East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2025–2026 | Fully Funded Study at the University of Hawai’i

East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2025: Overview

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship (GDF) offers outstanding students from Asia, the Pacific, the United States, and beyond the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. This fully funded fellowship not only covers academic expenses but also provides a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange, leadership development, and community engagement in line with the Center’s mission of fostering better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the Asia-Pacific region and the U.S.

East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2025: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be citizens or permanent residents of one of the eligible countries/regions:

  • United States

  • Pacific Region: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna Islands

  • Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

  • South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

  • East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan

• Hold at least a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution before the fellowship start date.

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 2 years of undergraduate study or any post-baccalaureate work.

Benefits

The fellowship provides comprehensive support, including:

• Full tuition coverage at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

• Living stipend to support accommodation and daily expenses.

• Housing support in EWC residence halls.

• Health insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for leadership training, community engagement, and cultural exchange.

Fellowship Components

Fellows will:

• Engage in academic study in fields aligned with EWC’s objectives.

• Participate in intercultural and leadership programs at the East-West Center.

• Contribute to community service and civic engagement projects.

• Build an international professional network with peers from across Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Completed online application form (via EWC system).

• Application to the University of Hawai‘i (via UH Mānoa online portal).

• Academic transcript(s).

• Two reference letters:

  • Academic Letter of Reference.

  • Civic Engagement Letter of Reference.

• Statement of purpose detailing academic and leadership goals.

• CV or résumé.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on:

• Academic excellence (GPA, research interests, and preparation).

• Demonstrated leadership potential.

• Commitment to community service and civic engagement.

• Strong alignment with the mission of the East-West Center.

• Cross-cultural adaptability and communication skills.

Application Process

• Applications Open: September 15, 2025

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2025–2026 | Fully Funded Study at the University of Hawai‘i