Scholarship details
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, often referred to as the PD Soros Fellowships, is a highly prestigious and competitive fellowship program in the United States.
About the Fellowship
It was established in 1997 by Hungarian-American philanthropist Paul Soros and his wife, Daisy Soros. The program aims to support outstanding immigrants and children of immigrants who have shown remarkable promise and achievements in their respective fields.
The PD Soros Fellowships provide generous financial support and various opportunities to a select group of exceptional individuals who are pursuing graduate studies in any discipline or profession at an accredited U.S. university. The fellowship is open to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including naturalized citizens, green card holders, DACA recipients, and refugees.
The fellowship’s primary goal of the PD Soros Fellowships is to empower and invest in the next generation of New American leaders, recognizing that immigrants have made significant contributions to various fields and have enriched the fabric of American society. By providing financial assistance, mentorship, and a supportive network, the program seeks to foster academic and professional success among its fellows.
PD Soros Fellows represent a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), social sciences, humanities, arts, and public service. They are chosen based on their exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, commitment to community service, and the potential impact they can make in their chosen fields.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive a grant that covers up to 100% of their tuition fees, as well as an annual stipend to support their living expenses during their graduate studies. The fellowship also provides access to various resources, such as professional development opportunities, networking events, and mentoring programs, which help fellows navigate their academic and career paths successfully.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans offer significant financial support to its recipients, with each award totaling up to $90,000. Here’s a breakdown of the financial assistance provided:
- Stipend Support: Each Fellow is granted a stipend of $25,000 per year. It’s important to note that stipend awards are capped at $50,000 per year.
- Tuition and Fees: The fellowship covers 50 percent of the required tuition and fees, up to a maximum of $20,000 per year. This support is provided for a duration of one to two years.
It’s worth mentioning that the first year of Fellowship funding cannot be deferred, ensuring that recipients receive the necessary financial assistance to pursue their studies without delay.
Scholarship Provider: Paul and Daisy Soros
About the Provider
In December 1997, Paul and Daisy Soros, Hungarian immigrants and philanthropists, established the Fellowship program for New Americans. With a charitable trust of fifty million dollars, they aimed to give back to the country that had provided their family with remarkable opportunities.
Choosing the fellowship model, Mr. and Mrs. Soros sought to address an unmet need by supporting young New Americans at crucial stages in their education. They also aimed to highlight the substantial and diverse contributions of New Americans to the overall quality of life in the United States.
To further bolster their commitment, Mr. and Mrs. Soros contributed an additional twenty-five million dollars to the charitable trust in 2010. For more in-depth information, please refer to the Wall Street Journal article.
Sadly, Mr. Soros passed away on June 15, 2013, at the age of 87. His personal story, which served as an inspiration, his dedication to American constitutional democracy, and his visionary philanthropy remain foundational aspects of the Fellowship program. A comprehensive New York Times obituary providing insights into his life journey and numerous contributions can be accessed online.
Summary
- Applicant’s Nationality: All New American Immigrants
- Degree Level: Graduate Degree
- Field: All eligible fields for the program
- Number of Awards: Two
- Duration: NA
- Scholarship Country: United States
- Renewable: Yes
- Offered Annually: Yes
Eligibility
Before proceeding with the application, interested students must meet the eligibility requirements of the awards. All eligibility criteria are based on your status as of October 26, 2023. If you become a finalist, you will need to provide documentation to confirm your eligibility.
Class of 2024 Eligibility: To qualify for the Class of 2024, you must meet the following criteria:
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- You must be a New American, which includes immigrants and children of immigrants.
- You should be 30 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline.
- You plan to begin or continue a full-time eligible graduate degree program in the United States during the 2024-2025 academic year.
- You can apply for the Fellowship while applying to graduate school or after enrolling in graduate school.
- If you are currently in a graduate program and seeking support, you cannot have started your third year or beyond by the October 26th deadline.
- Academic Standing: The fellowship supports full-time graduate programs in the US. You need a bachelor’s degree, and you can apply while applying to or already enrolled in a graduate program. Online and hybrid programs are eligible.
Application Process
The application can be accessed in an online portal at the official website of the provider, keep in mind that the application is free. Visit the official fellowship website to access the online application portal.
- Create an account and complete the application form, providing accurate and detailed information about yourself, your background, and your academic and professional goals.
- Upload the required documents, ensuring they meet the specified guidelines and deadlines.
- Review and double-check your application for any errors or omissions before submitting it.
- Submit your completed application before the designated deadline, which is typically in the fall.
- After the deadline, the selection committee will review all applications and shortlist finalists.
Deadline of Application
The deadline to complete and submit the application is until October 26, 2023.
