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, 2024)
    • Be a U.S. citizen
    • Be under 32 years of age by start of program (July 1, 2024) 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.

    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 be received by the Luce Foundation by October 1, 2023.

        Application Timeline

        Mar 2, 2023Luce/Marshall/Rhodes Info Session, 12:15pm via Zoom (fill out this GoogleForm to be emailed the meeting link during the week of this session)*
        Mar 3, 2023Luce/Marshall/Rhodes Info Session, 11:30am via Zoom (fill out this GoogleForm to be emailed the meeting link during the week of this session)*
        Jun 2023Luce Scholars Program Application Available Online
        Oct 2023Deadline to Submit Applications to Luce Foundation
        mid-Nov 2023Semi-finalist Interviews (virtual) with a Luce Alumnus
        Dec 2023Finalists Notified
        Jan 2024Finalist Weekend with Programming, Workshops, and One-on-one Interviews
        Feb 2024Cohort of Luce Scholars Announced
        Jul 2024Luce Scholars Experience Begins