Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship: At a Glance 

Eligibility:

• United States citizenship
• Must be a current 4th-year or recent alumni from the University of Chicago, a partner institution
• Between the ages of 19 and 26, hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent at the start of your graduate degree at Cambridge
• Minimum GPA of 3.70; particular attention is paid to your major GPA
• Must be one of two (2) students nominated by UChicago
• Must apply directly to your selected graduate program at Cambridge in parallel with the campus endorsement applicaiton process

Selection Criteria:

• Exceptional academic talent and outstanding achievement evidenced by performance in major coursework and undergraduate research activities
• 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
• 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 interesting “jagged edges"

Candidates for the Churchill Scholarship can affirm the following: 

• I have conducted substantial research and completed advanced coursework in my STEM field
• I can articulate a vision for my future scholarship in STEM
• Prior coursework and research experiences substantiate my ability to pursue my research agenda successfully at the University of Cambridge
• I can secure four strong letters of recommendation from full-time faculty and/or research mentors who can affirm my preparation for success in my field/research at Cambridge
• I will apply directly to the University of Cambridge by the necessary deadline(s)

Extensive Description

The Churchill Scholarship provides an outstanding opportunity to pursue a one-year STEM degree by research at the University of Cambridge. It provides scholars with the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded research driven degree course in their chosen STEM discipline, working in world-class labs or institutes at Cambridge. The scholarship covers all University of Cambridge and Churchill College tuition and fees. In addition, students receive a living allowance, travel and research allowances and payment to cover visa fees. Students considering the taught 'Math Tripos' (or 'Part III' Maths program at Cambridge) should read the guide to the course provide by the Churchill Foundation.  Please note, this is not exclusively a gateway or prep-degree program for a PhD in another field.  It is the number-one ranked Maths program in the world and exceptionally rigorous. Students should carefully consider whether it is the best program fit for their ambitions. 

Read about UChicago's Seth Musser, 2017-18 Churchill Scholar.

Application Process

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must apply to the University of Cambridge in order to be endorsed for the Churchill Scholarship. This means you must submit your Cambridge admissions application on or before the stated UChicago Churchill nomination application deadline. You are entirely responsible for submitting your complete Cambridge application.

You must designate Churchill College as your college of choice in your Cambridge application. Some Cambridge departments require GRE scores as a part of the application process. It is your responsibility to double-check on whether you need to submit GREs with your Cambridge application. 

The campus nomination application consists of the following and must be submitted ONLINE HERE by the stated campus deadline. The campus application must include the following: 

1. Four academic recommendations (due by the UChicago campus deadline)
2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (academic resume) with focus on undergraduate research activities, honors/awards. 2-pages
3. A 1-page description of your program of study (maximum, single spaced, 12 point font)
4. A 2-page academic and research history (maximum, single spaced, 12 point font)
5. Unofficial transcript
6. Proof of submission of Cambridge application (email reciept confirming submission or screen shot)

For further insights into what the Churchill Foundation is looking for in a competitive application, consult the Churchill Foundation website. Note the following review criterion when completing your application: 

Outstanding academic achievement. There is no minimum GPA, though most applicants have a very high average. The Committee looks at achievement in STEM courses, especially in the major, as indicated by course grades and recommendation letters.

Proven talent in research. 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. The Committee looks for originality and creativity.

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.” The Committee takes into account interests and achievements outside of research, but it does not favor any particular kind of activity.

The Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States is committed to a policy against discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, marital or parental status, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability or any other characteristic protected by law.