Yale University Luce Scholars Program 2025

Established in 1974, the Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship that offers early-career leaders immersive, professional experiences in Asia. It aims to forge stronger relationships across geographic borders by creating opportunities for young Americans to deepen their ties and understanding of the countries, cultures, and people of Asia.  
       
Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the Luce Scholars Program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for 18 Luce Scholars each year. Applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a variety of fields, with a range of backgrounds and experiences, and who have had limited exposure to Asia, are welcome. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirments
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineSeptember 15, 2025
• Study LevelMasters , PhD
• SponsorYale University
• City to studyConnecticut
• Eligible CountryUnited States

Benefits

Luce Scholars receive from the Luce Foundation funds to cover transportation, insurance, and a monthly stipend through the period of their participation sufficient to meet all normal expenses in Asia.  Additional cost-of-living and housing allowances may be provided to participants in certain locations.  Although they may occupy professional positions in Asian institutions or agencies as part of their assignment, Luce Scholars receive no compensation from their local sponsors.

Requirements

Eligible are graduating seniors, graduate/professional students, and alumni.

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  

• Eligible are graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under the age of 32, OR if older than 32, candidates must have received their bachelor's degree within the past three years. 

• Applicants that have taken extensive coursework in Asian language or Asia-focused courses, majored in Asian studies, or have spent more than a total of eighteen weeks in one or more countries in Asia since starting college are now eligible for this program.

Applicants should have a record of high achievement, outstanding leadership ability, and clearly defined interests with evidence of potential for professional accomplishments.  They should demonstrate evidence of being a leader within their profession and as a member of the broader community.  Personal qualities such as initiative, creativity, maturity humility, sensitivity, and strength of character typify successful applicants.

Applicants will not be judged on the basis of whether they have developed specific plans for their Asian experience, although they may have general ideas about the kind of placement preferred. Financial need is not a criterion for selection.

Semi-finalists are invited for interviews by representatives of the Luce Foundation in November. Those selected as finalists are invited to a finalist weekend in January. The cohort of Luce Scholars will be publicly announced by early-February.

Application Documents

Candidates must first complete an eligibility questionnaire. If eligible, they will be prompted to complete the application which includes the following: 

• Written Application – Candidates provide biographical and contact information, respond to short answer questions, and write a personal statement and 400-word-max bio. 

• Request Forms for Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR) – Candidates complete a form for each recommender. Once a form is submitted, an email is triggered to the recommender. Letters must be uploaded separately by the recommenders. LORs can be from academic, professional, or collegial references. They should come from people who know the candidate well and can speak to their skills, abilities, and potential. LORs should be signed on official letterhead whenever possible. 

• Academic Transcripts – Candidates upload transcripts of all college and graduate work. 

• A 1-3 minute video (*new*) – Candidates record and upload a 1–3-minute video based on the provided prompt. The video gives program administrators a chance to get to know the candidate beyond the page. 

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more details, visit Yale University Scholarship webpage