Extremely Competitive Scholarships for Graduating Seniors to Study/Conduct Research Abroad

This highly prestigious scholarship allows students from outside of the United Kingdom an opportunity to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is extremely competitive with only 40 scholarships offered to American students yearly out of about 800 applicants. The scholarship pays for all educational costs and awards students a $21,500 maintenance allowance for 12 months (2015-2016 rate). The scholarship will also pay for airfare at the beginning and end of the study period and allows additional funding for accepted students such as family allowance, field work, and fourth year PhD (Note: a PhD at Cambridge is 3 years). In order to be eligible for the scholarship, one needs to have a truly exceptional academic record, demonstrated leadership potential, an interest in improving the lives of others, and be a good fit for Cambridge, i.e. planning to pursue a PhD, two-year research degree, or one-year postgraduate course. Applicants apply to the Gates Cambridge Scholarships at the same time they apply to Cambridge; the deadline is typically mid-October. Candidates are short listed by the Cambridge Departments, then roughly 100 students are selected for an interview. 

Marshall Scholarship: Marshall Website

Marshall Scholarships offer an opportunity for American students with exceptional academic records to study in the U.K. for one-two years and earn a graduate degree in a subject of their choosing. Applicants must be graduating seniors or recent graduates who hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.7; candidates are judged on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. Applications are made in one of eight regions in the United States. Candidates may apply in one region only - either that in which they have their permanent home address or ordinary place of residence/employment, or that in which they are studying. Truly exceptional students who are interested in applying for a Marshall Scholarship should contact Rowan's campus representative, Dr. Corinne Blake, blake@rowan.edu, AFTER reviewing the website carefully. Applications are due at the beginning of October.

George J. Mitchell Scholarship for Graduate Study in Ireland and Northern Ireland: George J. Mitchell Website

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship, offered through the US-Ireland Alliance, is dedicated to the late senator who was a strong proponent of the Northern Ireland Peace Settlement. This very competitive scholarship covers one year of post-graduate study in any field in Ireland or Northern Ireland, as well as tuition, housing, and stipends for spending money and travel. In order to be eligible for the George J. Mitchell Scholarship, applicants must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 18 and 30, and must have a bachelor degree from a US accredited university. Applicants must secure an institutional endorsement letter (see Dr. Blake, blake@rowan.edu, for information about that) and finalists will be interviewed via video in November. Applications open in the spring and are typically due October 1.

Rhodes Scholarship: Rhodes Website

The Rhodes Scholarship offers graduating seniors with a truly exceptional academic record an opportunity to pursue a degree or degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. According to their FAQS, applicants, who must be 18-24 years old, are judged on their "literary and scholastic attainments; energy to use one's talents to the full, as exemplified by fondness for and success in sports; truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship; moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings." Past winners include Bill Clinton, Rachel Maddow, Cory Booker, Susan Rice, Bobby Jindal, and Bill Bradley. Applications are submitted by district (N.J. is part of District 2) and the application process include interviews, 5-8 recommendations, and a 1000 word statement. Applications are due at the beginning of October.

Schwarzman Scholars Schwarzman Website

The Schwarzman Scholars program aims to prepare students to understand the role of current and future global trends related to China. With its first class in 2016, drawn from many countries around the world, this highly competitive program offers the world's best students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and network through a one-year Master's Degree in public policy, economics and business, or international studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Students live and study at the newly built Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University where they are taught in English. In order to be eligible for the program, students must be enrolled at an accredited university/college and graduate by the spring of the application cycle. There is no required field of study for applicants during their undergraduate years, but applicants from other disciplines must explain how the program will help them achieve their goals. Students who are selected for this program will receive their study at Tsinghua completely covered for tuition, room and board, and travel to and from Beijing. Students will also be supplied with a tour of China, study supplies, and a new laptop and phone for their own use. All students will receive a stipend of $3500 for their own personal use. The application process is grueling: applicants must write several essays and are encouraged to make a short video; shortlisted applicants will participate in a one day program with group and personal interviews (travel expenses will be paid by the foundation). Applicants must also be endorsed by their university; contact Dr. Blake for information about securing an endorsement.

Soros Foundation Fellowships for New Immigrants Soros Fellowship

If you're an ​outstanding student who is planning to attend graduate school (in any field) and you're an immigrant or the child of immigrants (both parents must be immigrants), you may be interested in applying for the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Immigrants, which pays up to $90,000 for graduate school. Needless to say, these grants are extremely competitive--last year 1800 students applied for 30 fellowships--so it would definitely be a long shot, but truly exceptional students who meet the eligibility criteria should consider applying. Judging from the profiles of last year's recipients, students who plan to attend ivy leagure or extremely prestigious universities are most likely to be accepted. Applications will be due on Nov 1.