Admissions

The McDonnell Academy selects Scholars based on outstanding academic potential and on an applicants’ commitment to learning about international issues and global leadership.

What are We Seeking in a Scholar?

McDonnell Scholars come from varied degree programs and different countries in order to maximize the diversity of the program and create a rich dialogue and experience. McDonnell Scholars receive both financial and programmatic support. In selecting our Scholars, we consider academic distinction, global mindset, leadership, and community. Read more about the program.

Eligibility

The McDonnell International Scholars program is open to graduate and professional students who have applied to one of a select group of full-time doctoral or master’s degree programs and also meet one of the following criteria:

  • International graduate and professional candidate who is a graduate of one of the Academy’s partner universities.
  • Domestic (U.S.) citizens who have spent most of their life and earned previous degrees in the United States are eligible to apply as U.S. Scholars.
  • International graduate and professional candidate from international universities outside the partner network.

To determine admission eligibility, programming, and financial support, please select one of the categories below which best represents your individual qualifications.

Partner Scholar

Partner Scholar

Priority is given to international graduate and professional candidates who are graduates of one of the Academy’s  partner universities.

View Criteria

United States Scholar

Domestic (U.S.) citizens who have spent most of their life and earned previous degrees in the United States are eligible to apply as a U.S. Scholar.

View Criteria

Global Scholar

International graduate and professional candidates from other international universities outside the partner network are eligible to apply as a Global Scholar.

View Criteria

Are you eligible to apply?

Respond to the questions below to determine your eligibility.

Applicant Eligibility Form

To be eligible to apply to the Mcdonnell Academy, you must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the current academic year. This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.

Have you earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree before August 2021?

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. To be eligible to apply to the Mcdonnell Academy, you must first apply to an eligible WashU graduate program. Please review the list of eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree programs.

Have you applied to an eligible WashU graduate program?

Unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply to the McDonnell International Scholars program at this time.

You are eligible to apply to the McDonnell International Scholars program.

Process & Requirements

Applications are submitted online. The following application materials should be received by the application deadline, January 31 at 11:59pm CST.

  • Candidate’s biographic information and academic history
  • Personal essay
  • Short video
  • Recommendation letter

Application Evaluation & Decisions

Once an applicant record is ready for review, the admissions committee will evaluate applicant records. We appreciate your patience during this period, as some programs will evaluate through April. However, decisions are typically made by the end of March.

Your applicant dashboard within the online application will be updated to reflect the decision that is reached regarding your acceptance.  Accepted individuals will also receive an email notification with further information.

APPLY NOW

Learn more about the graduate experience at WashU. Watch our video!

Admissions and Application Questions

Visit our FAQ section for some common questions about the McDonnell Academy application process or email mcdonnelladmissions@wustl.edu

FAQs