WashU’s McDonnell International Scholars Academy is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to fostering a dynamic community of leaders who are both culturally and academically diverse.
Committed to educating a community of scholars equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing issues, the McDonnell Academy offers a transformational experience that strengthens leadership capacity through mentorship, professional development, and distinctive engagement opportunities. This multifaceted approach cultivates leaders who embrace a global mindset and who are dedicated to the principles of social responsibility.
2023-24 Annual Highlights
Facts
| Established: 2005 | |
| Motto: McDonnell Scholar for Life | |
| Network: 300+ scholars & alumni | |
| WashU programs: 70+ |
Global impact
WashU aims to create a cohort of future leaders in a global university system, promoting global awareness and social responsibility.
93
Scholars for 2025-26 academic year
242
McDonnell Academy alumni
60
International universities
70+
Academic programs
WashU schools
McDonnell Scholars
In-residence at WashU
- 5Arts & Architecture
- 32Arts & Sciences
- 3Business
- 27Engineering
- 1Law
- 13Medicine & Biomedical Science
- 12Social Work &
Public Health
McDonnell Scholars
In-residence at WashU
| Arts & Architecture | 5 |
|---|---|
| Arts & Sciences | 32 |
| Business | 3 |
| Engineering | 27 |
| Law | 1 |
| Medicine & Biomedical Science | 13 |
| Social Work & Public Health | 12 |
Mission
UNITING EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUALS and ideas.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy graduate fellowship program at WashU is dedicated to fostering a dynamic community of leaders who are both culturally and academically diverse. Committed to educating a community of scholars equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing issues, the McDonnell Academy offers a transformational experience that strengthens leadership capacity through mentorship, professional development, and distinctive engagement opportunities. This multifaceted approach cultivates leaders who embrace a global mindset and who are dedicated to the principles of social responsibility.
Become a McDonnell Scholar
Together, our initiatives foster a dynamic environment where McDonnell Scholars grow as global thinkers, develop as leaders, and build a strong sense of community—reflecting WashU’s McDonnell Academy core pillars of global mindset, leadership, and community engagement.