If you’ve always dreamed of pursuing your graduate studies in the United States, but worry about the financial costs, no more tension.
The EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026 could be your golden opportunity. Offered by the East-West Center (EWC) in partnership with the University of Hawaii, Manoa. This prestigious fellowship program supports Master’s and PhD students from the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific region.
The fellowship goes beyond just covering tuition. It provides full financial support for housing, meals, health insurance, and even books. Additionally, selected fellows can access supplementary funding for field studies and academic conferences. The program doesn’t just help you achieve a degree. It offers an enriching academic journey while connecting you with a diverse network of global leaders and scholars.
Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. If you’re aiming for an internationally recognized degree, strong cultural exposure, and complete financial support, this is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.
Here, you will get complete information about the EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship program, which will help you to apply for this fellowship as guidence.
About the EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026 in the USA
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship has been designed to build a community of leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. Fellows live and learn together at the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus while engaging in educational, cultural, and leadership development activities.
The program supports outstanding students who want to use their academic knowledge and skills to create positive change in their communities and countries. By studying in Hawaii, a global hub between East and West, fellows gain a unique intercultural perspective that strengthens both their academic and professional growth.
| Name of the fellowship | EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Study Country | United States |
| Host Organization | East-West Center (EWC) |
| Host University | University of Hawaii, Manoa |
| Degree Levels | Master’s & Doctoral (PhD) |
| Eligible Countries | U.S., Asia, Pacific, Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia |
| Duration | Varies by program (Master’s/PhD) |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Deadline | December 1, 2025 |
| Application Fee | None |
Why Choose the EWC Graduate Fellowship?
- The scholarship offers full financial support for high-quality graduate education in the USA.
- It provides a chance to study at the prestigious University of Hawaii, Manoa.
- Scholars become part of a strong alumni network across the Asia-Pacific and the U.S.
- Students get the opportunity to live in a vibrant, multicultural academic community.
- The program promotes leadership and professional development through EWC activities.
- There are also additional funding opportunities for fieldwork and international conferences.
Eligibility Criteria of EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship
To qualify for the EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries listed.
- They must hold a Bachelor’s degree before the fellowship begins.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required.
- Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
- Exemptions are possible if the applicant studied in an English-speaking country or earned a degree there within the past 5 years.
- Candidates must apply for admission to the University of Hawaii, Manoa, for the Fall 2026 intake by December 1, 2025.
Eligible Countries
The fellowship welcomes applications from U.S. citizens and citizens of Asia and Pacific countries. Here’s the breakdown:
- United States
- Pacific Region: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Guam, Micronesia, Palau, and more.
- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei, Timor-Leste.
- South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Iran.
- East Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Russia, Macau.
Financial Benefits of the Fellowship
The EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship is fully funded, ensuring students can focus on their academic and leadership journey without worrying about expenses. Benefits include:
- Full tuition and fees covered
- Partial funding for meals
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Health insurance provided
- Housing at an EWC dormitory
- Books and academic resources included
- Travel and incidental expenses covered
- Additional funding (competitive basis) for field studies and academic conferences
Also Read: Princeton University Fung Global Fellowship Program 2026-27 | Fully Funded Fellowship in the USA
Important Dates
| Application Opens | Already open |
| Application Deadline (EWC + University of Hawaii) | December 1, 2025 |
| Supporting Documents Submission Deadline | January 10, 2026 |
| Program Start | Fall 2026 (University of Hawaii, Manoa) |
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Completed online application form via East-West Center application portal
- Separate application to the University of Hawaii, Manoa
- Updated CV/Resume
- Application acknowledgment form
- Copy of passport bio page
- Official academic transcripts
- Official English test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
- Any additional supporting documents as requested
How to Apply?
- Apply online through the East-West Center application portal
- Submit a separate application to the University of Hawaii, Manoa.
- Collect and upload all required documents before the deadline.
FAQs
Who can apply for the EWC Graduate Fellowship?
Students from the U.S., Asia, and Pacific countries with a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0 can apply.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 1, 2025, for both EWC and University of Hawaii applications.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, books, stipend, and even travel-related expenses.
Can I apply without securing admission to the University of Hawaii first?
No. You must apply to both the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and the EWC Fellowship program by the deadline.
Do I need an English test like IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes, unless you have studied in an English-speaking country or earned a degree in English within the last five years.
Final Thoughts
The EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026 in the USA is more than just a scholarship. It’s a life-changing opportunity. With full financial support, a vibrant academic environment, and access to a powerful international network. This fellowship equips students with the skills and connections to make a global impact.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing your application today and take your first step toward studying at one of the most dynamic academic hubs in the United States.