George Washington University Global Leaders Fellowship
The Global Leaders Fellowship is an esteemed program offered by George Washington University (GW) in Washington DC, USA, aimed at incoming graduate students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs. This fellowship is designed for students who plan to return to their home countries after completing their studies at GW and utilize the knowledge and skills gained to become future leaders in their respective fields.
Host Institution and Fields of Study:
George Washington University offers this fellowship under various schools, including the College of Professional Studies, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Elliott School of International Affairs, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, and School of Business (excluding Executive Education). The fellowship is hosted at the Foggy Bottom campus.
Number of Awards and Eligible Countries:
GW offers three prestigious Global Leaders Fellowships each year. The fellowship is open to students from the following countries and regions: China (PRC), Cambodia, Eastern Europe, Laos, Latin America, The Caribbean, Mongolia, Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S.S.R. Successor States, and Vietnam.
Scholarship Value and Duration:
The Global Leaders Fellowship covers up to 18 credit hours of the recipient’s graduate program. However, it is important to note that grantees are responsible for funding other expenses such as books, living costs, and additional personal expenses, and must provide certification of this support. The fellowship is renewable for a maximum of three years for master’s candidates and up to five years for doctoral candidates.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Global Leaders Fellowship, applicants must be international students intending to apply for an F-1 visa and must hail from one of the eligible countries or regions mentioned earlier. It is crucial that applicants have not studied or worked in countries other than their home country. Permanent residents, resident aliens, and U.S. citizens are not eligible for this fellowship. Applicants must hold an F-1 visa (or J-1 visa for Fulbright applicants) without any exceptions.
English Language Proficiency:
As part of the admissions process, applicants must have demonstrated English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 100 on the internet-based exam. Alternatively, applicants can provide an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 7.5, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
Application Process:
Applications for the Global Leaders Fellowship are submitted online. It is essential that interested students first apply for admission to GW through the university’s online process. Only applicants who have completed the admissions application, including payment of the application fee, will be considered for the fellowship. The deadline for applications is typically in early February.
Conclusion:
The Global Leaders Fellowship at George Washington University is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding graduate students from eligible countries and regions to pursue their academic dreams in the United States. With a focus on nurturing future leaders who will contribute to their home countries’ development, this fellowship offers financial support and a nurturing academic environment at GW’s Foggy Bottom campus.