Starting in May, Franklin & Marshall College seniors and recent graduates will be eligible to apply for the prestigious Churchill Scholarship, a fully funded year of master’s degree study in science, mathematics or engineering at the University of Cambridge.

The Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States accepts nominations for the Churchill Scholarship from a limited number of participating institutions; F&M is among 134 selected. Only 18 scholarships are awarded per year, comprising 16 Churchill Scholarships in science, mathematics and engineering, and two Kanders Churchill Scholarships in science policy. 

While most participating institutions are large, public universities, F&M stands out as one of the few private, undergraduate liberal arts colleges to be considered. Institutions must present at least one viable candidate every five years to remain eligible. 

“The College’s selection to participate in the Churchill Scholarship program opens new pathways for STEM students and reinforces our excellent tradition of high-level research,” said Julia Adams, director of fellowships advising.

In recent years, the F&M Office of Fellowships has helped students achieve success with prestigious awards, including:

• The inaugural cohort of Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholars
• Over 76 Fulbright U.S. study awards
• Five Pickering Foreign Affairs graduate fellows
• One Schwarzman Scholar
• One Anatolia Fellow
• The University of Pennsylvania Franklin Fellowship urban teaching residency
• The Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program 
• Two Rangel Fellows
• Five Davis Foundation for Peace grants 

Primary criteria for Churchill Scholarship selection includes outstanding academic achievement, proven talent in research and outstanding personal qualities. 

The Churchill Scholarship is for one year of master’s degree study at Churchill College, the only college at Cambridge that focuses on STEM subjects. The award covers full tuition, a competitive stipend, travel costs, and the chance to apply for a $4,000 special research grant. The total value is an estimated $75,000.

The scholarship was established at the request of Sir Winston Churchill. It fulfills his vision of deepening the U.S.-U.K. partnership to advance science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic.

The 2025 application window opens May 1 with a deadline of Nov. 3. 

Photo by Deb Grove