Admissions

Dedicated to cultivating global leaders, it offers comprehensive support, immersive experiences, and dynamic platforms for sharing diverse perspectives. By providing unparallelled opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and community engagement, the McDonnell Academy empowers scholars to excel and innovate in their fields. Join us in shaping a brighter future through excellence, collaboration, and transformative education at the McDonnell Academy.

• Applicants must submit an application to an eligible WashU doctoral or master’s degree program. For most programs, applicants can submit their applications to both the desired graduate program and the McDonnell Academy through the WashU graduate application portal. 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.
• Applicants must have earned or plan to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher before the end of the 2025-2026 academic year (July 2026). This fellowship is not available for undergraduate studies.

Applicants from from all domestic and international institutions are welcome to apply! Priority is given to international graduate candidates who are graduates of one of the 30+ partner universities.

• Comprehensive Support: Scholars benefit from a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, a generous monthly stipend, professional development funding, and a one-time relocation allowance. In addition, they gain access to extensive resources such as networking opportunities, specialized workshops, exclusive events, and corporate showcases. These opportunities provide invaluable insights, exposure, and connections that will significantly enhance their professional growth.

• Leadership Development: Scholars engage in enriching learning opportunities that have been specially tailored to develop leadership skills and to prepare them to tackle complex issues with ingenuity and resilience.

• Community Living: Scholars have the opportunity to reside in private, modern cohort housing within walking distance to campus, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among fellow Scholars. 
• Mentorship by Renowned Faculty: Scholars partner with world-class faculty who provide personalized mentorship and guidance to support academic and professional development.

• Immersive Cultural Experiences: Scholars experience life in vibrant St. Louis and participate in cultural events and activities with McDonnell Scholars & Alumni from more than 70 academic programs and 50 international institutions around the world. Each year, first- and second-year McDonnell Scholars travel to New York and Washington, D.C., where they gain enriching insights into business, entrepreneurship, finance, media, and government.

• Communications Training: Scholars participate in specialized communication training courses to enhance their interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.

• Global Network: New scholars join a diverse and vibrant community of scholars and alumni from across the globe, creating lifelong connections that bridge cultures and academic disciplines.

To complete your application, you must submit the following materials:

• Personal essay – Write an essay, 750 words or less, explaining why you want to be a McDonnell Scholar and how the McDonnell Academy fellowship will impact your goals and career aspirations. 
• Short video – Record a two-minute video using the provided prompts to help us get to know you beyond your academic pursuits.

Each year the McDonnell Academy receives numerous applications from highly competitive candidates. McDonnell Scholars are chosen through a rigorous selection process.

• The McDonnell Academy admissions committee reviews applications in mid to late February. Please note that only completed applications, including all required materials, will be reviewed.
• Applicants who have been accepted into their graduate degree program will be advanced to the review stage of the McDonnell Academy’s selection process.
• Reader teams will conduct evaluations to identify the most qualified individuals. A select group of candidates will be chosen to proceed to the interview round.
• In early March, selected candidates will be invited to participate in virtual interviews with the admissions committee panel.
• Each year, approximately 20-25 exceptional candidates are admitted to the prestigious McDonnell Academy, with final decisions communicated by the end of March, and no later than mid-April.