Luce Scholars Program

The Luce Scholars Program was previously administered through a campus nomination process.

Beginning Fall 2022, the Program no longer requires university endorsement. Students may apply directly through the program’s website. You may read this Luce announcement for more information.

If you are interested in applying for this fellowship, our office will be more than happy to review your application before submission. Please contact us at ugfellow@hawaii.edu to coordinate.

The Luce Scholars Program was launched in 1974 by the Henry Luce Foundation to enhance understanding of Asia among potential leaders in the United States. Each year, 18 students in the United States are chosen to embark on a 13-month experiential internship that is tailored to each Scholar’s goals and interests.

Luce Scholars are active in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Timor Leste.

Criteria

The Program seeks Scholars who demonstrate the following:  

  • Leadership ability
  • Intercultural competence
  • Evidence of potential for professional development

Eligibility

Prospective scholars must meet these requirements to apply:

  • Have obtained bachelor’s degree by July of entering year (July 1, 2026)
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be under 32 years of age by start of program (July 1, 2026) OR if over 32, have obtained a bachelor’s degree within the past three years
  • Have limited exposure to the preferred country of placement, having spent no more than 18 weeks there counting from college on
  • Be in good physical health and able to work in a foreign environment

Application Requirements and Guidelines

Applications for the Luce Scholars Program do not require University endorsement. This means that students will submit their application directly to the agency that handles the Luce Scholars Program. See their application guidelines for more information.

If candidates would like to work with the Fellowship Advisor to ensure that all application deadlines and requirements are met, please contact us.

For tips on putting together the various components of the application, please visit the Application Resources page for general information and guidance.

The general application consists of:

  • Eligibility Questionnaire
  • Written Application
    • Biographical and Contact Information
    • Short Answer Questions
    • Personal Statement
    • Bio
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
    Letters should be addressed to the Luce Scholars Program Selection Committee, signed on letterhead, and represent a range of academic, professional, and/or collegial references.
  • Transcripts
  • 1-3 Minute Video
    A short video based on a provided prompt to give program administrators a chance to get to know candidates beyond their application.

Applications (including all supplemental documents) must generally be received by the Luce Foundation by October/November 2025 (check the official Luce website for the correct dates).

Application Timeline

Mar 26, 2025Luce/Marshall/Rhodes Info Session, 12:30pm via Zoom (fill out this GoogleForm to be emailed the meeting link during the week of this session)*
Mar 27, 2025Luce/Marshall/Rhodes Info Session, 1:30pm via Zoom (fill out this GoogleForm to be emailed the meeting link during the week of this session)*
Aug/Sep 2025Luce Scholars Program Application Available Online
Oct/Nov 2025Deadline to Submit Applications to Luce Foundation
Nov/Dec 2025Semi-finalist Interviews (virtual) with a Luce Alumnus
Dec 2025Finalists Notified
Jan 2026Finalist Weekend with Programming, Workshops, and One-on-one Interviews
Feb 2026Cohort of Luce Scholars Announced
Jul 2026Luce Scholars Experience Begins