Prestigious Scholarships for Graduate Students

Scholarships are a great resource to reduce the cost of graduate school, but those who are able to qualify for some of the world's most prestigious scholarships, get more than just money. These highly competitive scholarships can help you network with the world's brightest thinkers and help lock in future employment prospects. They are major coups on your resume.

Successful applicants require a strong strategy and understanding of each program's priorities. Below you will find a detailed explanation of what you need to know to apply for prestigious scholarships such as The Rhodes, Fulbright, Churchill, Marshall and Harry S. Truman.

Each year, the Rhodes Scholarship program selects 32 Americans to study at the University of Oxford; as many as 89 additional scholarships are given globally.

The Rhodes Scholars program was established in 1902 by Cecil Rhodes to identify future leaders who would make major contributions during their lifetimes. Candidates are evaluated on academic success, participation in activities such as sports, commitment to public service, and leadership potential.

• Bill Clinton
  U.S. President, 1968
• Rachel Maddow
  Television host and author, 1995
• Peter Beinart
  Editor of The New Republic, 1993
• Susan Rice
  National Security Advisor, 1986
• Edwin Hubble
  Astronomer, 1910

The Marshall Scholarship was established after WWII by the UK Parliament as thanks to the U.S. for the success of the Marshall Plan. It provides funding for exceptional college seniors to pursue two years of graduate studies in any academic area at a college or university in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The goal is that with an enduring understanding of British culture, Marshall Scholars will facilitate ongoing positive relations between the U.S. and U.K.

• Robert Lane Greene
  Journalist, 1997
• Thomas Friedman
  Pulitzer Prize-winning author, 1975
• Roger Tsien
  Nobel Prize-winning chemist, 1972
• Nicole Krauss
  Novelist, 2000

The Fulbright Scholar Program gives merit-based grants for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists. For U.S. citizens, it provides the opportunity to gain international exposure and develop personal projects, while citizens from other countries can earn the chance to do the same but in the United States.

There are several programs and awards available in the Fulbright Scholar Program that enable college and university faculty members with a Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree), artists and professionals to teach or conduct research. More than 8,000 grants are offered annually, with a small number available to U.S. international education administrators. For a full list of these programs, visit the Fulbright website.

There also is a Fulbright Student Program, which enables graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study, teach or conduct research.

Under the student program, approximately 900 grants have been given annually, using funds dedicated by Congress. Applicants can be recent graduates, current graduate students, professionals, and artists. Programs supported range from coursework to artistic and research projects. There's often a language requirement, depending on the destination.

Marie Myung-Ok Lee was a Fulbright Scholar in 1997 for Creative Writing and Women's Studies in Korea. Today, she is an author and professor at Columbia University's Creative Writing program.

• Muhammad Yunus
  Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1965

• John Hope Franklin
  American historian and author, 1954

• Ashraf Ghani
  President of Afghanistan, 1985

• Elizabeth Kolbert
  Pulitzer Prize-winning Author, 1985

• Renee Fleming
  Soprano, 1984

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship provides support to college juniors who plan careers in public service. The scholarship looks for a strong history of civic engagement, volunteer work and public service throughout high school and college. It supports graduate studies that will enable students to be more effective in careers in public service. There's a strong emphasis throughout the application process in showing both an established history of service and demonstrating that future educational plans support a student's ability to be a change agent. Sample application materials provide deeper insight into the process.

• Bill De Blasio
  New York City Mayor, 1981

• George Stephanopoulos
  Presidential Advisor and ABC news anchor, 1981

• Michele Gavin
  US Ambassador and Senior Presidential Advisor, 1995

The Churchill Scholarship, set up by Sir Winston Churchill, is a specialized program fostering graduate studies in science, math, and engineering. Started in 1963, the Churchill Scholarship provides at least 14 scholarships for American students to pursue a one-year master's degree at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College. The program aims to strengthen U.S. - U.K. ties around science and technology, to foster innovation, prosperity, and security.

Mackenzie Simper is a recently named 2016 Churchill Scholar from the University of Utah.

In the world of elite scholarships, recommendation letters are a critical part of the process. Think strategically about your choice of recommender. Select people who can tie in examples, observations and comments from your work to the project you're proposing and the mission of the overall scholarship program. For example, if you're applying for a Fulbright, your linguistic preparation and your ability to adapt to a new culture are important.

Ineffective letters tend to be generic or fail to make a real connection to the mission of the program. It's helpful to ensure each of your recommenders understands the scholarship's mission, the academics or project you're proposing, and some specific elements that might be helpful as they're crafting their letters. Create packets for each of your recommenders with information and reference documents to help them quickly craft relevant letters.

Finally, a word about timelines: Professors and academic advisors tend to be inundated with recommendation requests. Create a timeline for your application. Choose recommenders early and provide them with plenty of time to fulfill your request. Ensure all waivers or other documents have been signed, and include submission instructions or stamped envelopes as required. Remove all logistical barriers for the creation of a powerful letter and a timely submission.