Luce Scholars

Academic Discipline

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Business, Management & Finance, Education & Human Development, Law, Policy & Governance, International & Global Studies

Award Type

Teach English, Work/Service, Professional Opportunity, Project, Research, Post-Grad Research Fellowship, Language Study

Award Location

International (Not UK), Asia

When to Apply

Senior Year, Alumni, Graduate Student

Eligibility: Citizenship

Non-U.S. Citizen, U.S. Citizen

The Luce Scholars Program is a competitive leadership development fellowship that provides emerging leaders with immersive professional experiences in Asia. At the heart of the enterprise are the internships that are arranged for each Scholar on the basis of their specific professional interests, background, qualifications, and experience. Luce is open to US citizens and permanent residents, and placements can be made in the following countries: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Application Components:

Thank you for considering our program. We value your time and have designed an eligibility questionnaire to ensure that you meet the basic requirements before starting the application process. If you are eligible, you will be prompted to complete the application, which includes 8 required tasks and if you choose, 1 optional task:

Personal & Background Information
Academic Information
Personal Statement – The 1,000 word max personal statement is particularly important as it allows you to share your unique perspectives and aspirations.
Written Application – This includes biographical and educational information.
Three Short Answer Questions – 250-word max for each question.
1–2 Minute Video – Applicants record and upload a 1–2-minute video based on the provided prompt. The video allows program administrators to get to know the candidate beyond the page.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Exactly two letters of recommendation are required: one must be professional; the second may be either professional or academic. Two academic letters will not be accepted. Additional letters beyond two will not be reviewed.
Signature – As an electronic acknowledgment of your application submission.
Optional Supplemental Materials Upload – A space to submit any additional materials you wish to share.

Note: Academic transcripts are no longer required as part of the application

Eligibility:

The Luce Scholars program does not require university nomination.

The Luce Scholars Program provides an in-depth experience in Asia to emerging leaders who would not otherwise have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country where they are placed.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants may be graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under the age of 33 (no older than 32 when they depart for Asia), who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree before the start of the Program, OR if older than 32, applicants must have received their bachelor’s degree within the past three years.
Applicants who have spent 18 weeks or more (since beginning college) in more than one of the countries where Luce Scholars are placed are not eligible to apply.
Applicants who have spent 18 weeks or more (since beginning college) in only one of the countries where we place Luce Scholars may still apply, but they will not be placed in the country where they have spent significant time.

Selection Criteria:

The most important consideration is that a candidate demonstrates potential for leadership and accomplishment. We look for evidence that a candidate will be a leader both within his or her profession and as a member of the broader community. Initiative, creativity, maturity, humility, sensitivity, and strength of character are characteristics that typify successful candidates (https://lucescholars.org/selection/)

Quick Facts