Scholarships and Assistantships

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.

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 28, 2026, and are administered by McCourt’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL). The fellowships, ranging from $7,000 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, which should be collated into one PDF document, are due via email to Dr. Luisa Boyarski, CPNL Director at boyarskl@georgetown.edu, no later than Wednesday, April 23rd at 5:00 PM ET:

• Unofficial copies or photocopies of official transcripts
• A biographical resume or curriculum vita
• A one-page statement describing the applicant’s academic and work/ volunteer experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly related to social and racial justice issues, and interest in the Fellowship.

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 Friday, February 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET.

Timeline: Finalists will be notified and invited to interview by February 21. 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.

Information coming soon.

Description: McCourt’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership awards an $7,000 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 and Associate Director in the development of philanthropy teaching case studies; serving as the teaching assistant for the Spring 2026 Philanthropy and Nonprofit class; and coordinating an end-of-year philanthropy event.

Qualifications: Currently enrolled or new admit who has confirmed enrollment as a full-time student at McCourt. Ability to attend the Spring 2026 Philanthropy, Power and Politics class (schedule TBD). 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, which should be collated into one PDF document, are due via email to Dr. Luisa Boyarski, CPNL Director at boyarskl@georgetown.edu, no later than Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 PM ET:

• Unofficial copies or photocopies of official transcripts
• A biographical resume or curriculum vita
• A one-page statement describing the applicant’s academic and work/ volunteer experience in nonprofit organizations, and interest in the Fellowship.

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

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

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.

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.

• Meet the 2024 Whittington Scholarship recipient, Anirudh Srivathsan (MPP ’24)
• Meet the 2023 Whittington Scholarship recipient, Brooke LePage (MPP-EP ’23)
• Meet the 2022 Whittington Scholarship recipient, Mackenzie Loy (MPP/MBA ’22)
• Meet the 2021 Whittington Scholarship recipient, Andrea Arciniegas Murillo (MPP ‘21)
• Meet the 2020 Whittington Scholarship recipient, Maddie Pickens (MS-DSPP ‘20)

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.