Scholarships and Assistantships

McCourt Scholarships

If you have received a merit-based scholarship from the McCourt School, you would have received notification in your admission letter along with instructions on how to view and accept your award in GU Experience. These are competitive awards based on merit, not financial need.

Scholarships are automatically renewed at the equivalent level in the second year of study (and third year for MPP-Evening and EMPL Extended students) as long as you remain in good academic standing (i.e. maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0).

For scholarship recipients in dual-degree programs, merit-based scholarships from McCourt are also renewable for one additional year, as long as you remain in good academic standing. The scholarship allocation may vary depending on which dual degree you pursue and when you start each portion of the dual program. If you are a dual degree student, please reach out to Julie Ito at itoj@georgetown.edu to discuss your dual-degree status and scholarship distribution more specifically.

For scholarship recipients in dual programs with HEC Paris (MiM or SASI), our office will be in touch via email to let you know your scholarship award for your fourth and final term at the McCourt School (Fall 2026).

All full-time applicants who have applied by either the December 1st Early Action deadline or the January 15th Priority Deadline are considered for our McCourt Scholar award. Candidates who advance in our screening process will be contacted by late February for a follow-up interview (conducted via Zoom). Those awarded will be notified in early March.

The McCourt School no longer negotiates with students on our merit-based scholarship offers. We believe there are cultural biases and inherent inequities caused by the negotiation process. Because your application was given a thorough review and considered for merit within our applicant pool, we will not adjust our awards based on competing offers you may have received from other schools.

That said, if you have achieved any new academic, professional, and/or personal accomplishments since the time you submitted your application, you may share these updates with us. Your updates will be shared with the Scholarship Committee for a review of your award. Please understand that submitting an update does not guarantee that any changes will be made to your award.

Updates must be submitted by Friday, March 21st at 5:00 PM (Eastern Daylight Time). Scholarship reconsideration decisions will be made before any enrollment deadlines.

Complete the Scholarship Reconsideration Form here.

Additional McCourt School Opportunities

Description: The Craig Newmark Philanthropies is providing a generous gift to support U.S. veterans and military-connected students for 2025-2026 at the McCourt School of Public Policy. Through the gift, we will be able to select up to 10 Craig Newmark Scholars who will receive a $20,000 scholarship. All applicants will still be considered separately for McCourt merit-based scholarships.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation is providing a generous gift to support U.S. veterans and military-connected students for 2025-2026 at the McCourt School of Public Policy. Through the gift, we will be able to select three students who will receive a $20,000 scholarship.

Qualifications: Students must be veterans, active duty, reserve, and/or military-connected. All incoming full-time and part-time students in any degree programs are eligible to apply.

Application: Applications are due no later than Friday, February 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET.

Timeline: Here is the timeline for selection:

  • Friday, February 21: Students are notified that they have been nominated and invited to interview
  • Monday, February 24 – Friday, February 28: McCourt faculty/staff will conduct interviews and make final selections
  • Monday, March 3: Students are notified if they receive the Craig Newmark and/or Dr. Scholl Scholarship

For Craig Newmark Scholarship applicants:

  • Please note that recipients will have the opportunity to work with the Craig Newmark Philanthropies on amplifying their work at the McCourt School and will be expected to tag the Philanthropies in social media posts as well as include Craig Newmark Scholar in their LinkedIn bios.
  • Recipients will also have the opportunity to meet Mr. Newmark and his colleagues to further increase their networking opportunities.
  • Please note that the award is only good for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Questions: Please contact McCourt Director of Strategic Initiatives Leslie Evertz (lse5@georgetown.edu) with any questions.

Description: Open to all incoming McCourt School students, the Fogel Scholarship will be awarded to two incoming McCourt students, who will receive an annual tuition scholarship of up to $25,000 and a semester-long research internship with $3,000 stipend to work with scholars, economists, political scientists, and foreign policy specialists at the American Enterprise Institute. All applicants will still be considered separately for McCourt merit-based scholarships.

Qualifications: All students applying or already admitted to the McCourt School’s EMPL, MPP, MPM, MIDP, and MS-DSPP programs for Summer or Fall 2025 start, are eligible for consideration, including both domestic and international students.

Timeline: Please submit an application no later than Monday, February 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET. Award decisions will be made in mid-March, and students’ decision to accept must be made by April 15, 2025.

