Each year the San Francisco Branch of the English-Speaking Union, with the support of the Anglo-California Foundation, awards multiple scholarships to Bay Area college graduates for post-graduate study at a British University.

The Award

For one or two years of graduate study at any British university; $20,000 for each of one or two years. In the past, 2-3 awards have been offered each year.

The area of academic interst must justify the taking of a graduate program at a British university.

Eligibility

The candidate must:

Have a bachelor's degree by the starting date of the grant
NOT have completed any graduate work (including co-term)
Be a U.S. citizen and a Bay Area resident or have a current affiliation with a Bay Area university
Have high academic standing, excellent recommendations and some community involvement

The Application

An application for the English-Speaking Union Award consist of the following:

Completed application form (photo optional)
One-page, single space statement of academic and professional interest - include career aims
One-page, single space personal biography written in narrative style - include any details of background and experience relevant to application
Official undergraduate transcripts
At least 3 letters of recommendation from professors who are familiar with the applicant's work.

Additional Information

The applicant must make independent application to a British university, allowing adequate time for notification of acceptance
The ESU scholarship do not ensure admissions and will not be granted unless the scholarship winner can provide proof of acceptance by the university itself, and a specific college within the university, if appropriate
The scholarship winner must make his/her own travel and living arrangements. The funds only partially cover expenses, so the student must be prepared to supplement these funds
Interviews takes place in San Francisco early April 2011

General Comments

The English-Speaking Union is an award that should be seriously considered by students who have a strong academic reason for studying in the U.K. While it is a regional award, it is competitive; however, Stanford students have a good record of success. It is our understanding that the preference is given to San Francisco Bay Area residents.

Applicants need to focus on why they need to attend a particular U.K. university as well as providing a well written statement that can provide the committee with a good understanding of the applicant's academic and personal development.

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