St. Andrew's Society Scholarship
Application Deadline: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET (Noon)
The St. Andrew’s Society initiated this Scholarship in 1956, at its 200th anniversary. The St. Andrew’s Society Scholarship offers a graduating Harvard College senior of Scottish descent a unique opportunity to pursue one year of graduate study in Scotland. By promoting scholarship, cultural interchange, and goodwill between Scotland and the United States, the award supports students whose experience abroad will advance their educational and career goals and foster a lasting relationship with Scotland.
Applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens.
- Be graduating Harvard College seniors.
- Demonstrate Scottish descent.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Read and agree to URAF’s Principles and Policies for Applicants.
The SAS Macmillan and St. Andrew’s Society Scholarships provide a total of $45,000 in funding, applied first toward tuition and then toward board, transportation, and other expenses. The award may not cover the full cost of study and travel.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic achievement.
- Extracurricular involvement.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Clarity of purpose in pursuing graduate study and future career goals.
- The significance of studying in Scotland to the applicant’s academic and professional objectives.
- The strength of the applicant’s proposed graduate study plan.
- The applicant’s potential to serve as a good ambassador for the United States while in Scotland.
Endorsement and Selection Process
URAF’s selection committee will endorse one Harvard applicant in November. The endorsed applicant will then apply directly to the St. Andrew’s Society of New York. The Society typically invites six finalists to an interview and luncheon in New York City in February or early March, after which three scholarships are awarded.
The application consists of the following components. All materials, including letters, must be submitted through the Harvard University Funding Portal by the application deadline.
- Applicant Information: Biographical and academic information
- St. Andrew's Scholarship application form: Complete the application form electronically, providing the requested personal, academic, program, Scottish heritage, financial, and recommender information. Handwritten forms will not be accepted. Submit the two essays separately; ignore the checklist on the final page at this stage.Entering your name in the signature box will constitute your signature.
- Short-answer essays (2): Answer these two prompts in one document with essay number and prompt before each response.
- Why do you wish to continue your education past the current year? (200 words max)
- Why do you wish to study in Scotland and how will this study contribute to your overall goals? (200 words max) Be sure to propose an academic program that’s a logical extension of your undergraduate studies and heavily research the details, including the most exciting/relevant aspects of that program. Include this information in your application essay(s).
- Two letters of recommendation: Request two letters through the application platform. At least one letter should be from an instructor in your current or proposed field. Letters should address your preparation for graduate study, the suitability of your proposed study plan, and your potential for success. Both letters should be addressed to the St. Andrew’s Society Scholarship Selection Committee and submitted by the application deadline.
- Resume: Submit a résumé of no more than one page highlighting significant college activities, achievements, experiences, extracurricular interests, and hobbies. Do not exceed one page.
- Unofficial transcript: Download your unofficial transcript from my.harvard.edu, it should include your fall course grades and spring course registration.