The Marshall Scholarship is a highly competitive funding opportunity for US students planning postgraduate study in UK. It supports students who show strong academic performance along with leadership potential and an interest in strengthening UK-US relations.
Here are the key highlights of the Marshall Scholarship:
Particulars of the Marshall Scholarship
Scholarship
Details
Scholarship name
Marshall Scholarship
Study destination
UK
Level of study
Postgraduate
2026–27 selection rate
About 4.2% (43 selected from 1,023 endorsed applicants)
Application regions
8 regional centres in US
Award duration
12 or 22 months, depending on the pathway
Scholarship Coverage
University fees, living costs, book and thesis grants, research and travel grants
The sections below cover Marshall Scholarship eligibility, benefits, eligible courses, application process, deadlines, selection process, application status and extension options.
Marshall Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
The Marshall Scholarship is designed for U.S. citizens who want to pursue postgraduate study in UK. If you are an Indian student researching this scholarship, the citizenship requirement is the first thing to check.
Along with this, the scholarship has specific academic and previous-study requirements for the 2027 intake.
Here are the main eligibility requirements:
A. Citizenship Requirements
The Marshall Scholarship has a specific citizenship requirement:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens when they apply.
U.S. permanent residents are not eligible for the scholarship.
Indian students can consider the scholarship only if they also meet the U.S. citizenship requirement.
B. Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must also meet the following academic conditions:
Hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
For the 2027 scholarship, applicants must have graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2024.
The undergraduate degree must be completed before the scholarship begins in September 2027.
C. Previous Study in UK
The scholarship also has rules for applicants who have previously studied in UK:
Applicants must not already hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British university.
They must not have previously studied for a British degree.
Applicants who completed GCSE or A Levels at a school in UK are not eligible.
This scholarship will help to meet various costs of attending a UK University, which may include fees, living expenses and other costs related to study. The scholarship is usually awarded for one year or two years depending on the course undertaken.
Here is a quick look at the main benefits:
Benefit
What it covers
University fees
Covers the approved tuition and university fees for your course.
Living allowance
Outside London: £1,452 (approx. ₹1.84 lakh) per month
London Metropolitan region: £1,781 (approx. ₹2.26 lakh) per month
Travel allowance
£1,712 (approx. ₹2.17 lakh) per academic year towards approved study-related travel.
Airfare
Covers eligible economy-class flights between US and UK.
Academic expenses
Provides support for expenses such as books, research, thesis work and academic travel.
Visa and healthcare
Covers eligible visa costs and provides access to UK National Health Service during the scholarship period.
Dependent support
Financial support towards a dependent spouse may also be available.
The living and travel amounts mentioned above are based on the currently published rates. Some allowance rates are reviewed and updated, so the amount available for the 2027 scholarship may change.
Courses Covered Under the Marshall Scholarship
There is no fixed list of subjects for the scholarship. You can apply for postgraduate courses in different academic fields, but your chosen programme must meet specific rules on degree level, study mode, start date and duration.
Courses Covered Under the Marshall Scholarship
A postgraduate course can qualify if it meets these requirements:
Requirement
What to check
Degree level
A recognised Master's or Doctoral degree, such as an MA, MSc, PhD or DPhil
Study mode
Full-time study at a UK university
Start date
The course should begin in the autumn term
Duration
At least 10 months for the one-year scholarship route
Location
The programme must meet the rules for study in UK
This means students can consider programmes across different academic fields, as long as their chosen course meets the scholarship requirements.
Courses Not Covered Under the Marshall Scholarship
Some postgraduate programmes are specifically excluded from the scholarship.
These include:
MBA programmes, regardless of the university
MSc or MFE in Financial Economics
Postgraduate diplomas and certificates
Distance-learning programmes or courses with substantial online study
Supervised research that does not lead to a recognised degree
Certain joint-degree programmes involving universities outside UK or requiring extended study outside UK
Some universities may also have restrictions on particular courses. Before finalising your choice, check the official Marshall Scholarship Course Searchand the latest scholarship rules.
Don't look at the subject alone. The degree type, duration, study mode and start date also determine whether a course can qualify.
How to Apply for the Marshall Scholarship in 2026?
The application is completed online, but your US undergraduate university also has an important role. You prepare and submit your application through the online system, after which your university reviews it. If it chooses to endorse your application, it adds the endorsement letter and submits the application to the appropriate regional committee.
Steps to Apply for the Marshall Scholarship
Step 1: Check your eligibility and choose a scholarship route Start by checking the latest eligibility rules and decide whether you want to apply for the one-year or two-year scholarship. You can apply for only one route.
Step 2: Choose your application region You can apply through one regional committee only. Your region depends on your permanent home address, usual place of residence or employment, or where you are studying.
