The Luce Scholars Program is a yearlong opportunity for emerging global leaders to deepen their ties and understanding of Asia’s countries, cultures, and people. With language training and individualized job placements, Luce Scholars live and work throughout Northeast, Southeast, and South Asia in diverse fields such as public health, the arts, economic development, environmental science, and more. The Scholars contribute their talents to NGOs, government agencies, private companies, universities, think tanks, and museums.
Deadline: September
Value: Living stipend based on the Department of State's Cost-of-Living index and housing costs in the host country.
Eligibility: U.S. citizenship; college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a variety of fields who have had limited exposure to Asia; be under age 33 at the time of program departure (Fall 2027)
Major: Open
Nomination: No, but applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the Office of National Fellowships on their applications.
Website: Luce Scholars
Luce Application Deadlines
- National Deadline: September 7, 2026, 5pm EST
Luce Recommended Steps and Timeline
- May 14: Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you are eligible for the award and sign up for a Luce Information Session.
- June 1: Complete the pre-application form. We will schedule a meeting to discuss your intent to apply.
- June 11: Send first draft of short answer questions to Fellowships Office
- June 25: Send first draft of personal statement to Fellowships Office
- July 9: Meet with the Office of National Fellowships to discuss potential referees and to brainstorm ideas for the 1-2 minute video. Following meeting, reach out to potential referees. We can provide feedback if LORs send us drafts by Aug 27.
- July – August: Work on drafts of your three short answer questions, personal statement, and 1-2-minute video.
- By August 6: Complete nomination agreement form.
- September 4, 2026: Applicants should submit materials by to allow sufficient time for upload.
- NATIONAL DEADLINE: September 7, 2026, 5pm EST
- By Mid-November: Semi-finalists invited for virtual interviews with a Luce Scholars alumnus
- Early December: Finalists are notified of their status and invited to Finalist Weekend
- January: Finalist Weekend (from Wed – Sat in San Diego, California)
- Early February: Luce Scholars announced
