Fellowship for New Americans 2027 @Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans has officially opened applications for its highly prestigious 2027 Fellowship cohort. Designed to support outstanding immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States, this fellowship provides significant financial assistance, leadership recognition, and access to a lifelong network of accomplished alumni.

Each year, only 30 exceptional New Americans are selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. The Fellowship seeks individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary creativity, initiative, achievement, and potential to make meaningful contributions to American society, culture, academia, science, business, public service, and countless other fields.

For ambitious graduate and professional students, the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship is more than a source of funding—it is a transformational opportunity that offers financial freedom, national recognition, mentorship, and a powerful lifelong community.

Application Deadline

The application for the 2027 Fellowship is currently open.

Deadline: October 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)

Applicants are encouraged to begin their applications early and submit all required materials well before the deadline.

About the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans was established to recognize and support the immense contributions that immigrants and the children of immigrants make to the United States.

The Fellowship believes that immigrant experiences enrich American society and that supporting talented New Americans helps strengthen the nation’s future.

Every Fellow serves as an example of the resilience, determination, innovation, and excellence that immigrants bring to their communities and professions.

The Fellowship seeks individuals from all academic disciplines and professional sectors, including but not limited to:

• Medicine
• Public Health
• Engineering
• Science and Technology
• Law
• Education
• Business
• Public Policy
• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Entrepreneurship
• Community Development

Who the Fellowship is Looking For

The program is seeking 30 of the most promising New Americans who demonstrate exceptional potential to become leaders and innovators within their chosen fields.

Successful applicants are individuals who:

• Have overcome challenges and barriers.
• Demonstrate initiative and creativity.
• Possess strong leadership potential.
• Show commitment to excellence.
• Have ambitious goals for graduate or professional education.
• Are likely to make significant future contributions to society.

The Fellowship recognizes that there is no single definition of success. Instead, it embraces diverse backgrounds, disciplines, experiences, and journeys.

Fellowship Benefits

One of the most attractive aspects of the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship is its generous financial support package.

Total Funding Value

Each Fellow may receive up to:

$90,000 toward graduate education over one to two years

This funding includes both stipend and tuition support.

Stipend Support

Fellows receive:

• Up to $25,000 per year
• Paid directly to the Fellow
• Available for up to two years

Total possible stipend support:

More than $50,000

Tuition Support

Fellows receive:

• Up to $20,000 per year
• Paid directly to the university
• Available for up to two years

Total possible tuition support:

Up to $40,000

Additional Fellowship Advantages

Beyond financial support, Fellows benefit from:

• National recognition
• Enhanced professional credibility
• Access to influential networks
• Leadership opportunities
• Mentorship and guidance
• Long-term career support
• Lifelong alumni connections

A Lifelong Alumni Community

One of the most valuable aspects of the Fellowship is its strong alumni network.

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellows become members of a vibrant national community connected through a shared immigrant experience and a commitment to giving back.

Benefits of the alumni network include:

• Professional networking
• Mentorship opportunities
• Career advancement support
• Collaborative projects
• Community engagement initiatives
• Lifelong friendships and relationships

The alumni association continues to support Fellows long after they complete their studies.

Exclusive In-Person Events

Every Fellow participates in fully funded leadership and networking events.

New York City Fellowship Weekends

During the first two years of the Fellowship, participants attend:

• Two all-expenses-paid weekends in New York City
• Leadership development activities
• Networking opportunities
• Community-building events
• Professional growth sessions

Personalized Support

The Fellowship Director visits each new Fellow on campus to ensure that participants receive the support and resources necessary to succeed.

A Merit-Based Fellowship

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship operates on a strictly merit-based selection process.

The program seeks to create a level playing field by considering applicants from:

• Different educational backgrounds
• Diverse professional fields
• Various age groups
• Different stages of academic development
• Distinct immigration experiences

Importantly, the Fellowship does not use GPA or standardized test scores as primary selection criteria.

There has never been a preferred GPA range or test score threshold.

Instead, reviewers focus on:

• Achievement relative to opportunity
• Personal growth
• Initiative
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Impact

The Fellowship values individuals who maximize their opportunities, challenge themselves, and overcome obstacles.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed holistically based on several key criteria.

1. Creativity, Originality, and Initiative

Applicants should demonstrate innovative thinking and the ability to take initiative in their academic, professional, or personal lives.

2. Achievement and Accomplishment

Candidates should show evidence of significant accomplishments that required dedication, effort, and perseverance.

3. Commitment to Democratic Values

The Fellowship values applicants who demonstrate commitment to:

• Human rights
• Rule of law
• Personal liberty
• Civic engagement
• Responsible citizenship

4. Future Potential

Applicants should possess strong potential to become influential leaders and contributors within their professions and communities.

5. Relevance of Graduate Education

The proposed graduate training should align with the applicant’s long-term goals and support future achievement and impact.

Fellowship Timeline

Application Opens

Applications for the 2027 Fellowship are currently open.

Application Deadline

October 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET

Finalist Notification

Mid-January 2027

Virtual Interviews

February 2027

Fellows Notified

March 2027

Public Announcement of Fellows

Mid-April 2027

Fellowship Funding Begins

Fall 2027

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is one of the most prestigious graduate funding opportunities available to immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States.

Key reasons why applicants should consider applying include:

• Up to $90,000 in funding
• Recognition as a national leader
• Access to an elite alumni network
• Comprehensive support system
• Holistic selection process
• No preferred GPA requirement
• Strong emphasis on leadership and impact
• Opportunities across all fields of study

For New Americans seeking graduate or professional education, this Fellowship provides a unique platform to pursue ambitious goals while joining a community of exceptional changemakers.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare their materials and submit their applications before the official deadline.

Prospective Fellows are encouraged to reflect deeply on their immigrant journey, accomplishments, leadership experiences, and future aspirations when preparing their application.

Deadline Reminder

October 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET

 

Apply here 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here