The Winston Churchill Foundation for the United States, founded in 1959, helps gifted American students pursue graduate studies in engineering, mathematics, and the sciences at Churchill College, University of Cambridge. Stanford can nominate two applicants each year for this very competitive scholarship that supports one year of tuition and living expenses.
Churchill Scholarship Overview
- Every year, the Churchill Foundation funds 18 scholarships, comprising:
- 16 Churchill Scholarships in science, mathematics, and engineering.
- 2 Kanders Churchill Scholarships in science policy.
Under the Churchill Scholarship, a one-year Master’s program is funded at Cambridge, which could be any of the following:
- MPhil (Master of Philosophy)- This is more research intensive and culminates in a thesis and oral examination (viva).
- MASt (Master of Advanced Study)- A taught program of lectures and written examinations.
Why Apply for the Churchill Scholarship?
The Churchill Scholarship is for outstanding American students who want to:
- Perform leading-edge research at one of the world’s greatest universities
- Experience a different culture and expand their worldviews
- Gain specific expertise in their field of study
Key Dates & Deadlines
- Stanford Campus Deadline: October 9, 2025
- National Deadline: November 3, 2025
Churchill Sholarship Grants
The Churchill Scholarship covers the following in full to aid the successful applicants:
- Tuition in full for attending the University of Cambridge
- Round-trip airfare to the United Kingdom
- Visa and health surcharge
- A living stipend (5% above UK Research Council standards)
- A special research grant of $4,000 (for conferences, further research, or international academic travel)
Additional support may be available for married applicants – contact the Winston Churchill Foundation for more information.
Churchill Scholarship Special Requirements
These conditions apply for eligibility:
- Must be a U.S. citizen at the beginning of their studies at Cambridge
- Must be a senior or a recent graduate (12 months) from Stanford University
- Must be certified by Stanford University as a nominee
Selection Criteria
The Churchill Foundation places high importance on these three selection criteria:
Academic Excellence
- No specified minimum GPA, though most have a 3.9 or higher
- Strong performance in STEM subjects
- Eloquent letters of support from faculty members
Research Ability
- Experienced in laboratories, internships, or other independent research work
- Demonstrated creativity and originality in one’s work
Distinctive Personal Qualities
- The Foundation seeks students who have particular strengths and are deeply focused rather than those who are generally well-rounded
- Limited or no preference for extracurricular pursuits
How to Apply – Stanford Campus Process
Stanford students must apply through the Office of Global Scholarships (OGS) at the Bechtel International Center.
Preliminary Steps
- Complete the Churchill Scholarship Intent to Apply Form
- Read the Should I Apply? Guide
- Meet with an OGS advisor for guidance
- Explore other funding options (e.g., Fulbright, Marshall, Gates Cambridge)
Application Requirements
To apply, submit the following by the campus deadline:
- University of Cambridge Application (via the Cambridge Applicant Portal)
- Churchill Scholarship Online Application
- Four Academic Letters of Recommendation (submitted via the Churchill portal)
- Academic Transcripts (from all institutions attended)
Essays:
- Proposed Program of Study (1 page)
- Academic & Research History (up to 2 pages)
Correspondence with a Cambridge Research Supervisor (confirming willingness to accept you)
Submit Additional Documents via Email to OGS:
- PDF of your Churchill Application (download after submission)
- Stanford Churchill Cover Sheet
- Stanford Nomination Form Waiver
National Selection Process
Once nominated, applications are reviewed by a selection committee of former Churchill Scholars, most of whom are scientists and researchers.
Finalists will have a brief phone interview before selections are announced in late January.
Official Website: churchillscholarship.org