Duration of the graduate program (funding capped at $30,000 total)
Deadline
First Tuesday in February annually (February 4, 2025)
Level
Graduate (Master's, Doctorate, or Professional Degree)
Acceptance
8% to 10%
Difficulty
Extremely High
Quick Summary
Harry S. Truman Scholarship, administered by Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, is one of the funding options available to u.s. citizens / college juniors in United States. The award covers Provides up to $30,000 for graduate study, preference for federal hiring, a week-long leadership program, and membership in a distinguished community of public servants. and is open to graduate (master's, doctorate, or professional degree) students studying public service-related fields including law, public administration, public policy, international relations, public health, education, and social work. The scholarship runs for duration of the graduate program (funding capped at $30,000 total). Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be U.S. citizens, juniors at the time of application, have a strong academic record, and demonstrate an extensive record of public and community service. The application deadline is First Tuesday in February annually (February 4, 2025), with an acceptance rate of approximately 8% to 10%. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for Harry S. Truman Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
11%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
7/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 8%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
$30,000
⏳
Duration
Duration of the graduate program (funding capped at $30,000 total)
📅
Deadline
First Tuesday in February annually (February 4, 2025)
🏥
Fields
Public Service-related fields including Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, International Relations, Public Health, Education, and Social Work
🏆
Awards/Year
55 to 65 per year
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
📊
Acceptance
8% to 10%
Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to the 33rd President, the Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, juniors at the time of application, have a strong academic record, and demonstrate an extensive record of public and community service.
🏛️ Host University
Any accredited graduate institution globally (US or International)
🏥 Fields of Study
Public Service-related fields including Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, International Relations, Public Health, Education, and Social Work
✨ Key Benefits
Provides up to $30,000 for graduate study, preference for federal hiring, a week-long leadership program, and membership in a distinguished community of public servants.
🎯 Target Students
U.S. Citizens / College Juniors
🏷 Tags
Public ServicePolicyLeadershipUS CitizenGraduate SchoolFederal Agency
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
706
Applicants Last Year
60
Winners
8% to 10%
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 8%
Competition Level
Win Probability
11%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes, up to the total award amount for graduate tuition
Living Stipend
Included in the $30,000 total award
Total Award
$30,000
✈️ Travel: Covers travel for Truman Scholars Leadership Week and the Summer Institute🏠 Accommodation: No specific allowance; covered by the general award amount💊 Health Insurance: Not provided🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: $0
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes, up to the total award amount for graduate tuition
🏠 Living Stipend
Included in the $30,000 total award
🏡 Accommodation
No specific allowance; covered by the general award amount
✈️ Travel Allowance
Covers travel for Truman Scholars Leadership Week and the Summer Institute
💊 Health Insurance
Not provided
🎁 Other Benefits
Non-competitive eligibility for federal government jobs, leadership training, career counseling, and access to a network of public service leaders
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
U.S. citizen or U.S. national, currently a full-time student at a four-year institution with junior-level academic standing
🎓 Academic Level
Graduate (Master's, Doctorate, or Professional Degree)
📊 Minimum GPA
No official minimum, but competitive candidates typically have a 3.7 or higher
🗣️ English Requirement
Native proficiency or equivalent as required by the graduate institution
🍢 Age Limit
None (must be a college junior)
💼 Work Experience
Extensive volunteer, internship, or public service experience required
🏆 Leadership
High; must demonstrate potential to be a 'change agent' in public service
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary selection factor
🎯 Target Students
U.S. Citizens / College Juniors
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, multiple essays including a policy proposal and career goals statement
Rec Letters
3 letters (one focused on leadership, one on public service, and one on academic intellect)
Interview
Yes, for selected finalists
Application Fee
$0
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
3 letters (one focused on leadership, one on public service, and one on academic intellect) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Native proficiency or equivalent as required by the graduate institution
Interview: Yes, for selected finalists
Min GPA: No official minimum, but competitive candidates typically have a 3.7 or higher
📋 Application Process
Focus heavily on the Policy Proposal; it is the most critical part of the written application. Ensure your letters of recommendation specifically address the three different required themes.
💡 Insider Tip: Candidates must be nominated by their undergraduate institution's Truman Faculty Representative before they can apply via the Foundation's portal.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
August or September of the preceding year
⏰ Deadline
First Tuesday in February annually (February 4, 2025)
🎤 Interview
Yes, for selected finalists
🎓 Study Starts
Upon enrollment in graduate school (typically within 1-3 years of selection)
August or September of the preceding year
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
First Tuesday in February annually (February 4, 2025)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes, for selected finalists
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Upon enrollment in graduate school (typically within 1-3 years of selection)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Leadership potential, commitment to a career in public service, and academic excellence
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Harry S. Truman ScholarshipCurrent
United States
Partial Funding
Graduate (Master's, Doctorate, or Professional Degree)
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, juniors at the time of application, have a strong academic record, and demonstrate an extensive record of public and community service.
This scholarship covers: Provides up to $30,000 for graduate study, preference for federal hiring, a week-long leadership program, and membership in a distinguished community of public servants.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is First Tuesday in February annually (February 4, 2025). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 8%. Acceptance rate: 8% to 10%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Native proficiency or equivalent as required by the graduate institution, 3 letters (one focused on leadership, one on public service, and one on academic intellect) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.