Other notes: Applicants are asked to describe their area of policy interest and how they intend to use their McCourt School education and internship with the American Enterprise Institute to advance it.

Questions: Please contact McCourt Director of Strategic Initiatives Leslie Evertz (lse5@georgetown.edu) with any questions.

Description: The endowed Pablo Eisenberg Public Interest Fellowship was created in 2006 to honor the work of McCourt School of Public Policy Senior Fellow Pablo Eisenberg. The fellowships are from September 15, 2025 through April 30, 2026, and are administered by McCourt’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL). The fellowships, ranging from $8,000 to $10,000, are awarded to McCourt students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice and systems change through their work and volunteer experience. Students will provide research and project management support to the CPNL leadership team.

Qualifications: Currently enrolled or new admit who has confirmed enrollment as a full-time student at McCourt. Demonstrated experience in, and commitment to, social justice and systems change. Excellent research and writing skills are required. Students of color are encouraged to apply.

Application: The following materials, should be submitted via GMS by Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 PM ET, using this link:

  • A resume or curriculum vita
  • A one-page cover letter describing the applicant’s academic and work/volunteer experience related to social justice and systems change and interest in the Fellowship.

If you are unable to apply through GMS, please apply through this Google form. This is likely to apply to students who have been offered admission, but have not confirmed their enrollment yet.

We will review applications on a rolling basis.

Timeline: Applicants will be notified about the Fellowship awards by May 16, 2025.

Questions: Please contact Dr. Luisa Boyarski (boyarskl@georgetown.edu) if you have any questions.

Description: The Richmond Foundation Fellows are a select group of McCourt students with demonstrated interest in improving health policy and in increasing their knowledge about the role of oral health in comprehensive health care. The Fellowship award includes a partial-tuition scholarship of up to $35,000 for the 2025-26 academic year, a full-year paid research assistantship to work with select McCourt School faculty and affiliated research centers, and mentorship opportunities. All applicants will still be considered separately for McCourt merit-based scholarships.

Qualifications: All incoming full-time and part-time students in the EMPL, MPP, MPM, MIDP, and MS-DSPP programs are eligible, including both domestic and international students.

Application: Applications will be available in mid-January and are due no later than Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET.

Timeline: Finalists will be notified and invited to interview by early March. Awards decisions will be made by March 28, and students’ decision to accept must be made by April 15.

Other notes: Find the full description of the Richmond Foundation Fellowship here. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an interest in improving access, affordability, and quality of health care and insurance, with special preference given to those with interest in oral health care.

Questions: Please contact McCourt Director of Strategic Initiatives, Leslie Evertz (lse5@georgetown.edu) with any questions.

The McCourt School of Public Policy is pleased to invite applicants for the 2025-2026 Tech & Public Policy Scholars Program. This two-year scholarship will provide a maximum of five students enrolled in McCourt School graduate programs (MPP, MPM, MIDP, and MS-DSPP) up to a $35,000 scholarship for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years, in addition to exclusive opportunities to help shape the future of technology policy.

Scholars receive a partial-tuition scholarship of up to $35,000 for tuition expenses in the academic year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, a paid research assistantship to work with select Georgetown faculty and affiliated research centers on projects related to technology policy, and access to special events, discussions and mentorship through the Tech & Public Policy Program.

Once selected, scholars will be matched to a research assistantship with Georgetown University faculty based on students’ alignment with the research team’s needs, position duties, and areas of interest.

Qualifications:

  • Eligible applicants include all prospective students applying to one of the McCourt School of Public Policy’s four graduate programs (MPP, MS-DSPP, MPM, and MIDP) for the academic year (AY) 2025-2026, as well as current students who will be enrolled in one of those programs over the same period. 
  • Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply.
  • Awarded students will demonstrate an interest in issues of technology policy.

Scholarship Award:

  • Awarded students will receive scholarships of up to $35,000 which may be applied toward AY 2025-26 and 2026-27 course credits.
  • Awarded students will be matched to full-year research assistantships with select McCourt School and Georgetown faculty and affiliated research centers, expecting to work 10-20 hours per week at an hourly rate of $23.00, for the length of the position (approximate dates: September 2025 to May 2026).
  • To remain eligible for the award, scholars must be in good academic standing and enrolled in courses at Georgetown during the fall and spring semesters. If scholars choose to study abroad during the academic year, they will forfeit both their scholarship and research assistantship. This policy does not apply to the summer term.

