Overview

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is a $90,000 merit-based fellowship exclusively for immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. The rigorous selection process is focused on identifying the most promising New Americans who are poised to make significant contributions to the nation through their work. In addition, the selection team looks for a commitment to the United States’ fundamental principles and ideals.

The Fellows can study in any degree-granting program at any university in the U.S. Selection is based on merit – the specific selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment. Neither financial need nor distributive considerations are taken into account in the selection process.

Eligibility

You may apply for a Fellowship in 2026 if the following is true as of the October 30, 2025 application deadline:

• You are 30 years or younger
• You are a New American: You are an immigrant or the child of immigrants. You if you are an immigrant, you should be a naturalized US citizen, a green card holder, an asylee or refugee, or someone who graduated from both high school and college in the United States.
• You are planning on starting or continuing an eligible graduate or professional degree program: You must be planning to be enrolled in a full-time degree-granting or professional program in the United States in the 2026-27 academic year. The Fellowship is open to all fields of study and you can apply when you're applying to graduate school or while you're in the early years of graduate school. 

Award

Each award is for up to a total of $90,000 – each Fellow receives $25,000 in stipend support a year (all stipend awards are capped at $50,000 per year), as well as 50 percent of required tuition and fees, up to $20,000 per year, for one to two years. The first year of Fellowship funding cannot be deferred.

Application Status

Closed (will open in April 2025)

National Deadline

October 30, 2025

Learn more about the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans