The Truman Scholarship aims to foster the next generation of public service leaders by providing scholars with up to $30,000 for graduate school, access to Scholar programming, priority admission and financial support from public service graduate programs, mentoring from experienced public service leaders, and preferred hiring opportunities with the federal government.
Application Deadline
- 2nd February 2027 (11:59 p.m. local time).
- Notifications sent by mid‑April 2027.
Tell Me About The Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship celebrates and prepares the next generation of public service leaders in the United States. Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate school, plus extensive programming, mentoring, priority admission and financial support from public service graduate programs, and preferred federal government hiring.
Which Fields are Eligible
Applicants must demonstrate leadership and commitment in areas such as:
- Public Service
- Policy & Governance
- Community Leadership
- Social Justice
Type
- Graduate Scholarship | Public Service Leadership | USA
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be nominated by their undergraduate institution.
- Demonstrate leadership ability (creating opportunities or using positions in unique ways).
- Show a commitment to a career in public service.
- Exhibit likelihood of success in graduate school (intellectual curiosity and readiness).
How Are Scholars Selected
- Campus nomination process (varies by institution).
- Submission of:
- Application form.
- Policy proposal.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts.
- Finalist Selection Committee (FSC) reviews applications by state of residence.
- Regional Review Panels (RRP) conduct finalist interviews.
- Scholars chosen based on leadership, service record, and graduate school potential.
Which Countries are Eligible
- United States citizens and nationals.
Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken
- Graduate study at U.S. institutions, with support for public service careers.
How Many Scholars
- Approximately 55–65 Truman Scholars selected annually.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship
- Up to $30,000 for graduate school.
- Access to Truman Scholar programming and mentoring.
- Priority admission and financial support from public service graduate programs.
- Preferred hiring in the federal government.
- Lifelong membership in the Truman Scholar community.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last
- Funding applies to graduate study duration (Master’s or Doctoral).
Required Documents
- Campus nomination.
- Application form.
- Policy proposal.
- Three recommendation letters.
- Transcripts.
How to Apply
- Secure campus nomination early.
- Work with your advisor to access the Truman online system.
- Submit application, policy proposal, recommendations, and transcripts by first Tuesday in February 2027.
- Await finalist selection and regional interview.
- Notifications sent by mid‑April 2027.
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details.
