What is the Soros Fellowship for New Americans?

The Soros Fellowship offers full funding for up to two years of graduate or professional study at a US institution. The Program was established in recognition of the contributions New Americans have made to American life, in gratitude for the opportunities the United States has afforded the donors and their families. It is intended to provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields

Who can apply?

The Soros Fellowship is open to New American seniors and recent graduates.

You may qualify as a New American if:

  • You are – or will, by the application deadline, be – in possession of a valid green card.
  • You are a US citizen by birth, but neither of your birth parents was a US citizen or eligible for US citizenship at the time of birth.
  • You were born outside of the United States or one of its territories and were subsequently adopted by American parents and were awarded US citizenship as a result of your adoption. To the best of your knowledge, neither of your birth parents was a US citizen.
  • You have been – or by the application deadline will have been – granted deferred action under the government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Note: If you are identified as a potential finalist, you will need to provide documentary evidence of your eligibility as a New American.

Why apply for the Soros Scholarship for New Americans?

  • The Soros Scholarship offers generous funding of up to $90,000. Each Fellow receives $25,000 in stipend support per year (all stipend awards are capped at $50,000 per year), as well as 50 percent of required tuition and fees, up to $20,000 per year, for one to two years.
  • Soros Fellows join a cohort and network of other New Americans who are rising or established leaders in their fields.
  • Fellows enjoy leadership development and other enrichment activities that contribute to their success.

What are the selection criteria?

  • Demonstration of creativity, originality and initiative.
  • Demonstrated commitment to and capacity for accomplishment that has required drive and sustained effort.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
  • Promise of continued significant contributions that will mark the candidate as a leading and influential figure in their field.
  • Selection of graduate training relevant to long-term career goals and of potential value in enhancing future creativity and accomplishment.

Where can I learn more?

Deadlines

The deadline for the Soros Fellowship for New Americans falls in October of each year.

Questions?

If you are interested in applying for the Soros New Americans Fellowship, you are urged to contact Marynel Ryan Van Zee, Director of Student Fellowships, Laird 131, x4300/mryanvanzee.