The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is not accepting applications at this time.
If you would like to stay informed about future application cycles, please share your contact information here.
Eligibility
The Academy seeks students with exceptional academic records and a demonstrated interest in contributing globally to their respective fields.
Applicants from all countries and institutions are encouraged to apply, whether they are graduates of a WashU partner institution or another domestic or international institution. To be eligible, applicants must be seeking admission to an eligible WashU master’s or doctoral degree program. Applicants must be admitted to their WashU degree program to be eligible for a fellowship.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is open to all incoming students who meet the eligibility requirements. Race, color, national origin, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, sex, and other protected characteristics are not considered in admissions decisions or any aspect of participation in the program.
Benefits
Programming and Events
Scholars attend curated workshops, signature lectures by distinguished leaders, and corporate showcases that support both academic and professional growth.
In their first and second years, Scholars travel to New York and Washington, D.C., where they gain firsthand exposure to senior leaders from areas including academia, business, entrepreneurship, finance, media, and government.
Leadership and Communication Skills Development
Through workshops, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities, Scholars develop the leadership skills needed to address the world’s most complex challenges with resilience and empathy. Additionally, Scholars engage in communication-focused learning opportunities throughout their tenure to strengthen their ability to present and communicate effectively with wide-ranging audiences.
Community Living
Scholars have the option to live in cohort housing close to both the Danforth and Medical campuses, creating opportunities to build connections and engage with fellow Scholars outside of the formal activities.
Faculty Mentorship
Scholars have the opportunity to work closely with WashU faculty who provide mentorship, guidance, and support throughout their academic journeys.
Global Community and Network
Scholars join a global network of peers and alumni representing more than 70 academic programs and 50 institutions worldwide. Additionally, they have the opportunity to take advantage of the wide range of cultural institutions and events throughout the St. Louis region.
Funding*
- $41,000 annual stipend for the defined program length, or for up to 5 years, whichever comes first.
- Full tuition scholarship
- $2,000 annual travel allowance stipend
- 100% health subsidy (includes health, dental and wellness fees)
- $1,500 one-time relocation allowance
- Access to priority cohort housing for Scholars (through Quadrangle Housing) adjacent Danforth and Medical campuses, subject to availability
- MISA exclusive events and activities
- Access to a global network of alumni and partners
*Current as of AY2026-27.
Participating Programs
Applying to the McDonnell Academy is a separate process from applying to the graduate program. Individuals must first apply to a WashU degree program to be eligible for a McDonnell Academy fellowship.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy considers applicants who enter the following programs*:
*Please note this list is updated as of Spring 2026 and is subject to change
Arts and Sciences
Anthropology (PhD)
Art History and Archaeology (PhD)
Chemistry (PhD)
Classics (PhD)
Comparative Literature (PhD)
Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (PhD)
East Asian and Comparative Literatures (PhD)
East Asian Languages and Cultures (PhD)
Economics (PhD)
Education (PhD)
English and American Literature (PhD)
English and Comparative Literature (PhD)
French and Comparative Literature (PhD)
French Language and Literature (PhD)
German and Comparative Literature (PhD)
Germanic Languages and Literatures (PhD)
Hispanic Studies (PhD)
Hispanic Studies and Comparative Literature (PhD)
History (PhD)
Mathematics (PhD)
Music (PhD)
Philosophy (PhD)
Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PhD)
Physics (PhD)
Political Science (PhD)
Psychological and Brain Sciences (PhD)
Sociology (PhD)
Statistics (PhD)
Brown School of Social Work
Social Work (MSW)
Social Work (PhD)
Bursky School of Public Health
Public Health (MPH)
Public Health Science (PhD)
School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD)
Juridicae Scientiae Doctoris (JSD)
McKelvey School of Engineering
Biomedical Engineering (PhD)
Computational and Data Sciences (PhD)
Computer Engineering (PhD)
Computer Science (PhD)
Electrical Engineering (PhD)
Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering (PhD)
Imaging Science (PhD)
Materials Science and Engineering (PhD)
Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Systems Science and Mathematics (PhD)
Please note: Only the PhD programs at McKelvey School of Engineering are eligible for McDonnell Academy consideration. Master’s programs are not eligible.
School of Medicine
Biostatistics and Data Science (MS)
Biomedical Data Science and AI (MS)
Medical Physics (PhD)
Medicine (MD)
Movement Science (PhD)
Nursing Science (PhD)
Population Health Sciences (MPHS)
Rehabilitation and Participation Science PhD Program (RAPS)
Speech and Hearing Sciences (PhD)
Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology (PhD)
Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (PhD)
Cancer Biology (PhD)
Computational and Systems Biology (PhD)
Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology (PhD)
Evolution, Ecology and Populations Biology (PhD)
Human and Statistical Genetics (PhD)
Immunology (PhD)
Molecular Cell Biology (PhD)
Molecular Genetics and Genomics (PhD)
Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis (PhD)
Neurosciences (PhD)
Plant and Microbial Biosciences (PhD)
Olin Business School
Business Administration (Full-time MBA)
Business Administration (PhD)
Please note: Only the PhD and full-time MBA programs at Olin Business School are eligible for McDonnell Academy consideration. Part-time, specialized master’s, and other Olin programs are not eligible.
Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master of Design for Human-Computer Interaction & Emerging Technology
Illustration & Visual Culture (MFA)
Visual Art (MFA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply, whether they are graduates of a WashU partner institution or another institution.
No. To qualify for the McDonnell Academy fellowship, graduate students must be entering their first year of an eligible doctoral or professional degree program.
No. The McDonnell Academy graduate fellowship is only available to candidates accepted into eligible WashU graduate program.