Skills Requirements: Depending on the specific research assistantship, scholars will support the faculty or research teams on a range of projects related to examining and advancing human-centered policy solutions to challenges posed by current and future technologies. Necessary skills include:

  • Knowledge and experience with the U.S. and/or international public policy process and government institutions.
  • Passion for investigating pressing issues in technology and policy, such as the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence, harnessing data science to advance human rights, responsible platform data scraping, using technology to deliver government services more efficiently, harmonizing U.S. and EU data laws and other issue areas in tech and policy.
  • Experience managing research, including tracking and reporting. Ability to work well within a team environment.
  • Experience in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, relevant to projects such as compiling literature reviews, retrieving and analyzing data, and assisting with data visualization.
  • Exceptional writing skills, interpersonal skills, and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills.
  • Technical software skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and preference for familiarity with Stata, R, and/or Python.

Program Expectations: Scholars are expected to engage in the following:   

  • Monthly check-ins with the TPP director and program manager to provide updates on research progress, milestones, and other relevant activities. This may be done electronically, in-person or via phone call, depending on availability.
  • Participate in scholar cohort lunches.  
  • Attend at least one TPP Event per semester. 

Application: Interested applicants should submit a brief application here by Friday, February 28, 2025, by 5:00 pm EST for consideration for the 2025-26 scholars cohort. Decisions are expected to be made and communicated to applicants by Monday, March 31, 2025.

Questions: Please contact TPP’s Program Manager, Maria Sanchez (ms5271@georgetown.edu) with any questions.

Description: The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL) Waldemar A. Nielsen Philanthropy Fellowship awards an $8,000 to $10,000 Fellowship to a student who has a keen interest in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations focused on justice and systemic change. The Fellow will support the Center Director in the development of philanthropy teaching case studies, running the 2025 Executive Certificate in Philanthropic Leadership, and other philanthropy-related events.

Qualifications: Currently enrolled or new admit who has confirmed enrollment as a full-time student at McCourt. Ability to provide part-time support for the Executive Certificate in Philanthropic Leadership from September 8-12, 2025. Research, writing and event coordination experience required. The Fellow will be part of the Center team and have the opportunity to meet top leaders in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.

Application: The following materials, should be submitted via GMS by Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 PM ET, using this link:

  • A resume or curriculum vita
  • A one-page cover letter describing the applicant’s academic and work/volunteer experience in philanthropy and interest in the Fellowship.

If you are unable to apply through GMS, please apply through this Google form. This is likely to apply to students who have been offered admission, but have not confirmed their enrollment yet.

We will review applications on a rolling basis.

Timeline: Applicants will be notified about the Fellowship awards by May 16, 2025.

Questions: Please contact Dr. Luisa Boyarski (boyarskl@georgetown.edu) if you have any questions.

Description: The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL) Graduate Leadership Fellowship was established in 2024 to honor the work of Dr. Kathy Kretman for her lifelong commitment to advancing leadership through teaching and mentoring current and future leaders. For more than two decades, Dr. Kretman has served in several significant roles, including the Executive Director of the Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership, Waldemar A. Nielsen Chair in Philanthropy, and Research Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy. CPNL Graduate Leadership Fellows will work at CPNL on a leadership-based research project and build their leadership skills through customized seminars and workshops. This fellowship award includes a $10,000 stipend to cover the 8-month, 15-hour per week fellowship.

Qualifications: Currently enrolled or new admit who has confirmed enrollment as a full-time student at McCourt. The fellowship will be awarded to McCourt students who, through academic pursuits as well as volunteer and work experience, demonstrate a strong commitment to exercising leadership for a healthy society, local or global. Excellent research and writing skills are required.

Application: The following materials, should be submitted via GMS by Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 PM ET, using this link:

  • A biographical resume or curriculum vita
  • A one-page cover letter describing the applicant’s academic and work/volunteer experience related to public leadership and interest in the Fellowship.

If you are unable to apply through GMS, please apply through this Google form. This is likely to apply to students who have been offered admission, but have not confirmed their enrollment yet.

We will review applications on a rolling basis.

Timeline: Applicants will be notified about the Fellowship award by May 16, 2025.

Questions: Please contact Dr. Luisa Boyarski (boyarskl@georgetown.edu) if you have any questions.

