The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is one of the most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarship programs in the United States. Designed specifically for New Americans, the fellowship supports outstanding students pursuing graduate and professional degrees at accredited US institutions.
For the 2026 academic cycle, this fellowship remains a top-tier opportunity for students seeking fully funded graduate scholarships in the USA, with comprehensive financial support, leadership development, and long-term professional recognition.
What Makes This Fellowship a Top Fully Funded Scholarship in the United States
Full Financial Coverage for Graduate Study
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship Program 2026 offers a funding structure that competes with the highest-value graduate scholarships in the United States.
Fellowship Financial Benefits
-
Tuition and mandatory university fees up to USD 25,000 per year
-
Living stipend of USD 25,000 per year
-
Total funding value of up to USD 90,000 over two years
-
Support applicable to any accredited US graduate or professional program
This makes the fellowship highly competitive among high-CPC searches such as fully funded scholarships in USA, graduate scholarships for international students, and US scholarships without IELTS.
Who Is Considered a New American
Definition of Eligible Applicants
The fellowship is exclusively for New Americans, a category that includes individuals who meet specific immigration-related criteria.
Eligible New American Categories
-
Naturalized US citizens
-
Permanent residents (Green Card holders)
-
Children of two naturalized parents
Applicants must demonstrate long-term commitment to contributing to US society through leadership, innovation, and public service.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Fellowship Cycle
Academic Eligibility Criteria
Degree Requirements
-
Applicants must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time graduate or professional degree in the United States
-
Eligible degrees include master’s, doctoral, and professional programs such as JD, MD, MBA, MPH, and PhD
Age Requirement
Age Limit
-
Applicants must be 30 years old or younger as of the application deadline for the 2026 cycle
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Evaluation Focus Areas
-
Strong academic records
-
Demonstrated leadership ability
-
Significant community involvement
-
Clear long-term career vision with societal impact
Fields of Study Covered by the Fellowship
Broad Academic Coverage
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship Program does not restrict applicants by discipline, making it one of the most flexible fully funded scholarships in the United States.
Eligible Fields Include
-
STEM and Engineering
-
Medicine and Health Sciences
-
Law and Public Policy
-
Business and Economics
-
Social Sciences and Humanities
-
Education and Public Administration
This wide scope increases its appeal for students searching for graduate scholarships in the USA across multiple academic sectors.
Application Components and Selection Process
Required Application Materials
Core Documents
-
Completed online application form
-
Academic transcripts from all institutions attended
-
Resume or curriculum vitae
-
Two to three letters of recommendation
-
Personal essays focused on leadership, identity, and impact
Interview Stage
Finalist Evaluation
Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in interviews conducted by academic and professional leaders. Interview performance plays a critical role in final fellowship decisions.
Key Dates for Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship Program 2026
Application Timeline
Expected Schedule
-
Application portal opens: Summer 2025
-
Application deadline: Fall 2025
-
Finalist interviews: Early 2026
-
Fellowship awards announced: Spring 2026
Applicants are strongly advised to begin preparation early due to the highly competitive nature of this fully funded US fellowship.
Why This Fellowship Is Highly Competitive
Acceptance Rate and Prestige
Competitive Advantage
-
Fewer than 100 fellows selected nationwide each year
-
Access to an elite alumni network across academia, government, business, and technology
-
Strong signaling value for future funding, employment, and leadership opportunities
This combination positions the program as a premium opportunity for high-achieving New Americans seeking fully funded graduate education in the USA.
Strategic Tips to Strengthen Your Application
How to Stand Out
Application Best Practices
-
Clearly articulate your New American story and personal journey
-
Demonstrate measurable leadership impact
-
Align academic goals with long-term societal contributions
-
Secure strong recommendations from mentors who know your work deeply
Final Thoughts
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship Program 2026 stands out as a top fully funded scholarship in the United States for New Americans pursuing graduate and professional degrees. With generous funding, flexible field coverage, and unmatched prestige, it represents a life-changing opportunity for future leaders committed to excellence and service.
Leave a Comment