Nationally competitive award

Luce Scholars Program

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An experiential placement program in Asia providing an in-depth immersion experience to emerging leaders.

Deadline
September 8, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Award amount
  • 13-month commitment beginning with orientation in June through the Scholars' Symposium in July of the following year
  • All expenses associated with the selection process (travel to Finalist Weekend, lodging, food, etc.)
  • One-year professional placement with language training and cultural immersion.

Overview

Academic level
  • Graduating seniors
  • Recent graduates
Citizenship
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Eligibility
  • Must be under the age of 33 at the time of departure for Asia
  • Must have earned at least a bachelor's degree before the start of the Program
  • Applicants who have spent a total of 6 consecutive months or more than 1 cumulative year within the past 5 years in more than one Luce placement country are not eligible
Application materials
  • Personal & Background Information
  • Academic Information
  • Professional Information
  • Personal statement (500 words maximum)
  • 1–2 minute video recorded based on provided prompt
  • Two letters of recommendation (one must be professional
  • the second may be professional or academic)
  • Optional supplemental materials upload
Important dates
  • Early November 2026: Semifinalists invited for virtual interviews
  • Early December 2026: Finalists notified and invited to Finalist Weekend
  • January 27–30, 2027: Finalist Weekend in San Diego, California
  • Early February 2027: Cohort of Luce Scholars publicly announced