McCourt Affiliated Scholarships

McCourt also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities in conjunction with other organizations. In order to be considered for any of these scholarships, applicants must have submitted their application to the McCourt School by the December 1 or January 15 deadline. Scholarship eligibility is contingent on the applicant indicating their affiliation with the partner organization in their application materials. Applicants may also be asked to submit verification that they are affiliated with any of these groups in order to receive matching/minimum funds from the McCourt School.

Admitted students who receive a merit-based scholarship offer from the McCourt School should be aware that your offer already includes any of the minimum amounts listed below. As an example, if you are a Truman Scholar and have received a $20,000 award from the McCourt School, your affiliation with Truman has already been included in your award offer ($15,000 affiliated scholarship + $5000 additional in merit-based funding.)

  • Admitted Truman Scholars will receive a minimum $15,000 scholarship award from McCourt
  • Up to 10 Admitted Fulbright Scholars will receive a $5,000 minimum scholarship award from McCourt
  • Admitted Americorps Segal Education Award recipients will receive a minimum of a 100% matching scholarship award from McCourt if the Segal Education Award is applied to McCourt’s tuition
  • Payne Fellows admitted to the Master in Public Policy  Master in International Development Policy  , and Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy   programs will receive a minimum $25,000 scholarship award from McCourt
  • Up to 5 Rangel Fellows admitted to the Master in Public Policy  Master in International Development Policy  , and Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy   programs will receive a minimum of $25,000 scholarship award from McCourt
  • Pickering Fellows admitted to the Master in Public Policy   or Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy   programs will receive a minimum $25,000 scholarship award from McCourt
  • Admitted Former Jesuit Volunteer Corps Members will receive a $3,000 minimum scholarship award from McCourt
  • All Admitted Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellows and participants in McCourt’s Public Service Weekend will be considered for a minimum scholarship award of $18,000 from McCourt
  • Up to 5 admitted COLFUTURO scholarship recipients will receive a minimum scholarship award of $15,000 from McCourt
  • Admitted FUNED scholarship recipients will receive a minimum scholarship award of $20,000 from McCourt
  • Up to 2 admitted Bonner Scholars or Bonner Leaders will receive a $25,000 minimum scholarship award from McCourt
  • Up to 2 admitted NYPD Scholarship recipients will receive a minimum scholarship award of approximately 33% of tuition for the full-time MPM and standard EMPL program at McCourt; to be considered for this award, NYPD applicants must apply no later than the January 15 application deadline.
  • Admitted Lead For America Fellows and Govern for America Fellows will receive a minimum scholarship award of $18,000 from McCourt.
  • Up to 30 students admitted to the full-time MPM through the McCourt School’s partnership with the National Urban Fellows   (NUF) will receive a full tuition scholarship.
    • Interested candidates need to apply first through NUF  . The NUF application deadline is January 15. Only those selected as semi-finalists will be invited to submit an application to the McCourt School and only NUF finalists will receive the tuition scholarship from McCourt and NUF.

Outside Opportunities for McCourt Students

The Bryce Harlow Fellowship program accepts applications from individuals who work full-time and undertake part-time graduate level studies in public policy, law, and business. The deadline to apply is May 4, 2025. For complete information, including a link to the on-line application, please visit their website.

The Israeli Policy Fellowship (IPF) provides Israeli students who have received a formal offer of admission to the master programs at the McCourt School of Public Policy with a tuition subsidy of $40,000 per year as well as a policy peer network and mentorship from Israeli alumni.

In order to be eligible for the fellowship, prospective candidates need to be Israeli citizens, have submitted a successful application to the McCourt School of Public Policy and to demonstrate a proven record of public service commitment, leadership skills and strong prospects of career advancement in the public sphere in Israel.

To learn more and apply, please visit the IPF’s website (israelipolicyfellowship.com) or reach out to yael@israelipolicyfellowship.com.

The Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship, an annual scholarship from IELTS USA, supports incoming international graduate students at U.S. colleges and universities. Named in honor of Andrea Scott—a visionary admissions leader and advocate for education, the arts, and equity—this scholarship celebrates students who embody her values of innovation, community impact, and social justice.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Valid IELTS Academic score (within 2 years by the deadline)
  • Admitted to a U.S. college or university for Fall 2025
  • Enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program
  • Hold at least one non-U.S. passport
  • Pursuing studies in one of eight areas of interest

Award Details

  • $5,000 scholarship renewable for 3 years
  • Recognition on IELTS USA’s website, newsletter, and social media

Deadline: April 7, 2025

Questions? Email awards@ieltsusa.org

Assistantships

Graduate Assistants (GAs) will support McCourt School staff typically in an administrative capacity for approximately 10-15 hours per week and are paid hourly (current rate is $19.00 per hour). All students (including international students) may apply for graduate assistant positions in late August. McCourt hires approximately 10-15 GAs per year.

