The East-West Center (EWC) Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026 provides international students with a prestigious opportunity to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD programs in the United States. Hosted at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, this fellowship develops future leaders from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States who are committed to regional cooperation and addressing global challenges.
The program covers full tuition, housing, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and academic supplies. By removing financial barriers, EWC fellows can focus entirely on academic excellence, leadership growth, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Benefits of the EWC Fellowship 2026
- Full tuition coverage
- On-campus housing at the University of Hawai‘i
- Monthly allowance for living expenses
- Round-trip airfare from the home country to Hawaii
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Funding for academic materials and incidental costs
Eligible Study Areas
Applicants may pursue graduate degrees in diverse fields, including:
- Ocean and Resources Engineering
- Public Administration
- Economics
- Pacific Island Studies
- Oceanography
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Tropical Plant and Soil Science
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Business Administration (including the Global MBA-Japan Track)
Eligible Countries
The fellowship is open to students from:
- Pacific Nations: United States, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, and others
- East Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, Russia, Hong Kong, North Korea
- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Timor-Leste
- South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Iran
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship in one of the eligible countries
- Admission offer to a Master’s or PhD program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record
- Minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience
- Strong English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS accepted)
- Applicants must be under 35 years old (or under 45 for senior officials/managers)
- Good physical and mental health
Required Documents
- Completed fellowship application form
- Valid passport copy
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of admission to a UH Mānoa graduate program
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or research proposal
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Employment verification documents
- Medical certificate
How to Apply
- Visit the East-West Center application portal for official instructions.
- Apply separately for admission to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa by December 1, 2025.
- Prepare required documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
- Submit the fellowship application and all supporting documents online before the deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
- Final selection results will be announced by the East-West Center.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025.
Conclusion
The EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program offering world-class education, leadership training, and cultural exchange. It provides an outstanding opportunity for talented students from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States to study in Hawaii while building skills to address global challenges.
FAQ
What expenses does the EWC Graduate Fellowship cover?
The fellowship covers tuition, housing, stipend, airfare, health insurance, and academic supplies.
Which university hosts the fellowship?
The program is hosted at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be nationals of eligible Asia-Pacific, East Asian, Southeast Asian, or South Asian countries.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 1, 2025.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship supports Master’s or PhD programs lasting 2–5 years, depending on the degree.