Step 3: Contact your undergraduate university Speak to your university advisor before starting the application. Your US undergraduate institution must endorse your application before it is sent to the regional committee. The university may also have an earlier internal deadline.
Step 4: Complete the online application Fill in the application through the official ASAMS portal. You will need to provide your academic details, course information, personal statements and other required information.
Step 5: Arrange your recommendation letters You need three letters of recommendation as part of your application. Make sure your recommenders submit their letters before the applicant deadline.
Step 6: Submit your application for institutional endorsement Once your application is complete, submit it to your undergraduate institution through the online system. The university will review your application and decide whether to endorse it.
Step 7: Institutional submission If your university endorses you, it adds the institutional endorsement letter and submits the completed application to the appropriate regional committee.
Step 8: Track your application After submission, you can track your application online. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted about the interview stage.
Documents Required for the Marshall Scholarship
Having your documents ready early can make the application process easier. You will generally need:
Online application form: Personal, academic and course details entered through ASAMS.
Personal statements: Statements prepared according to the official 2027 application guidelines.
Three recommendation letters: Submitted by your selected recommenders through the online system.
Institutional endorsement letter: Added by your US undergraduate institution if it endorses your application.
Academic transcripts: Your undergraduate academic records and any other transcripts required under the application rules.
UK course details: Information about the course and university you plan to attend.
Applicants, please note: Contact your university advisor and recommenders early. Your university may set an internal deadline before the official submission date, so leaving everything until the last day can make the process difficult.
Marshall Scholarship Last Date 2026
For the 2027 Marshall Scholarship, candidates should note the following two deadlines:
September 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM: The applicant and referees should complete the application form.
October 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM: The endorsed undergraduate institution from US needs to submit the application.
Both deadlines are in the time zone of the endorsing institution. Candidates should check with their institutional Marshall administrator to confirm if there is a different cut-off date.
Marshall Scholarship Application Timeline 2026
Before September 29 - Complete your application and recommendation letters September 29 - Applicant and recommender deadline September 30 - University reviews and finalises the application October 1 - Final institutional submission deadline Early to mid-November - Shortlisted candidates are notified about interviews
Note: You cannot make changes to your application after the September 29, 2026 applicant deadline.
Marshall Scholarship Selection Process
After your application is endorsed by your US undergraduate institution, it moves to one of the eight regional committees in United States. The committee reviews your application before shortlisted candidates move to the interview stage.
Your academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential are given equal importance throughout the process.
The Three Official Evaluation Criteria
The committee looks at three areas when reviewing your application:
Criteria
What it includes
Academic Merit
Your academic record, knowledge of your subject and reasons for choosing your UK course and university
Leadership Potential
Your initiative, achievements, personal drive and potential to lead in your future field
Ambassadorial Potential
Your communication skills, community involvement and ability to strengthen UK-US understanding
All three areas are weighted equally, so your application is considered as a whole rather than on academic performance alone.
Step-by-Step Selection Stage Timeline
Once the application reaches the regional committee, it goes through a few stages before the final decision.
Here is what you can expect at each stage:
Stage 1: Institutional Endorsement
Your US undergraduate university reviews your application and decides whether to endorse it. If so, the institution submits it to the relevant regional committee. An institution can endorse up to 24 applications.
Stage 2: Regional Review
The regional committee reviews the submitted applications and selects candidates for the interview stage.
Stage 3: Interview Shortlisting
Candidates shortlisted for interviews are notified by email in early to mid-November 2026.
Stage 4: Regional Interview
Shortlisted candidates attend an interview with their regional committee. Questions can cover your academic plans, personal statements, leadership experience and interest in UK-US relations.
Stage 5: Final Selection
Final decisions are announced shortly after the regional interviews. Selected candidates receive a written offer and must accept or decline it within five days. The scholarship is also subject to receiving admission to a UK university.
How to Check Marshall Scholarship Status?
You can check your Marshall Scholarship application status through ASAMS (Applicant Selection and Application Management System).
After logging in, you can view your application task list and follow updates on your recommendations, university endorsement, and submission.
How to Check Your Marshall Scholarship Status?
Checking your application does not take many steps. Log in to ASAMS and use your application task list to see what is complete and what still needs your attention.
Log in to ASAMS: Use your applicant login details to access the application system.
Open your application: Go to your Marshall Scholarship application and task list.
Check “Next steps”: This section shows the tasks and updates related to your application.
Check your recommendations: See whether your required recommendation letters have been received.
Check university endorsement: Follow the status of your university endorsement and application submission.
What Do the Status Updates Mean?
The status shown in your application helps you understand where your application is in the process. These updates can also show whether any recommendation or university-related step is still pending.
Status/Update
What it means
Recommendations complete
All required recommendation letters have been received.
University endorsement complete
Your university has completed the endorsement step.
Endorsed by endorsing institution
Your university has endorsed your application and submitted it to the regional committee.
