Churchill Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Winston Churchill Foundation Of The United States
History and Purpose
The Churchill Scholarship was created at the request of Sir Winston Churchill as part of the founding of Churchill College, Cambridge. It was established to strengthen the US–UK partnership and to advance science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic. The award supports postgraduate study that aligns with Churchill’s vision of promoting scientific progress for prosperity and security. The program also connects scholars with Churchill’s legacy through curated visits and institutional engagement.
History of the Award: The Scholarship was founded at Sir Winston Churchill’s request to deepen transatlantic scientific collaboration and to support advanced study at the University of Cambridge.
- Founded at Sir Winston Churchill’s request as part of Churchill College.
- Designed to strengthen US–UK scientific and technological ties.
- Combines academic funding with legacy programming and institutional engagement.
The Award
Up to 18 scholarships are awarded each year: 16 Churchill Scholarships in science, mathematics, and engineering, and two Kanders Churchill Scholarships in science policy. Each scholarship funds one year of Master’s study (programs run nine to twelve months) and covers tuition, roundtrip airfare, visa fees and health surcharge, and a stipend set above the UK Research Council norm. Recipients may apply for a $4,000 special research grant, and the total award value exceeds $80,000. The funding is structured to enable a full year of concentrated graduate-level study or research at Cambridge.
Description: Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support for a one-year MPhil or MASt at the University of Cambridge, with additional research grant opportunities.
Award Value: The total package includes tuition, travel, visa and health fees, a generous stipend, and eligibility for a $4,000 research grant; total value is over $80,000.
- Awards available: up to 18 per year (16 + 2 Kanders).
- One-year Master’s programs (9–12 months) at Cambridge.
- Comprehensive coverage including stipend and travel; research grant available.
Philosophy
The Scholarship selects recipients primarily on the basis of academic and research achievement rather than leadership or ambassadorial qualities. The program equips accomplished scientists, mathematicians, and engineers with tools to maximize their future impact, including a science communication workshop and a science policy seminar. While not all scholars will pursue careers in science communication or policy, these experiences broaden scholars’ professional skills. Scholars are also offered opportunities to engage with the historical legacy of Sir Winston Churchill as part of the program.
Description: Selection emphasizes demonstrated academic and research excellence, complemented by training in communication and policy to enhance long-term impact in STEM careers.
- Selection based on academic and research achievement.
- Program includes science communication and policy seminars.
- Legacy engagement activities are incorporated into the scholar experience.
Programs of Study
The Churchill Scholarship supports one year of postgraduate study at Cambridge, either as an MPhil (research-oriented) or an MASt (Master of Advanced Study, available primarily for Part III mathematics). The MASt (Part III) is an intensive taught program with an optional research essay, while the standard MPhil is a full-time research degree culminating in a thesis and viva. Applicants must normally demonstrate correspondence with a prospective supervisor or course director to confirm placement suitability, with notable exceptions for the MASt in mathematics and the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science. Some eligible courses are hybrid (part-taught, part-research); applicants should be prepared for the distinct teaching culture at Cambridge and consult the Foundation about course eligibility where needed.
Eligibility: Applicants are generally required to show correspondence with a supervisor or course director to confirm an appropriate placement, except for certain programs (notably the MASt in mathematics and the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science).
- Supported degrees: MPhil (research) and MASt (Part III mathematics).
- MASt is intensive and course-focused; MPhil emphasizes independent research and a viva.
- Supervisor correspondence is required for most programs; check Foundation guidance for course eligibility.