Next deadline: September 2027
The Luce Scholars Program was launched by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. The program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for 18 Luce Scholars each year. We welcome applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a variety of fields, with a range of backgrounds and experiences, who have had limited exposure to Asia.
Prospective applicants should make an individual advising appointment with Alicia Hayes in the OURS National Scholarships Office.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
- Must be a graduating senior, recent graduate, or young professional under the age of 33 at the time you depart for Asia
- Must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree before the start of the Program
- Applicants who have spent a total of six consecutive months or more than one cumulative year within the past five years in only one of the countries where Luce Scholars are placed may still apply; however, they will not be placed in the country where they have spent significant time
- Those with a total of six consecutive months or more than one cumulative year within the past five years in more than one Luce placement country within the past five years are not eligible.
- Recent change: may have majored in Asian Studies
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Outstanding capacity for leadership
- Record of high achievement
- Mature and clearly defined career interests in any field, with evidence of potential for professional accomplishment
- Personal qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, creativity, humility, openness to new ideas, and sensitivity to cultural differences are as important as academic achievement
Application Requirements
- 5 short answer questions
- Personal statement (500 words)
- Informal 1–2 minute video response
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be professional)
- Academic transcript
- Optional supplemental portfolio, additional writing sample, or other submission
For more information about this opportunity, visit the Luce Scholars Program website (opens external site).
