of any other UK government funding.
- Marshall Scholars can work part-time while in the UK. This depends on Home Office rules and university regulations. It also relies on each Scholar’s dedication to their studies and the conditions of their award.
- Scholars should remember that they must prioritize their academic studies, which hold paramount importance.
- As the sponsor of their visas, Scholars should consult with their UK university for guidance about their visa regulations. Candidates who are in the military, and are receiving a salary, will receive a reduced maintenance allowance
Marshall Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Marshall Scholarship? A: Marshall Scholarships fund young Americans to study postgraduate degrees in the UK. Up to 50 are awarded annually, covering tuition, living expenses (£1,378-£1,690/month), flights, and visa fees.
Who can apply? A: US citizens with a 3.7+ GPA, graduating from a US university by September 2026, who graduated after April 2023. You cannot have studied at a UK university previously.
What are the key deadlines? A: September 16, 2025 at 5pm (your school’s time zone): Submit application and recommendations. September 18, 2025 at 5pm: School submits final application with endorsement.
Where can I apply? A: Only ONE region – either where you permanently live/work or study. Applying to multiple regions means automatic disqualification.
Who endorses my application? A: Your undergraduate institution’s President, Provost, or Academic Dean must endorse it. Each school can only submit 24 applications total.
MORE FAQs
Can I use AI for my application? A: You can use AI for research but cannot use it to write essays or answers. Your school must confirm the work is entirely your own.
What courses aren’t funded? A: Second bachelor’s degrees, MBAs, professional degrees in medicine/dentistry/law, part-time courses, distance learning, or courses starting mid-year.
Can I choose Oxford and Cambridge as backup options? A: No. If you pick Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, King’s College London, LSE, or UCL as your first choice, you cannot select any of these as your second choice for the same year.
What scholarship types exist? A: One-year (10-12 months) for those who can’t commit to longer study, or two-year scholarships (extendable to three years if starting a PhD in year two).
What are the selection criteria? A: Academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. University and course choices also influence decisions.
When are interviews? A: November 2025 with regional panels. You have 5 days to accept if selected.
Do I need UK university admission first? A: No, but research deadlines carefully. If selected, you must apply to universities in the exact order specified in your application.
Can I bring family? A: Yes, but notify your regional committee. The Commission may cover initial travel for dependents but not ongoing support.
Can I hold other scholarships? A: No concurrent scholarships of similar value. Other income cannot exceed £10,000 total.
What leads to automatic disqualification? A: Applying to multiple regions, falsifying addresses, applying for multiple Marshall pathways, selecting restricted courses, using AI for writing, or submitting unofficial transcripts.
QUOTE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP
“A strong relationship between our two countries is important for the well-being of people today. This cannot happen without a deep understanding of one another.” These scholarships point the way to the continuation and growth of the understanding which found its necessity in the terrible struggle of the war years.” – George C Marshall