Submitted to regional centre
Your application has been sent to the relevant regional committee for review.
Interview shortlist
You have been selected for the regional interview stage.
Final selection
The final scholarship decision has been made. Selected candidates receive written notification.
Keep checking ASAMS and the email address linked to your application, especially around the interview and final-selection stages, so you do not miss an important update.
How to Renew the Marshall Scholarship?
The Marshall Scholarship is not renewed annually according to the standard procedure. The duration of the scholarship depends on the type of award that a candidate receives.
One-Year Marshall Scholarship: This scheme is valid for twelve months and cannot be renewed.
Two-Year Marshall Scholarship: Candidates can renew it for another year if they complete their first year of studies.
However, two-year Marshall scholars who are studying for a DPhil or PhD in the UK can apply for an additional year’s funding. This concession is limited, and it is not automatically approved.
How to Apply for a Third-Year Extension?
The third-year extension process takes place during your second year of study. You need to show that you are making good academic progress and that an additional year is needed to complete your doctoral research.
The process generally involves:
Check your eligibility: You must be a Two-Year Marshall Scholar pursuing a DPhil or PhD that requires a third year.
Show academic progress: You need to demonstrate that you are on track to complete and submit your doctoral thesis.
Submit your request: Provide the required extension information, including an academic progress report and support from your UK university supervisor.
Commission review: The Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission considers your academic reasons for the extension and the funding available.
Receive the funding decision: If approved, your third-year funding may be provided through the Marshall Commission, Ray Dolby-Marshall Scholarship or Cambridge Trust partnership.
Funding for the third year can come through the Marshall Commission or eligible partner schemes, such as the Ray Dolby-Marshall Scholarship and Cambridge Trust.
Important: Third-year funding is limited and is not guaranteed. The Marshall Commission does not provide funding beyond the end of a scholar's third academic year.
Conclusion
The Marshall Scholarship is not just about funding your studies; it is also an opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree in UK while being part of a wider UK-US academic and cultural exchange. For eligible students, the scholarship can make a significant difference to the overall cost of studying abroad.
If you are considering this scholarship, start by matching your academic plans with the eligibility and course requirements rather than waiting until the application window opens. This gives you more time to build a strong application and make informed decisions about your UK university and course.
1. What is the Marshall Scholarship acceptance rate?
Official Marshall Scholarship selection is not reported as an acceptance rate. For the 2026-27 competition, there were 1023 endorsed candidates and 43 candidates made the cut, a selection rate of approximately 4.2%.
2. How to apply for the Marshall Scholarship?
An online application is required, and the application must be submitted to your US undergraduate institution for endorsement. If your institution endorses your application, it will forward the application to the appropriate regional committee. The status of your application is also available online via the application system.
3. When is the last day to submit an application for a Marshall Scholarship?
The application deadline for Marshall Scholarship 2027 is 29th September 2026 by 5:00 PM in the endorsing institution's time zone, and the application deadline for Marshall Scholarship 2027 recommenders is 18 November 2026 by 5:00 PM in the endorsing institution's time zone. The institution will then have until 1 October 2026 at 5pm to return the endorsed application.
4. Does the applicant have to apply to a UK university before applying for the Marshall Scholarship?
No, you don't need to be enrolled in the University you applied to prior to the Marshall Scholarship. But there are some UK universities and courses with earlier application deadlines so it is advisable to check these dates separately.
5. Is there an age limit for the Marshall Scholarship?
There is no general age limit for the Marshall Scholarship. Rather, the 2027 award is on a different basis; all entrants must have graduated from their initial college or university as an undergraduate after April 2024.
6. Would I be ineligible for the Marshall Scholarship if I already studied in UK?
No in general, unless you are already studying for or have a British degree or degree equivalent. Some study abroad programs in UK that do not result in a British degree may be handled differently, though.
7. Can I apply if I don't have work experience for the Marshall Scholarship?
General work experience is not a requirement noted in the eligibility criteria. Instead, the selection process takes into account academic merit, leadership potential and ambassadorial potential; and relevant academic, community, leadership or professional experiences may support your application.
8. How many Letters of Recommendation are needed for the Marshall Scholarship?
Three letters of recommendation are required. You should have 2 or more recommenders from USA, and the recommendations should give information about your academic record, leadership and ambassadorial potential.
9. Am I eligible for Marshall Scholarship for both one-year and two-year?
No, you'll need to select one of the scholarship pathways for application. Candidates are not eligible to apply for both the two-year and one-year Marshall Scholarship and may be disqualified if they apply for more than one pathway.
10. Is it a requirement to be accepted for Marshall Scholarship to attend a UK university?
Being a successful applicant for the scholarship does not guarantee acceptance to the desired UK university. Acceptance of an offer to study at a UK university is the final decision in the award of the scholarship.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5018 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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