Churchill Scholarship 2026: Requirements & Application

The Churchill Scholarship is an elite award for U.S. citizens aiming to pursue one‐year STEM (science, mathematics, engineering) postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. 

You cannot afford to delay—nomination deadlines and university admission timelines are strict, and many institutions require internal vetting well ahead of the external deadline.

About the Scholarship

The scholarship is administered by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States. 

It was established at the request of Sir Winston Churchill to strengthen U.S.–UK scientific and technical collaboration. 

The award supports research and advanced study in STEM at Churchill College, Cambridge.

Fields of Study Funded

Eligible fields include:

• Science (Biological, Physical, etc.)
• Engineering (various branches)
• Mathematics
• Science Policy (for those applying under the Kanders Churchill route)

Benefits for Recipients

• Funding for one year of Master’s study (MPhil or MASt) at Cambridge.
• Tuition, roundtrip airfare to the UK, visa fees, and UK health surcharge.
• Living stipend (set slightly above standard UK Research Council figures) plus additional benefits like research grants for some scholars.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

1. Be a U.S. citizen (native born or naturalized)
2. Have completed an undergraduate degree or be about to graduate in the same academic year as the application deadline, or graduated within 12 months prior.
3. Not hold (or have held) a doctoral degree at the time the scholarship begins.
4. Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong research potential, and readiness for rigorous postgraduate work in STEM.

How to Apply

1. You must first be nominated by your U.S. institution (only certain participating colleges/universities may nominate candidates).
2. Submit the Churchill Scholarship application via the official website. This includes your research proposal, academic and research history, recommendation letters, transcript, etc.
3. Also apply separately for admission to your intended Cambridge program (MPhil or MASt) in the eligible field.

Required Documents

Prepare to include:

1. Academic transcripts and undergraduate degree certificate
2. Research proposal or statement of proposed program of study
3. Letters of recommendation (often four) from professors or supervisors familiar with your research/work
4. Personal academic and research history statement

Closing Date

The close date for nominations is 3 November 2025 (this is the external deadline for application submissions after institution nomination). 

Internal nomination deadlines at each institution will be earlier.

Contact Details

For more information, contact the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States via their website:

• Website: churchillscholarship.org
• Email: [email protected]