Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York Scholarship for Graduate Study in Scotland
Offered by Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York
About This Scholarship
The Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York, founded to support Scots and their descendants in America, has funded graduate exchange between the U.S. and Scotland since 1960. For 2027-28 it will offer up to three scholarships worth $45,000 each, covering tuition first and then board, travel and other costs for a year of graduate study at a Scottish university. One is the Agnes and Margaret Macmillan Scholarship.
The award is aimed at college seniors who will earn a bachelor's degree in spring 2027. Applicants need some Scottish descent, U.S. citizenship and financial need, and must live or attend school within 250 miles of New York State. Selection weighs academics, activities, career purpose and a statement explaining why you want to study in Scotland.
You cannot apply on your own. Each college may put forward just one candidate per year, endorsed by the institution's president, so interested seniors should go through their campus fellowships office well before the society's December 15 deadline. Six finalists are usually interviewed at a luncheon in New York in February or early March.
Eligibility
- College senior who will receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university in spring 2027
- Some Scottish descent (lineal descent through parents if not born in Scotland)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Demonstrated financial need, certified by an institutional official
- Must reside or attend school within 250 miles of New York State
- Must be nominated by their institution (one candidate per school per year) with a letter of endorsement from the institution's president
- For graduate or advanced degree study in Scotland only
How To Apply
- Contact your college's fellowships or scholarships office to request the application package (the society distributes forms through institutions)
- Prepare a statement explaining your graduate study objectives and why you wish to study in Scotland
- Arrange two letters of reference from professors, an official transcript and a financial need certification
- Secure your institution's nomination and a letter of endorsement from its president
- Submit through your institution by December 15, 2026; finalists are interviewed in New York in February or early March
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly?
No. Your current college must propose you as its candidate, and only one applicant per institution is considered each year.
What does the $45,000 cover?
It is applied first to tuition, then to board, transportation and other expenses for one year of graduate study in Scotland.
How is Scottish descent determined?
If you were not born in Scotland, your Scottish heritage is determined through your parents.