Research Assistants (RAs) will support tenure-line McCourt School faculty in their research for approximately 10 hours per week and are paid hourly (current rate is $23.00 per hour). Several of McCourt’s Research Centers hire RAs throughout the academic year and the summer. All students (including international students) may apply for research assistant positions in late August. McCourt hires approximately 30-40 RAs per year.

Description: Thanks to a generous gift, the McCourt School will be hiring a Research Assistant (RA) to work with the Pennywise Foundation in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The selected student will have the opportunity to choose one of five potential internships, ranging from nonprofit management to international development. The RA position pays approximately $23.00/hour, and the RA is expected to work up to 20 hours/week during the academic year.

Qualifications: This position is open to all incoming full-time McCourt students, including international students.

Application: Applications are due no later than Monday, February 17 at 5:00 PM ET.

Timeline: Here is the timeline for selection:

  • Monday, February 24: Students are notified that they have been nominated and inquiring if they want to interview
  • Monday, March 3 – Friday, March 28: Pennywise will conduct interviews and make final selection
  • Monday, March 31: Student is notified if they have received the Pennywise internship

Other notes: In choosing the Pennywise Foundation RA, we will be guided by several factors but in particular, your interest in the position/Foundation, your previous experience, and your previous academic performance. Please note the award is only good for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Questions: Please contact McCourt Director of Strategic Initiatives Leslie Evertz (lse5@georgetown.edu) with any questions.

Funding Opportunities for Second Year/ Returning Students

Returning students are eligible to apply for Graduate and Research Assistant positions, as listed above.

McCourt hires returning students as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for the academic year to help support faculty and students in the quantitative, economics, and data science courses. The pay is $23.00/hour for approximately 8-12 hours per week, and TAs are expected to hold office hours, answer questions, conduct recitations, grade assignments, and/or provide other support for faculty and students. Applications are collected during the summer; McCourt hires approximately 60 TAs per year.

The McCourt School Leadership Fellows Program is a year-long program to develop the leadership potential of outstanding returning McCourt students. The selected Leadership Fellows will take part in intensive training workshops in coaching and team-building during the summer. In the fall, Fellows will apply their skills to help incoming McCourt students and develop their own potential through community-building and individual identity exploration exercises. Throughout the year they will continue their personal development and build coaching skills through cohort-activities and continued engagement as they plan and lead activities for the McCourt community. Students will be able to apply in March to serve as a Fellow for the following year.

The Colin McCollester Mission Fund was established by the family of Colin McCollester (G’14), who died on December 12, 2019 as a way to remember his generous spirit of doing good by serving others. Recipients will receive a $5,000 stipend to participate in an international internship or short term study abroad program during the Summer or Fall.

All part-time and full-time McCourt School students who will be returning in the following academic year (Fall, Spring) and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.33 or higher are eligible to apply for the Dean’s Scholarships awards. There is approximately $300,000 in additional scholarship funding available. Students are typically awarded scholarships in the range of $1,000 to $20,000. Scholarships are for one academic year and students who are returning for a 3rd or 4th academic year will need to apply again in the following year’s process. Scholarships are competitive and are based on merit.

The Whittington Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding McCourt student in honor of Leslie Whittington, a professor of Economics and Public Finance who was killed during the attacks on 9/11. The scholarship, created in remembrance of Leslie and her family, is typically around $15,000 for one academic year. Only full-time students who have a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA are eligible to apply. This competitive scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement at McCourt and a student’s contributions to the McCourt community.

The McCourt School strongly believes in the value of experiential learning and internships for students who wish to apply their skills and gain experience while making a difference in their field of interest. This fund seeks to provide financial assistance to any student who wishes to pursue substantive and meaningful experiences and unpaid internships in and outside of Georgetown. With generous support from the CVS Foundation, we can award more stipends than in years past, particularly for our military-connected students and those interested in veterans’ affairs and/or health policy. The Fund typically provides a stipend payment of approximately $3,000 and can be applied for in the summer, fall or spring.