Applications are open for the 2027 East-West Center (EWC) Graduate Degree Fellowship in the United States. The fellowship supports eligible students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
The programme brings together students from the United States, Asia, and the Pacific to participate in academic research, leadership development, cultural exchange, and community-building activities.
Important: The fellowship is not open to applicants from every country. Eligibility is restricted to US citizens and permanent residents and citizens of specified Asian and Pacific countries. Nigerian citizens are not eligible under the published country requirements.
Scholarship Overview
– Scholarship Name: East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
– Host Organisation: East-West Center
– Host University: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
– Country: United States
– Study Level: Master’s and PhD
– Academic Session: 2027–2028
– Eligible Applicants: US citizens and permanent residents and citizens of eligible Asian and Pacific countries
– Funding Duration: Generally up to two academic years, subject to award conditions
– Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
– Study Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Benefits of the EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship
Successful applicants receive financial support for graduate study and participation in the East-West Center community.
1. Tuition and Fees
The fellowship covers eligible graduate tuition and fees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, up to the applicable funding limit.
2. Accommodation
Recipients receive housing in an East-West Center residence hall for the academic year, subject to the fellowship’s conditions.
3. Living Allowance
The fellowship provides a stipend to help cover food and incidental expenses. However, the stipend may not cover all personal living costs.
4. Leadership Development
Fellows participate in leadership programmes, community service, cultural exchange, and other activities designed to develop professional and interpersonal skills.
5. Research Opportunities
Eligible fellows may compete for additional funding for fieldwork and conference presentations during their studies.
6. International Networking
Participants interact with students and professionals from different cultural and academic backgrounds, helping them build international networks.
Important: The fellowship does not necessarily cover international airfare, visa expenses, health insurance, books, and all personal expenses. Applicants should prepare a budget for costs not covered by the award.
Available Study Programmes
Applicants can pursue eligible master’s and doctoral programmes at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Potential fields include:
– Business and management
– Economics
– Education
– Environmental studies
– Public health
– Political science
– International relations
– Sociology
– Computer science
– Engineering
– Natural sciences
– Other eligible graduate disciplines
Applicants should select a programme that matches their academic qualifications and research interests. Priority may be given to candidates whose studies demonstrate a commitment to the development of the Asia-Pacific region.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship, applicants generally must meet the following conditions:
1. Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or a citizen of an eligible Asian or Pacific country.
2. Hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or its equivalent before beginning the fellowship.
3. Meet the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s graduate admission requirements.
4. Meet the academic requirements of the chosen master’s or doctoral programme.
5. Demonstrate a strong academic record and potential for graduate-level study.
6. Show an interest in the goals of the East-West Center, particularly regional cooperation and community development.
7. Be willing to participate in the Center’s educational, cultural, and leadership activities.
8. Satisfy the university’s English-language requirements where applicable.
The university’s graduate programmes may have additional requirements, including minimum grade-point averages, standardised tests, research proposals, or professional experience.
Eligible Countries
The fellowship is available to US citizens and permanent residents and citizens of specified countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific.
Eligible countries include India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and other listed countries and territories.
Applicants from Nigeria and most other African countries are not eligible for this particular fellowship. Candidates should confirm their citizenship eligibility before preparing an application.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for the fellowship application:
– Curriculum vitae or résumé.
– Proof of application to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
– Passport biodata page, where applicable.
– Names and contact details of three references.
– Statement of objectives required by the chosen university department.
– Academic transcripts and degree certificates for university admission.
– English-language proficiency results, if required.
– Any additional documents requested by the selected graduate programme.
Applicants should review the requirements carefully and ensure that all documents are accurate and complete.
How to Apply for the EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship 2027
Interested and eligible candidates should follow these steps:
1. Choose a graduate programme: Identify a suitable master’s or doctoral programme at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
2. Review admission requirements: Check the department’s academic, language, and documentation requirements.
3. Apply to the university: Submit the graduate admission application and retain the acknowledgement receipt.
4. Prepare the fellowship documents: Update your CV, prepare your statement of objectives, and identify three suitable references.
5. Complete the fellowship application: Submit the separate East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship application.
6. Review your application: Check every field carefully because changes may be difficult after submission.
7. Submit before the deadline: Ensure that your application is received before the stated closing date.
Applicants must complete both the university admission application and the fellowship application. Admission to the university does not automatically guarantee a fellowship.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Applicants should also check the deadline for their selected University of Hawaiʻi graduate programme, as departmental deadlines and document requirements may differ.
Candidates are encouraged to begin preparing early to allow enough time for academic records, references, and other supporting documents.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed competitively. The selection process considers academic qualifications, graduate study plans, leadership potential, and alignment with the East-West Center’s objectives.
Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to cooperation, cultural understanding, and development in the Asia-Pacific region may receive priority.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Conclusion
The 2027 East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship provides financial assistance for eligible students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Benefits include tuition and fee support, academic-year accommodation, and a stipend for some living expenses.
However, applicants must satisfy the fellowship’s citizenship restrictions. Nigerian applicants are not eligible, so they should focus on other US graduate scholarships that explicitly accept applicants from Africa.