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 2027).

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.

We offer a scholarship reconsideration process based on application updates. Admitted students who have new academic, professional or personal achievements to share with the Admissions Committee may submit updates via this form. The deadline is Wednesday March 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). Please understand that submitting an update does not guarantee that any increase will be made to your offer. Notifications will go out before the enrollment deadline.

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.

More information about the application process and deadline will be available after January 15.

Description: The Craig Newmark Philanthropies is providing a generous gift to support U.S. veterans and military-connected students for 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 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.

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

More information about the application process and deadline will be available after January 15.

Description: Open to all incoming McCourt School students, the Fogel Scholarship will be awarded to one incoming McCourt student, 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 2026 start, are eligible for consideration, including both domestic and international students.

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

The deadline for this scholarship has passed.

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.

More information about the application process and deadline will be available after January 15.

The McCourt School of Public Policy is pleased to invite applicants for the 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years, in addition to exclusive opportunities to help shape the future of technology policy.

In addition to the partial-tuition scholarship, scholars will receive 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) 2026-2027, 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 2026-27 and 2027-28 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 2026 to May 2027).
• 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.

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

The deadline for this scholarship has passed.

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.

The deadline for this scholarship has passed.

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 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
• 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.

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 typically early May. 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 IELTS USA Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship is a US$5000 tuition scholarship that is awarded to an international graduate student enrolling in an accredited US college or university. The scholarship can be renewed for up to three years if you maintain a good academic standing.

IELTS USA founded this scholarship in honor of the late Andrea Scott, a dedicated international education colleague, and Senior Product Champion at IELTS USA. Andrea was an innovative higher education professional and outside of work she was very active in her community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must have a valid IELTS Academic score that was used to meet their University’s (or program’s) English proficiency requirement. IELTS score cannot be more than two years old by time of application deadline.
• Applicants must be admitted to an accredited US college or university for a Fall 2025 start term.
• Applicants must be admitted and enroll in a Masters or Doctoral level program.
• Applicants must qualify as an international student meaning they hold at least one passport from a country other than the US and be able to demonstrate the intentional pursuit of academic English language acquisition during their prior academic career (must be an English language learner).
• Applicants must be studying one of the following areas:
  • Social justice
  • Criminal justice reform
  • Women’s rights/women’s studies
  • Creative arts
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Educational access and equity
  • International studies or international policy
  • Higher education leadership

Award Details

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

Deadline: April 10, 2026

Questions? Email awards@ieltsusa.org

The Education Future Foundation offers an annual scholarship program for students from India called the Education Future International Scholarship. Students who are looking to study in United States of America (USA) at undergraduate or postgraduate level are eligible to apply for this Scholarship program. The value of each scholarship ranges between 2 lacs to 10 lacs Indian rupees (10K-12K USD).

The Education Future International Scholarship is also proudly listed among the top 5 impact scholarships globally under the category of “Examining non-state actors’ contributions to International Higher Education Scholarships” in the Global Education Monitoring Report by UNESCO.

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 $19.50 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 $23.50 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.

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 $23.50/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 for Fall TAs are collected during the summer, while Spring TA applications are opened in the fall semester. 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 2025 Whittington Scholarship recipient, Filip Kulakov (MPP ’25)
• 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.