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Up to eighteen Churchill Scholarships are offered annually, comprised of sixteen Churchill Scholarships in science, mathematics, and engineering, and two Kanders Churchill Scholarships in science policy. The Scholarships are for one year of master's study (courses run between nine and twelve months). The award covers tuition, roundtrip airfare to the UK, visa fees and health surcharge, and a stipend that is set at 5% higher than the UK Research Council standard. Recipients are eligible to apply for a $4,000 special research grant. The total value is around $75,000. 

• You must apply to the University of Cambridge separately by mid-October. Look at the University’s website and Scholarship Application Instructions for details.

Eligibility:  

• An applicant for the Churchill Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native-born or naturalized, and must be enrolled in one of the and due to graduate during the same academic year as the deadline or be a student who has graduated from one of those institutions within the past 12 months before the deadline. Upon taking up the Churchill Scholarship, a Churchill Scholar must hold a bachelor’s degree.

• Applicants should be aware that the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs is involved with the campus review process. Students with serious social or academic violations, such as those that are included as part of their permanent record at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, are advised to consult with the Director of Student Fellowships and Research early in the process. Students may also consult with their dean for guidance.

Selection Criteria:

• 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.

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ’s Internal Selection Process. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ is allowed to nominate only two students annually for the Churchill; therefore, the Committee will review the materials listed below to select ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ’s nominees.

By the “Initial ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Deadline,” the applicant must save the below items as PDFs and electronically submit them to Gina Pappas (gpappas@bowdoin.edu) in the Office of Student Fellowships and Research:

• An electronic copy of a completed online Churchill Scholarship Application
• Unofficial academic history from Polaris
• Signed and witnessed "Permission Form and Waiver"

In addition, by the "Initial ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Deadline":

• Four academic recommender (i.e., teachers, laboratory directors, and others) with whom the student has pursued research and studies and who know the student's work well should electronically submit their letter to Gina Pappas (gpappas@bowdoin.edu).

Materials for the Final Application. If you receive ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ’s nomination, it is your responsibility to continue revising and collecting your materials. By the “Final ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Deadline,” ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ’s nominees must submit their online application and ensure that all letters of recommendation have been submitted.

The Office of Student Fellowships and Research is responsible for obtaining the letter of institutional endorsement and will include this document in the final application sent to the Foundation on your behalf.