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In 1953, the British Parliament established the Marshall Scholarship program, named in honor of U.S. General George C. Marshall. The program was created as a thank you to the American people for the assistance given to Europe in the aftermath of World War II through the European Recovery Program - commonly known as the Marshall Plan.

In the following years, the Marshall Scholarship program quickly established itself as the most prestigious scholarship scheme for young Americans wishing to do graduate study at universities throughout the United Kingdom. In the five decades since the program began, some 1,500 American men and women have studied in more than 44 different universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are up to 40 scholarships awarded each year to exceptional candidates.

Marshall Scholars are talented, independent and diverse, and their direct engagement with the United Kingdom through its best academic programs enhances their intellectual and personal growth.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has said that, "[the program] continually reinforces the strong ties between the United States and the United Kingdom across all sectors of our societies."

Competition for the scholarships is extremely rigorous. Every year the Marshall Scholarship allows for up to 40 exceptional young Americans to study at more than 100 universities and colleges in the UK. Recipients of the scholarship receive a fully financed graduate education in the field of their choice for two, and sometimes three, years. Candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership potential, social commitment and communication skills.

Alumni:
Marshall Scholarship alumni occupy interesting and prominent positions in all walks of life. This network has included a Supreme Court justice, members of Congress, the President of the United States' cabinet, Pulitzer Prize winners, and other leaders in journalism, academia, business, entertainment, sports, the military, science, engineering and law.

Further Information:
For further information, application materials and details of contact points in your region visit the Official Marshall Scholarship Site and the British Council.