East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2027

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship (GDF) provides graduate education funding for students from the United States, Asia and the Pacific who intend to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

The fellowship combines academic study with the East-West Center's wider mission of strengthening relationships, leadership and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. Fellows do more than complete a university degree; they participate in an international residential and leadership-development community.

Graduate Degree Fellows live and interact with participants from different countries and backgrounds while taking part in educational programmes, cultural exchange, leadership projects, community-building activities, internships and service-learning opportunities.

New fellows are required to participate in the East-West Center's Community Building Institute when the award begins in August. Fellows also participate in community service and leadership-development activities during their fellowship period. The fellowship supports graduate tuition and fees up to the equivalent of general post-baccalaureate tuition at UH Mānoa, provides accommodation in an East-West Center residence hall and provides a stipend towards food and incidental expenses.

Applicants who are not already classified graduate students at UH Mānoa must apply separately for admission to an eligible University of Hawai‘i graduate programme. Admission to the university and selection for the East-West Center fellowship are separate processes. International fellows who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents normally participate under the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa requirements and should carefully review the associated post-programme residency conditions.

• Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of an eligible country or territory listed by the East-West Center.
• Eligible applicants include citizens or permanent residents from the United States and designated countries or territories in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia.
• Eligible South Asian countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• Eligible Southeast Asian countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
• Eligible East Asian applicants include those from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Russia and Taiwan.
• Eligible Pacific applicants include American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis & Futuna Islands.
• Applicants must have obtained a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution before the fellowship begins.
• Applicants generally need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, in the final four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate study and in post-baccalaureate work.
• Applicants must pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in a field relevant to East-West Center goals and objectives.
• Applicants who are not already classified graduate students at UH Mānoa must also apply separately for university admission.
• Applicants required to demonstrate English proficiency must satisfy the applicable East-West Center and University of Hawai‘i requirements.
• New fellows must be able to participate in the required East-West Center programme beginning in early to mid-August.

• Full-time graduate tuition and fees up to the equivalent of general post-baccalaureate tuition at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
• Housing in an East-West Center residence hall during the academic year, normally based on single occupancy.
• Stipend to partially cover food and incidental expenses.
• Fellowship provisions valued at approximately US$22,000 per year, less applicable taxes.
• Possible supplemental financial assistance for demonstrated need, subject to availability.
• Automatic consideration for certain EWCA Alumni and East-West Center Foundation supplementary scholarships.
• Competitive opportunities for field-study funding.
• Competitive support for conference presentations.
• Leadership-development programmes and internships.
• Community-building and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
• Access to an international network of students, professionals and East-West Center alumni.

For the fellowship application, applicants should prepare:

• Curriculum Vitae or résumé
• Proof of UH Mānoa admission application submission for prospective students
• Passport biodata page, if available, for international applicants
• University of Hawai‘i Statement of Objectives, where applicable
• Names and contact details of three referees
• Two references addressing academic ability and professional objectives
• One reference addressing community service, civic engagement or extracurricular involvement

Supporting documents that may be required by 10 January 2027 include:

• Official transcripts from each college or university attended
• English proficiency test scores where required
• Three completed letters of reference
• Additional documentation required by the selected UH graduate programme

Current UH Mānoa graduate students may have different document requirements and should follow the instructions provided specifically for continuing students.

• Selection is conducted through an international competitive process.
• Fellowship finalists are selected on a merit basis.
• Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate commitment to the goals, objectives and priorities of the East-West Center.
• Particular importance is placed on commitment to positive development and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Applicants must also satisfy relevant University of Hawai‘i admission requirements.
• Financial need may be considered for supplemental assistance after merit-based finalist selection.

• Pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
• Receive substantial support towards graduate tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
• Join an international community focused on the Indo-Pacific region.
• Develop leadership skills alongside academic study.
• Participate in community service, internships and cross-cultural activities.
• Gain exposure to students and professionals from across Asia, the Pacific and the United States.
• Build long-term international academic and professional networks.
• Access competitive support for field study and conference participation.