WIIT Trust Scholarship
Offered by Association of Women in International Trade
About This Scholarship
The WIIT Trust, the charitable arm of the Washington, DC-based Association of Women in International Trade, awards $3,000 scholarships twice a year to students writing seriously about international trade. Application deadlines are April 1 and November 1, with winners notified by May 15 and December 15 respectively.
The award is essay-driven: applicants choose their own topic, broad or narrow, as long as it has a direct and discernible tie to international trade - the Trust suggests angles like trade and sustainable development or trade policy and gender diversity. Notably for 2026 applicants, the rules explicitly prohibit using generative AI tools to write or assist with the essay. Judging is based on the quality of the submitted essay against the Trust's criteria.
Eligibility covers undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students, full-time or part-time. Beyond the $3,000 check, winners receive a full year of personal mentorship from a WIIT member - a meaningful door-opener in the trade policy world, where the association's membership spans government agencies, law firms, and multinationals. For students eyeing careers in trade law, policy, supply chain, or international development, this is a high-value, low-visibility award.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate junior or senior, or graduate student
- Enrolled full-time or part-time
- Able to submit an original essay with a direct tie to international trade (generative AI assistance is prohibited)
How To Apply
- Go to the WIIT scholarships page on wiit.org and review the Trust's essay criteria
- Choose an essay topic with a direct and discernible tie to international trade
- Write the essay yourself - the rules strictly prohibit using AI tools to generate or assist with the content
- Submit the application and essay by the November 1 deadline; winners are notified by December 15
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you write about for the WIIT Trust Scholarship?
Any topic with a direct tie to international trade - the Trust suggests themes like trade and development or trade and empowerment, but the choice of angle, broad or narrow, is yours.
When are WIIT scholarship deadlines?
Twice a year: April 1 (winners notified by May 15) and November 1 (winners notified by December 15).
What do winners get besides the money?
In addition to the $3,000 paid toward academic costs, winners receive one full year of personal mentorship from a WIIT member in the international trade field.