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SCHOLARSHIP STATUS :
OPEN
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of receiving funding
Objective
The McGarlen Excellence & Leadership Scholarship Program (MELSP) aims to develop a network of future global leaders that will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and drive the development of their home countries forward.
Do I need to apply to this scholarship before or after I secure admission in one of the eligible Universities?
Our scholarship offers a pre-admission option, allowing applicants the flexibility to secure the scholarship before applying to their university of choice. Alternatively, applicants may choose to apply for university admission first and then apply for the scholarship afterward. This approach provides applicants with the freedom to plan their academic journey according to their individual preferences and circumstances.
Who can apply?
High school students, undergraduates, and graduates who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
What Majors & programs are eligible for this Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to all majors and programs offered by the 200 eligible schools in the USA. It is available exclusively to international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate (Master’s), or doctoral (PhD) level education.
What is the deadline for application?
The scholarship operates on a rolling basis for new applicants until the annual funds for new scholars are depleted.
In order to apply you must:
Be a citizen of one of the 90 countries that is eligible for the MELSP scholarship;
Apply for Undergraduate, masters or PhD programme in any of the 200 listed Universities or colleges in the USA.
Have a demonstrated Leadership experience or previous employer, or from civil society engagement.
Have a demonstrated social commitment to your community.
Minimum cumulative high school, undergraduate or graduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Country of citizenship
You must be a citizen of a country that is eligible for the MELSP scholarship. However, you do not need to reside in the country at the time of the application.
University admission
Our scholarship offers a pre-admission option, allowing applicants the flexibility to secure the scholarship before applying to their university of choice. Alternatively, applicants may choose to apply for university admission first and then apply for the scholarship afterward. This approach provides applicants with the freedom to plan their academic journey according to their individual preferences and circumstances.
Previous Leadership experience
You must have demonstrated leadership experience in your resume. This can be in any role or field be it professional, social, religious or political.
Previous Social contribution or Commitment.
You must have demonstrated your direct contribution to society in making the world a better place or advancing any of the UN developmental goals through your resume and verifiable references.
Good Academic Standing
A candidate must demonstrate by way of an unofficial transcript, a good academic standing by providing a Minimum cumulative high school, undergraduate or graduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). However, verified certificates, transcripts, and references will be requested once applicants pass the Final selection stage. This ensures thorough verification and assessment before final scholarship decisions are made.
Programme of Study
The scholarship is open to all majors and programs offered by the 200 eligible schools in the USA. It is available exclusively to international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate (Master’s), or doctoral (PhD) level education.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for the McGarlen Excellence & Leadership Scholarship Program.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect all required documents, including academic transcripts, school certificates, and any other supporting materials specified in the application guidelines.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Access the scholarship portal and fill out the online application form. Provide accurate and detailed information about your academic background, achievements, leadership experience as required.
Step 4: Submit Application
Review your completed application thoroughly to ensure all sections are accurately filled out and all required documents are attached.
Submit your application along with all necessary documents by the specified deadline. Late submissions may not be considered.
Step 6: Initial Review
Your application will undergo an initial review to assess eligibility and completeness. Applicants who meet the initial criteria will proceed to the next stage.
Step 7: Verification Stage
If selected for further consideration, you will be required to provide verified copies of your school certificates, transcripts, and references. These documents will be used to validate the information provided in your application.
Step 8: Selection Process
Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on academic merit, leadership potential, community involvement, and the strength of their personal statement.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments as part of the selection process.
Step 9: Notification of Decision
Successful applicants will be notified of their scholarship award and provided with further instructions regarding acceptance and enrollment procedures.
Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified of the outcome.
By following these detailed steps, you can ensure a thorough and organized application process for the McGarlen Excellence & Leadership Scholarship Program.
Start Early and Stay Organized:
Begin preparing your application well in advance, keep track of deadlines, and ensure all required documents are complete and submitted on time.
Highlight Leadership and Achievements:
Emphasize your leadership roles, academic accomplishments, and community service involvement with specific examples.
Write a Genuine Essay:
Craft a personal essay that reflects your true experiences, goals, and motivations, demonstrating how the scholarship will help you achieve your aspirations.
Proofread and Seek Feedback:
Carefully review your application for errors and ask a mentor, professor, or advisor to provide constructive feedback to ensure your application is polished and compelling.
Scholarship Package Award
Tuition Coverage:
Receive full tuition coverage for the duration of your academic program, contingent upon maintaining good academic and moral standing. Specific limits apply:
Undergraduate: Full tuition coverage for up to $20,000 per academic year for up to four years of study.
