Applications are open now through November 30, 2025.
Designed to support the next generation of young leaders with a strong interest in the transatlantic relationship, the Lafayette Fellowship will fund one year of master’s-level study in France for up to 30 outstanding American students.
Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the program partners with leading French academic institutions across STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts, with courses taught in French or entirely in English.
In addition to their academic studies, fellows will also join the French-American Leadership Program – a year-long series of lectures, masterclasses, site visits, and mentorship – offering full immersion in European innovation, culture, and policy.
Eligibility Requirements
- American students under the age of 27 (as of July 1, 2026).
- Applicants must be in possession of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution (obtained between August 2023 and June 2026) with a minimum GPA of 3.7.
- Open to students across STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts, with an interest in addressing global challenges in a French-American context.
- Knowledge of French is not required for acceptance into the program.
Selection criteria
- Core Profile: Academic excellence (minimum 3.7 GPA), strong leadership potential, a commitment to social impact, and a genuine interest in France.
- Four (4) Local Selection Committees: West Coast, Midwest, South, & East Coast to ensure geographical diversity.
- A Final Jury: Chaired by prominent academics and leading scholarship experts (e.g., IIE, Fulbright, Posse).
Application Instructions
- Candidates must apply for admission to one of the partner institutions as well as complete a separate Lafayette Fellowship program application. The awarding of the scholarship is conditional upon admission to one of the partner institutions.
- Application materials include a transcript, cover letter, resume, personal statement in a video format, and three letters of recommendation, including two academic letters and one extracurricular letter.
All UC Santa Cruz Lafayette applicants, including recent graduates and alumni, are encouraged to make an advising appointment with Gabi Schmiegel, the Schwarzman Scholars Program campus representative.