Churchill Scholarship
Offered by Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States
About This Scholarship
The Churchill Scholarship funds a one-year master's degree in science, mathematics, or engineering at Churchill College in the University of Cambridge. The Foundation puts the total value at more than $80,000, covering all tuition, a living stipend, round-trip airfare to the UK, visa fees and the health surcharge — plus eligibility for a $4,000 special research grant.
It is among the most selective STEM awards in the country: 16 scholarships each year, drawn from a pool of nominees at just over 100 participating US institutions. Churchill Scholars live together at Churchill College, the Cambridge college founded at Sir Winston's request with a mandate that most of its students study science and technology.
Because candidates must be nominated by a participating institution, the real deadline is your campus's internal one, typically in early fall. Nominees then complete the Foundation's application and a parallel application to Cambridge itself.
Eligibility
- US citizens enrolled at (or recently graduated from) one of the Foundation's participating US institutions
- Must hold a bachelor's degree before taking up the scholarship (seniors apply during their final year)
- Must be nominated by their institution — each participating school may nominate up to two applicants
- Must apply separately to the University of Cambridge for an eligible master's course at Churchill College
- Intended field must be science, mathematics, or engineering (a separate Kanders Churchill Scholarship covers science policy)
How To Apply
- Confirm your college participates and contact its fellowships office about the internal nomination process — campus deadlines run well before the national one
- Register and complete the Foundation's online application once it opens (registration opens in May)
- Submit your parallel application to the University of Cambridge by the recommended October 14, 2026 date so processing stays on schedule
- Your institution submits its nomination to the Foundation by November 2, 2026 at 5 pm Eastern
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Churchill Scholarship worth?
The Foundation states the total value exceeds $80,000 for the one-year program. That includes all Cambridge tuition, a living stipend, round-trip airfare, visa costs and the UK health surcharge, plus eligibility for an additional $4,000 research grant.
Can I apply if my college doesn't participate?
No. Nomination by a participating institution is required, and each school may put forward at most two candidates. The Foundation's site lists the participating institutions; if yours isn't on it, your fellowships office can inquire about joining.
Do I also have to get into Cambridge on my own?
Yes. Churchill nominees submit a separate application to the University of Cambridge for their proposed course at Churchill College — the Foundation recommends doing so by mid-October — and the scholarship is contingent on admission.