Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship started in 1963 with three awards and has since grown to 14. It provides funding to American students for a year of Master’s study in science, mathematics, and engineering at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College. The Scholarship was set up at the request of Sir Winston Churchill in order to fulfil his vision of US-UK scientific exchange with the goal of advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to ensure our future prosperity and security. The Churchill Scholarship has been called the most academically challenging of the UK scholarships. 

Scholarship General Information 

Eligibility 

  • US citizen
  • A senior enrolled in UNM or one of the Participating Institutions of the Churchill Scholarship or recent graduate within the past 12 months

Criteria

  • Outstanding academic achievement, especially in the major, as indicated by GPA and recommendation letters. The recent Churchill Scholars have had a GPA of at least 3.9 or above. If an applicant has a GPA below 3.9, it will be helpful if the endorsement letter specifically addresses the academic record.
  • Proven talent in research and a capacity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics by pursuing original, creative work at an advanced level as demonstrated by awards, prizes, research, and letters of recommendation. Applicants in the sciences and engineering will demonstrate extensive laboratory experience, internships, or other related work, while applicants in mathematics will show substantial independent work or other projects.
  • Outstanding personal qualities. Understanding the time commitment required by research, the Churchill Foundation does not seek so-called “well rounded” applicants; instead, it seeks applicants with what we call interesting “jagged edges.” Nonetheless, it should be noted that successful applicants display a bewildering array of talents activities outside of academic pursuits, especially in music, athletics, and social service.

Selection Process

  • Mid-October: Applicants must apply separately for admission to the University of Cambridge. We recommend applying by the same deadline as Gates Cambridge, normally mid-October.
  • Early-November: Application submission deadline
  • January: 20 Finalists selected of which they recommend 14 to be Churchill Scholarship winners and the rest as alternates. All Finalists are then invited to participate in a 20-minute telephone interview.
  • Within one week of the interviews, candidates will be notified whether they have been successful in winning a Churchill Scholarship.