Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship aims to advance science and technology by fostering a partnership between the US and UK. By selecting Scholars on the academic and research achievements of applicants, The Churchill Scholarship ensures the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers will emerge equipped with the tools to define the future. The Churchill Scholarship was established at the request of Sir Winston Churchill as part of the founding of Churchill College, Cambridge. It fulfills his vision of deepening the US–UK partnership in order to advance science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, ensuring our future prosperity and security. In contrast to other scholarships that look for “leadership potential” or “ambassadorial qualities,” Scholars are selected on the basis of academic and research achievement. Scholars then are provided the tools to maximize their future impact as accomplished scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

This award requires university endorsement. UC may nominate up to two candidates for the award each year. You must contact NCA in order to apply.

Deadlines

Application Opens: May 1, 2025
Pre-Application Form Deadline: 
Campus Deadline: September 29, 2025 @ 12:00 PM ET
National Deadline: November 3, 2025 @ 5:00 PM ET

The Churchill Scholarship funds one year of study for a Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge across 16 scholarships in science, mathematics, and engineering, and 2 Kanders Churchill scholarships in science policy. The award covers tuition, roundtrip airfare to the UK, visa fees and health surcharge, and a stipend set 5% higher than the UK Research Council standard. Recipients are eligible to apply for a $4,000 special research grant. The total value of this award is $75,000.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must be:

  • a citizen of the United States, either native-born or naturalized
  • enrolled in one of the Participating Institutions 
  • due to graduate during the same academic year as the deadline or be a student who has graduated from one of those institutions within the past 12 months before the deadline. 
  • in possession of a bachelor’s degree by the start of the scholarship.

Selection Criteria

To be a competitive candidate, applicants should have:

  • proven talent in research through laboratory experience, internships, or other related work
  • outstanding academic achievement in STEM courses
  • outstanding personal qualities outside of research, including interests and achievements
  • Completed application form
  • 1-page Proposed Program of Study
  • 2-page Academic and Research History
  • Transcript (we can get your UC transcript for free)
  • Correspondence with a potential lab supervisor (if applicable)
  • 4 academic letters of recommendation
  • Letter of endorsement (provided by NCA)
  1. Complete two NCA forms: Intake Form and Records Release Form
  2. Attend a NCA Info Session on the Churchill Scholarship
  3. Complete and submit the Pre-Application Form by its deadline. NCA will set up a meeting with you to discuss your pre-application
  4. Submit your application, including letters of recommendation, by the campus deadline
  • Information on this page is intended to supplement, not supplant, your own careful review of the official Churchill website. If you find any discrepancy between the two, the Churchill website takes precedence.
  • Contact your recommenders early to give them as much time as possible to write and submit letters of recommendation.
  • Though you should seek out others’ advice and feedback on your application, the essays should be your original work (no one should be writing your essays for you). UC’s Student Code of Conduct applies.