Churchill Scholarship

Information Session: 2025 campus competition closed

2026 and later info - NISO Week Sept 16-19, 2024 and Global Grad Scholarships Week - TBD March 2025

Campus Deadline: September 12, 2024

Fields of Study: Engineering, mathematics, and sciences

Funding for: One year of graduate study at the University of Cambridge

Begin Application: Junior year (Seniors and those who will have graduated within 12 months of the national nomination deadline may also apply)

Foundation Website: https://www.churchillscholarship.org/

Description

The Churchill Scholarship supports 14 American students each year who excel in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences, and who wish to pursue advanced independent research at the University of Cambridge while residing in Churchill College. The scholarship covers one year of study leading to a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree or a Master in Advanced Study in mathematics (MASt), including all university and college fees, plus a modest living and travel allowance.

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. citizen
  • Must be graduating with a bachelor's degree the same academic year as the deadline or withing the previous 12 months
  • May not have attained a doctorate at the time they take up the award

Candidate Profile

  • Exceptional academic achievement and talent in an eligible area of study (No official minimum GPA, but usually 3.9 or higher)
  • Strong record of research in your field
  • Potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics by pursuing original, creative work
  • Preparedness for rigorous, independent graduate study and research
  • Demonstrated leadership, extracurricular involvement, and social engagement

Application Components

  • 2-page Personal Statement
  • 1-page Program of Study essay conveying a rationale for your chosen program of study at Cambridge and a clear link to your future goals
  • 200 word description of future career plans
  • 300 word narrative resume that walks readers through undergrad academic path
  • Lists of research and relevant employment experiences, awards and distinctions, research dissemination, and non-academic interests/activities
  • Certified transcript(s)
  • Four letters of recommendation from faculty members
  • Letter of interest or commitment from the director of an appropriate laboratory at Cambridge
  • Cambridge University application

Application Procedure

In addition to the Churchill Scholarship application, applicants must apply independently for admission to the University of Cambridge through the GRADSAF by mid-October.

Purdue nominates up to two students to the national foundation for consideration. As such, Purdue applicants are reviewed by an internal committee who selects nominees from the broader application pool. NISO is the campus hub for Purdue applicants. We encourage interested students to attend the information session in September as that is the kick-off to the application process.

Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they declare their intention to apply.