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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026 for Passionate Masters and PhD Candidates to Study in the University of Hawaii at Manoa
The EWC Graduate Scholarship is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue their Master’s and PhD programs at universities in the USA. This fellowship allows students with strong academic backgrounds to join a multicultural program, fostering cross-cultural learning and cooperation without financial concerns. You can get a head start on your application by reading our guide on how to apply for scholarships successfully.
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This guide provides a step-by-step application procedure and essential details for the 2026 East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Study Abroad: Study in USA
- Category: Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: 50 Selected Countries (from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S.)
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Health Insurance | Feeding Allowance
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Program Details
The EWC Graduate Scholarships are awarded annually through an international competition. The application period for the academic year 2026/27 is now open, with a deadline of December 1.
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship provides funding for master’s and doctoral students from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States. The program is designed to support students as they participate in educational, cultural, and leadership development programs. A core purpose of the East-West Center is to build a sense of an Asia-Pacific community, and thus, student fellows live and interact with each other in intellectual and social activities. To learn more about the benefits of this kind of experience, you can read about the top reasons to study your masters abroad.
Benefits of the Program
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship provides a comprehensive package to support students throughout their studies. The key benefits include:
- Full funding for Master’s and Doctoral studies.
- Accommodation for the duration of the program.
- Health insurance coverage.
- A feeding allowance.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of the United States, Pacific Region, Southeast Asia, South Asia, or East Asia.
- Hold a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from a U.S. college or university.
- Have a minimum CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 from your undergraduate or postgraduate degree. If your GPA is lower, our guide on the best way to explain a low GPA in personal statements may be helpful.
- While not explicitly mentioned in this program’s requirements, you can also check if a GRE is required to study abroad for other opportunities.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
To apply for the EWC Graduate Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:
- Apply to the University: You must apply for admission to the University of Hawai‘i for the following fall semester by the December 1 deadline. The university’s online application system opens on August 1 each year.
- Submit EWC Application: Complete the online application for the EWC Graduate Scholarship through the links provided below. For tips on how to write a winning application, read our guide on how to write a scholarship essay that wins.
- Submit Supporting Documents: To ensure timely processing, all supporting documents for both your university and EWC applications must be completed by January 10.
- Confirm Submission: After submitting your application, you will receive an email from the university to confirm that your application has been received. Ensure all your personal and academic details are correct on the application form.
Required Documents
To complete your online application for the EWC Graduate Scholarship, you must prepare the following documents:
- A completed application checklist.
- Application acknowledgment.
- Academic transcripts from your last degree.
- Two letters of reference. For help with this, read our guide on how to ask for a recommendation letter for scholarship.
- A scanned copy of your passport.
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A letter detailing your civic engagement.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) as required.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the EWC Graduate Scholarship? The scholarship is designed to build a sense of an Asia-Pacific community and prepare future leaders by bringing students from the region and the U.S. together for educational and cultural exchange.
What is the application deadline? The application deadline for the EWC Graduate Scholarship is December 1, 2025.
What is the required GPA? Applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate or postgraduate CGPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Is this scholarship for both Master’s and PhD students? Yes, the fellowship provides funding for both Master’s and Doctoral degree programs.
What countries are eligible to apply? The scholarship is open to nationals of the United States, Pacific Region, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia.
Does the scholarship cover tuition? Yes, it is a fully funded opportunity that covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and a feeding allowance.
Is the IELTS or TOEFL required? Yes, proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) is required for the application.
What are the key required documents? Required documents include academic transcripts, letters of reference, a CV, passport, and a civic engagement letter, among others.
When will the application system open? The University of Hawai‘i online application system typically opens on August 1 each year.
Do I need to apply to the university separately? Yes, you must apply to the University of Hawai‘i for graduate admission by December 1, in addition to submitting the EWC application.
