East West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship is a prestigious fully funded scholarship for international students who aspire to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) . Designed to foster academic excellence, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding , this fellowship connects students from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States , allowing them to become part of a global scholarly community .

Through this program, students not only receive financial support but also engage in research, professional development, leadership training, and cultural exchange programs , preparing them to become innovative leaders and change-makers in their respective fields.

East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship – Program Overview

Program Name	East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
Host Country	United States (Hawaiʻi)
University	University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM)
Provider	East-West Center
Degree Level	Master’s & PhD
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Eligible Countries	Asia, Pacific, U.S., and other eligible regions (including Pakistan)
Application Deadline	December 1 (Supporting documents by January 10)
Application Mode	Online
Fields of Study	Social Sciences, Humanities, Environment, Policy, Economics, Public Health, Leadership
Benefits	Tuition, housing, stipend, health insurance, research & travel grants, leadership programs

This fellowship is highly competitive and seeks students with a strong academic record, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing positively to their communities and regions .

What Is the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship?

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship is a program that empowers students from across Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S. to pursue higher education while developing leadership skills and contributing to regional collaboration and development .

Fellows benefit from:

• Full financial support , including tuition, living expenses, and research grants.
• Access to top-tier academic programs at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
• Opportunities for fieldwork, conferences, and international research collaborations .
• Participation in leadership workshops, cultural immersion programs, and mentorship opportunities .
• Joining a global network of scholars and alumni that supports career advancement and regional development initiatives.

This program is ideal for students aiming to become leaders, researchers, and influencers in fields such as social sciences, environment, policy, public health, and education .

Key Benefits of the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship

The fellowship offers comprehensive financial and professional support , ensuring that students can fully focus on their studies and career development.

Financial Benefits

• Full Tuition Coverage for Master’s or PhD programs at UHM.
• On-Campus Housing within the East-West Center residential community.
• Monthly Living Stipend to cover meals, transportation, and personal expenses.
• Health Insurance to ensure comprehensive medical coverage.
• Books and Research Allowance for academic materials, software, and research needs.
• Travel and Conference Grants to support fieldwork, research trips, and international conferences.

Academic and Professional Development

• Leadership Workshops focusing on global leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.
• Cultural Exchange Programs to build cross-cultural understanding and regional cooperation.
• Mentorship from faculty and East-West Center staff to enhance academic and professional growth.
• Networking Events to connect with scholars, alumni, and professionals from around the world.

Community and Alumni Engagement

• Participate in regional projects that contribute to social and economic development.
• Build lifelong professional connections with alumni who work in government, international organizations, and business.
• Develop soft skills and leadership abilities that are highly valued globally.

These benefits make the fellowship one of the most valuable and comprehensive programs for international graduate students .

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is aimed at students with academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to community engagement .

Academic and Citizenship Requirements

• Open to citizens of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States , including Pakistan .
• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognized university.
• Competitive GPA (approximately 3.0/4.0 or equivalent) is preferred.
• Must secure admission to a Master’s or PhD program at UHM before being awarded the fellowship.

English Language Proficiency

• Proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent is required unless exempted.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills are essential.

Leadership and Community Involvement

• Demonstrated leadership potential through professional, academic, or community activities.
• Experience in cross-cultural projects, student organizations, or advocacy initiatives is highly valued.

Additional Requirements

• Compliance with S. visa regulations , typically a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa .
• Ability to actively participate in East-West Center programs, leadership workshops, and cultural activities .

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the fellowship involves two main steps :

1. Apply to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM)

• Submit your graduate program application online for Master’s or PhD.
• Include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose .
• Ensure all program-specific requirements are fulfilled.

2. Apply for the East-West Center Fellowship

• Complete the EWC Fellowship Application online by December 1 .
• Required documents:
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of UHM application
  • Passport biodata page

3. Submit Supporting Documents

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
• Three letters of recommendation highlighting academic excellence and leadership qualities.
• English language test scores , if applicable.
• Certified copies of degrees , submitted by January 10 .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the East-West Center Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. It covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, health insurance, books, research grants, and leadership programs .

2. Are students from Pakistan eligible?

Yes, Pakistani students can apply for this scholarship.

3. Do I need separate applications for UHM and EWC?

Yes, you must secure admission to UHM first before applying for the fellowship.

4. How important is leadership experience?
Leadership, community service, and cross-cultural experience significantly enhance the chances of selection .

What fields of study are eligible?

Fields include social sciences, humanities, environment, policy, economics, public health, leadership, and related disciplines .

Why Choose the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship?

This fellowship is more than financial aid ; it is a career-transforming opportunity that equips students with:

• Global academic exposure at a top-ranked university.
• Research and policy-making experience with regional and international relevance.
• Leadership training and mentorship to develop professional competencies.
• Cultural immersion and networking with scholars, alumni, and professionals worldwide.

Alumni of the East-West Center Fellowship have excelled in academia, government, international organizations, and business , making this program a life-changing opportunity for ambitious students seeking a global impact .

Apply Now!