The Marshall Scholarships 2027 are among the most prestigious awards available to young Americans, financing study toward a degree at a university in the United Kingdom. Each year, up to fifty Scholars are selected to undertake graduate-level study at a UK institution in any field they choose.
The programme is built around a clear purpose: to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the British and American peoples and their institutions. Marshall Scholars are chosen for high ability, independence and intellectual range, and their direct engagement with Britain’s leading academic programmes is intended to support both their personal growth and their future leadership.
One important note for our readers: this award is open only to United States citizens. We include it here as a reference point and for any AfriWide scholarships website visitors who hold U.S. citizenship or are advising students who do, but applicants from African countries who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible.
Scholarship benefits
- University fees
- Cost of living expenses
- An annual book grant
- A thesis grant
- Research and daily travel grants
- Fares to and from the United States
- Where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a United States citizen at the time you take up the Scholarship.
✔ You hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
✔ Your undergraduate GPA is a minimum of 3.7.
✔ For awards tenable from October 2027, you graduated from your undergraduate college or university after April 2024.
✔ You do not already hold, and are not currently studying for, a British degree or degree-equivalent qualification.
Application tips for African students
- Confirm eligibility first: because this award is restricted to U.S. citizens, check that you (or the student you advise) meet that requirement before investing time in an application.
- Start your statement of purpose early and make it specific name the UK programmes and supervisors you want to work with, and explain why Britain is the right place for your goals.
- Line up strong recommenders well ahead of the September 29, 2026 deadline, and brief them on your achievements so their letters are concrete rather than generic.
- Gather official transcripts early to demonstrate you meet the 3.7 GPA minimum, and keep certified copies ready in case they are requested.
- Apply in only one of the eight U.S. regions, choose carefully based on your permanent home address, place of residence or employment, or where you study.
- Read the official guidance on the Marshall website closely, since this is a competitive process and small procedural errors can cost you.
- Submit before the deadline, give yourself buffer time for references and uploads.
How to apply
Applications are made in one of eight regions across the United States. You may apply in one region only — either the region of your permanent home address or ordinary place of residence or employment, or the region in which you are studying. Full details and the application portal are available on the official site: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/about/
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Marshall Scholarships?
The award is open only to United States citizens who hold a first degree from an accredited four-year U.S. college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.7.
Where do Marshall Scholars study?
Scholars study at graduate level at a university in the United Kingdom, in any field of study.
What does the scholarship cover?
It covers university fees, living costs, an annual book grant, a thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States, and, where applicable, a contribution toward a dependent spouse.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 29, 2026.
Can someone who already holds a British degree apply?
No. Persons already studying for or holding a British degree or degree-equivalent qualification are not eligible.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Up to fifty Scholars are selected each year.