Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship, first distributed in 1963, was set up at the request of Sir Winston Churchill in order to fulfill his vision of US-UK scientific exchange with the goal of advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to ensure our future prosperity and security. The total value of a Churchill Scholarship is worth between $50,000 and $60,000, depending on the exchange rate, and 16 scholarships will be distributed. This research-oriented award covers all tuition and fees at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge, a living allowance of £11,000 to £13,000, an allowance up to $1,500 for travel to and from the United Kingdom, $500 for reimbursement for UK visa and health surcharge application fees, and the possibility of a Special Research Grant of up to $2,000. The selection criteria for Churchill Scholars include a.) outstanding academic achievement, as indicated by course grades and recommendation letters; b.) proven talent in research and a capacity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the sciences, mathematics, and/or engineering; and c.) outstanding personal qualities, especially through talents and activities outside of academic realms.

Update regarding COVID-19:

The best way to get a sense of life in Cambridge is to follow the first-person accounts of the 2020-21 cohort, at their blog. The Foundation recognizes that many future applicants to the Churchill Scholarship must take courses pass/fail under lockdown conditions and that all students will have diminished opportunities for independent research during this period. We have added a question about the lockdown period to the application, in order to better understand each nominee’s unique experiences, with no expectation that applicants are able to conduct research while sheltering in place. We know that the effects of this pandemic will last several years and hope that all students can protect their health and that of their communities during this time, with full confidence that their future opportunities are not at risk.