Master’s: Full tuition coverage for up to $30,000 per academic year for up to two years of study.
PhD: Full tuition coverage for up to $40,000 per academic year for up to four years of study.
Travel Grant:
Receive a one-time travel grant of $2,000 to facilitate your temporary relocation to the USA, if applicable (not applicable to students already residing in the USA).
Monthly Stipend:
Receive a monthly stipend of $500 to assist with living expenses during your studies.
Housing Options:
Benefit from on-campus housing provided throughout your academic program. Alternatively, opt for a housing stipend of $5,000 per year for off-campus accommodation.
Application Fee Waiver Code:
As part of the scholarship package, applicants will receive an application fee waiver code for three universities of their choice, facilitating a streamlined application process.
Health Insurance:
Access comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of your academic program.
Alumni Network Access:
Upon completing your scholarship term and education, join the esteemed MELSP Alumni Network. This membership provides exclusive opportunities for ongoing networking and professional development beyond your scholarship tenure.
Scholarship Guidelines & Rules
MELSP is a university based scholarship and therefore does not apply to any other university aside the eligible universities and colleges
If a scholarship recipient decides to alter their chosen program of study, the scholarship awarded to them will be rendered null and void.
Your scholarship concludes at the end of the specified scholarship term. Any extensions to your program of study beyond the awarded scholarship period will not be covered by the scholarship.
Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of their studies to remain eligible for the scholarship.
Scholarship recipients are required to be enrolled as full-time students for each academic term covered by the scholarship.
Students cannot receive multiple scholarships or financial aid awards concurrently. If a student is awarded another scholarship, the MELSP scholarship will be suspended for the duration of the other award.
Recipients are expected to adhere to the university’s code of conduct and maintain high ethical standards throughout their academic career.
If a recipient withdraws from the university or fails to complete the academic term covered by the scholarship, they may be required to repay a portion or all of the scholarship funds received.
Eligible Countries
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply to the MELSP scholarship
Africa
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Asia
Japan, south Korea, Bhutan, Laos, India, Papua New Guinea, Mongolia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Malaysia, Maldives, Cyprus, Taiwan, Vietnam
South America
Venezuela, Haiti, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize.
Scholars Fund
$
1
M+
Benefactors
127
+
Countries
2
+
Study Majors
10
+
Key Dates Timeline
Program Launch : August 1, 2024
The scholarship program opens for applications. All relevant details and application forms are made available on the MELSP Website.
Application Period :August 1, 2024 – Until Funds Are Exhausted
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of receiving funding.
Monthly Review Deadlines
Applications received by the end of each month starting from August 1st are reviewed by the scholarship committee in the first week of the following month.
Notification of Awards
Notifications are sent out to selected applicants by the 15th of each month following the review period. For example, applicants who submit by August 31, 2024, will be notified by September 15, 2024.
Acceptance and Confirmation
Recipients must confirm acceptance of the scholarship within one week of notification. For example, those notified by September 15, 2024, must confirm by October 23, 2024.
Disbursement of Funds
Scholarship funds are disbursed at the beginning of each semester or academic term, following confirmation of acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The McGarlen Excellence & Leadership Scholarship Program is designed to support outstanding undergraduate and graduate International students looking to study in the USA. It aims to nurture future leaders by providing financial aid and opportunities for personal and professional development.
High school, undergraduate and graduate students enrolled or yet to enroll at any of the eligible Universities . Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
The scholarship offers full or partial financial support covering tuition, Accommodation, monthly stipend, Travel expense, leadership mentoring and opportunities
The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the recipient's degree program, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Applications can be submitted online through the MELSP scholarship portal.
Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, community service involvement, and the quality of the application materials.
The scholarship is open to all fields of study offered at any of the eligible Universities
Leadership potential is evaluated based on your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles in student organizations, volunteer work, and any initiatives you have led or contributed to.
Yes, the scholarship is renewable each year for the duration of the degree program, provided the recipient maintains the required academic standards and continues to demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
No, recipients do not need to reapply each year. However, they must submit an annual progress report and demonstrate continued eligibility.
If you fail to meet the eligibility requirements, the scholarship may be revoked. However, you will be given an opportunity to appeal the decision and provide any necessary explanations or documentation.
Yes, undergraduate recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and graduate recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
No, You cannot switch your major after being awarded a scholarship
Yes, if you are not selected, you can reapply the following year, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Deferrals are generally not permitted, but exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances. You must contact the scholarship committee to discuss your situation.
Recipients are notified by email and official letter
© The McGarlen Scholarship Programme 2024. All rights reserved.