Apply Now: East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship Program

Deadline: 01-Dec-26

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship Program provides financial support for graduate students from the Asia-Pacific region, the United States, and other eligible areas to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees at the University of Hawai‘i. The fellowship provides approximately $22,000 per year in core support, including tuition and fees, residence hall accommodation, and a stipend for food and incidental expenses.

About the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship

The Graduate Degree Fellowship is offered through the East-West Center and is intended to develop a network of emerging leaders committed to regional cooperation, positive change, and engagement across Asia, the Pacific, and the United States. Fellows undertake full-time graduate study at the University of Hawai‘i in fields relevant to the goals and objectives of the East-West Center. The program combines academic study with opportunities for regional networking, cultural exchange, and professional development. What Does the Fellowship Cover? The fellowship provides comprehensive financial assistance for eligible graduate students.

Core support includes:

- Full-time graduate tuition and required fees for the academic year, up to the general tuition charged for post-baccalaureate students. - Housing in an East-West Center residence hall, generally based on single occupancy. - A stipend to help cover food and incidental living expenses. - Approximately $22,000 in total provisions per year. Additional support may also be available. Depending on funding availability and demonstrated need, fellows may receive: - Supplemental financial aid for financial need. - Competitive travel grants for field study. - Competitive travel support for conference presentations. Additional funding is not guaranteed and depends on available resources and applicable selection requirements. Fellowship Duration The fellowship is initially awarded for one academic year, covering the fall and spring semesters. A fellow may be considered for renewal for another academic year if: - Funding remains available. - The student is making satisfactory academic progress. - Degree requirements are being completed appropriately. - East-West Center requirements continue to be fulfilled. The total period of support can be less than 20 months, depending on the student’s academic standing and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must meet the program’s citizenship, academic, and graduate study requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

- Be citizens or permanent residents of an eligible country or region. - Hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution. - Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. - Meet the GPA requirement based on the last four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate study. - Have a minimum 3.0 GPA in all post-baccalaureate academic work, where applicable. - Be applying for full-time master’s or doctoral study. - Pursue a field relevant to the East-West Center’s goals and objectives. Eligible Fields of Study The fellowship is intended for graduate study in academic areas that contribute to the objectives of the East-West Center. Applicants should therefore demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed academic program and broader regional issues, cooperation, leadership, or development. Potential areas may include disciplines connected with: - Regional development. - International relations. - Environmental and sustainability studies. - Public policy. - Education. - Economics. - Social sciences. - Public health. - Culture and regional studies. - Other fields relevant to the East-West Center’s mission. Applicants should verify that their specific degree program and field meet the current fellowship requirements. Why It Matters The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship is more than a tuition award. The program is designed to bring together graduate students from different countries and backgrounds and develop long-term regional connections.

Fellows can benefit from:

- Graduate education at the University of Hawai‘i. - A structured international academic environment. - Interaction with students from across the Asia-Pacific region and the United States. - East-West Center community and networking opportunities. - Opportunities to develop leadership skills. - Potential support for field research and academic conferences. - Exposure to cross-cultural perspectives and regional issues. This makes the fellowship particularly relevant for students interested in Asia-Pacific cooperation, international development, regional policy, leadership, and cross-border collaboration. University of Hawai‘i Study Requirement Successful applicants pursue their graduate degree at the University of Hawai‘i. The fellowship is intended for full-time graduate study, and applicants should ensure that they satisfy both: - The East-West Center fellowship requirements; and - The admission requirements of the relevant University of Hawai‘i graduate program. Meeting the fellowship’s minimum academic requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to a graduate degree program. J-1 Visa and Home-Country Requirement International fellows who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must participate in the Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa program. Under the stated fellowship conditions, these fellows are required to return to their home country for an aggregate period of two years after completing the program. Applicants should carefully consider this requirement before accepting the fellowship. Housing Requirements Housing is an important component of the fellowship. Fellows are generally required to live in an East-West Center residence hall. Single-occupancy residence hall accommodation is normally provided. There is an exception for fellows accompanied by minor dependent children. In such cases, the fellow is required to arrange off-campus housing. T