Suppose you’re a talented young American looking to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the UK. In that case, the 2026 Marshall Scholarship offers you one of the most prestigious and life-changing opportunities. Awarded by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, this fully funded scholarship allows intellectually distinguished Americans to study at the UK’s top universities. With up to 50 scholarships available for 2026, this program not only covers tuition fees and living costs but also helps you become a future leader and a bridge for UK-US relations.

About the UK Universities

The Marshall Scholarship allows you to study at any UK university of your choice. The UK is home to world-class universities such as:
• University of Oxford (QS World Rank #3)
• University of Cambridge (QS World Rank #2)
• Imperial College London (QS World Rank #6)
• London School of Economics and Political Science (QS World Rank #45)
• University of Edinburgh (QS World Rank #27)
• King’s College London (QS World Rank #40)
• University of Manchester (QS World Rank #23)
• University of Bristol (QS World Rank #58)

These institutions offer a wide range of cutting-edge programs across sciences, humanities, social sciences, and the creative arts.

Marshall Scholarship 2026 Overview 

Name of Scholarship	Marshall Scholarship 2026
Host	Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (UK FCDO)
Degree Level	Master’s, PhD/DPhil
Eligibility	US citizens, recent graduates
Application Deadline	16 September 2025 (for applicants), 18 September 2025 (for endorsement)
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded
Host Country	United Kingdom
Number of Scholarships	Up to 50

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage at any UK university
• Monthly living stipend (£1,378/month outside London; £1,690/month in London for 2024–2025 rate)
• Round-trip economy airfare from the USA to the UK (plus mid-term return for multi-year scholars)
• Visa fees and access to the UK National Health Service
• Additional allowances of at least £3,000 for research, leadership, and ambassadorial activities
• Comprehensive support network and alumni community

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a citizen of the United States of America at the time of application.
2. Hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year US college or university by September 2026.
3. Have achieved a GPA of at least 3.7 (unrounded) on their undergraduate degree at the time of application.
4. Graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2023.
5. Must not have previously studied at a UK university or obtained UK qualifications (such as GCSEs or A-levels).

Check out the eligible courses on the official website.

Marshall Scholarship 2026 Pathways

There are two flexible pathways available for Marshall Scholars:

• One-Year Scholarship Pathway: One one-year master’s degree (10-12 month program).
• Two-Year Scholarship Pathway:
  • Two one-year master’s degrees (same or different universities, consecutively).
  • One two-year master’s degree (at one university).
  • Full PhD/DPhil (typically three years).
  • One-year master’s + start of PhD/DPhil in second year (with option for discretionary third-year funding).

Application Process

1. Complete your online application form through your undergraduate institution.
2. The institution will review and endorse your application (if approved).
3. Submit online with three recommendation letters and letter of endorsement.
4. Apply in only one region (your home or study region). Applying in multiple regions leads to disqualification.
5. Select either the one-year or two-year pathway only (you cannot apply for both).
6. Meet internal university deadlines before the national deadline.

Important Deadlines

• Applications open: 12 June 2025
• Applicant submission deadline: 16 September 2025 (5:00pm in your institution’s time zone)
• Endorsement deadline: 18 September 2025 (5:00pm in your institution’s time zone)
• Interview notifications: By early to mid-November 2025
• Final selection results: Shortly after interviews

Evaluation Criteria

The selection committees will assess applications based on:

• Academic Merit (33%)
• Leadership Potential (33%)
• Ambassadorial Potential (33%)

The Commission values applicants from diverse backgrounds and aims for broad representation of American talent.

Comparison with Similar Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Host Country	Degree Level	Financial Coverage	Deadline
Marshall Scholarship	UK	Master’s, PhD	Fully funded	16 Sep 2025
Rhodes Scholarship	UK	Master’s, PhD	Fully funded	Early Oct 2025
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	UK	Master’s, PhD	Fully funded	Early Oct 2025
Fulbright US-UK Awards	UK	Master’s	Fully funded	Oct 2025
Churchill Scholarship	UK	Master’s (STEM)	Fully funded	Early Nov 2025

FAQs About Marshall Scholarship 2026

1. How many Marshall Scholarships are available for 2026?
   Up to 50 scholarships will be awarded.
2. Can I apply for both the one-year and two-year pathways?
   No, candidates may only apply for one pathway.
3. Is the Marshall Scholarship open to non-US citizens?
   No, only US citizens are eligible.
4. Can I apply if I already have a UK degree?
   No, applicants must not have studied at a UK university or hold UK qualifications.
5. What GPA is required?
   A minimum GPA of 3.7 (unrounded) is required.
6. Can I choose any UK university?
   Yes, the scholarship covers all accredited UK universities.
7. Does the scholarship cover visa costs?
   Yes, visa fees and NHS access are included.
8. Does the scholarship provide funding for a mid-program US visit?
   Yes, for multi-year scholars a mid-term return flight to the US is included.
9. Are PhD studies funded under the Marshall Scholarship?
   Yes, full PhD/DPhil studies (up to 3 years) are covered, 3^rd year funding depends on academic performance.
10. How do I find eligible courses?
    Use the official Marshall Course Search to explore eligible programs.

The Marshall Scholarship is an extraordinary gateway for US students to experience world-class education in the UK, develop leadership potential, and foster lasting transatlantic relations. If you dream of studying at top UK universities with full financial support, this is an unmissable opportunity. APPLY NOW. Start preparing your application now and be sure to check full eligibility and application instructions on the official website.