Kennedy Trust - Kennedy Scholarships

Kennedy Scholarship (Kennedy Memorial Trust)

You will receive a full scholarship for one year of postgraduate study (Master’s, PhD or similar) at Harvard University or MIT in the United States. It covers your full tuition fees and health insurance. In addition, you will receive a living allowance of up to 31,000 USD (approximately 28,500 EUR), the amount of which will depend on your financial circumstances. You will also receive a funded trip to Washington, D.C., and can apply for an additional travel allowance of 2,500 USD (approx. 2,300 EUR) for a summer trip. The scholarship is awarded by the Kennedy Memorial Trust, a British charity established in memory of US President John F. Kennedy.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a British citizen and normally live in the United Kingdom. Holding a second passport, such as a US passport, is not a problem.
• Schooling: Before starting your degree, you attended school entirely or mainly in the UK.
• Degree: You have obtained (or are about to obtain) a Bachelor’s degree from a UK university. Your first degree must have commenced on or after 1 September 2016, or you must be completing your Bachelor’s degree in the academic year 2025/26.
• Where you study: You must be undertaking a postgraduate programme at Harvard University or MIT. It does not matter which programme you are on – this includes a PhD, LLM, MPH, MArch and a non-degree visiting programme.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Where you are now: You must not already be living in the United States.
• What counts: There is no set minimum grade, but the Foundation places great importance on outstanding academic achievement, original thinking and a well-reasoned study plan. A genuine commitment to public service is welcomed and viewed favourably, but is not a prerequisite.

How to apply

Applications are submitted via the online portal. The application period begins in late summer and ends in October of the year prior to the start of the programme. For 2026/27, the application deadline was 20 October 2025. You must submit an application form, a personal statement of no more than 1,000 words and two references. You must also apply separately to Harvard and/or MIT. Shortlisted candidates will attend a face-to-face interview in London in January.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a single, prestigious award open to all British graduates across all disciplines; as such, it attracts outstanding candidates and competition is fierce. Good grades alone are not enough to win the prize. The trustees also place great importance on a clear commitment to public service and a well-reasoned explanation of why you wish to study at Harvard University or MIT; therefore, a concrete and thorough application will help you stand out from the crowd. You must also apply separately for a place at Harvard University or MIT, which is a major hurdle in itself.