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Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

by Paul & Daisy Soros Foundation

The premier graduate fellowship for immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States — providing up to $90,000 over two years for any graduate program at any US institution.

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Funding

Up to $90,000 over 2 years

Duration

2 years

Geography

United States

Eligibility

Must be a "New American" — a naturalized U.S. citizen, green card holder, or child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens. Must be 30 or younger. Must be in the first two years of a graduate program or planning to enroll.

Application

Annual

Deadline

October

Any FieldLeadershipScience & ResearchHealthcare & BiotechSocial Impact

About This Fellowship

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is the premier graduate fellowship specifically designed for immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States. Founded in 1997 by Paul Soros (a Hungarian immigrant and engineer-philanthropist) and his wife Daisy, the program provides up to $90,000 over two years to support graduate study at any accredited US institution in any field.

The fellowship is open to three categories of "New Americans": those who are naturalized citizens, those who are green card holders, or those who are the children of two parents who are both naturalized citizens. This eligibility criterion reflects the founders' belief that immigrants and their children are a vital source of talent, creativity, and leadership in American society — and that supporting their graduate education is an investment in the country's future.

Each year, 30 fellows are selected from over 1,800 applicants. The fellowship community now includes over 800 alumni across every field imaginable — from medicine and law to engineering, the arts, journalism, and public policy. What unites them is the shared experience of navigating multiple cultures and the drive to contribute to American society. The annual fall conference brings current fellows and alumni together for networking, mentorship, and celebration of the immigrant experience in America.

What You Get

The Soros Fellowship provides substantial financial support for graduate education, along with a powerful community of fellow New Americans.

  • Up to $90,000 in funding over two years ($25,000/year maintenance stipend plus 50% of tuition, up to $20,000/year)
  • Funding can be applied to any accredited graduate program in the United States — law, medicine, PhD, MBA, MFA, MPP, or any other field
  • Membership in a community of over 800 Soros Fellows and alumni from diverse immigrant backgrounds
  • An annual fall conference with networking, panels, and workshops
  • Mentorship connections with senior fellows and alumni in your field
  • Public recognition as a Soros Fellow, which carries significant prestige in academic and professional circles

Selection Process

The selection process is highly competitive, with 30 fellows chosen annually from approximately 1,800 applicants. The program values both academic excellence and the unique perspectives that come from the immigrant experience.

  • The application includes two personal essays: one about your identity and experience as a New American, and one about your intellectual or professional ambitions
  • Applicants provide transcripts, standardized test scores (if applicable), a resume, and letters of recommendation
  • Approximately 75–80 semifinalists are invited to interviews in New York City
  • Interviews are conducted by panels of current and former Soros Fellows, board members, and external reviewers
  • Selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment
  • The program explicitly values the contributions of immigrants and seeks applicants who will enrich American society
  • Thirty fellows are selected, and the results are announced in late January or early February

How to Apply

Applications open annually in the spring, with a deadline in late October. The process is conducted through the PD Soros online portal.

  • Visit pdsoros.org to review eligibility requirements and access the application portal
  • You must be a New American: a naturalized citizen, green card holder, or child of two naturalized citizen parents
  • You must be 30 years old or younger by the application deadline
  • You must be in the first or second year of a graduate program, or not yet enrolled (entering the following fall)
  • Write two compelling essays that reflect your immigrant experience and your intellectual ambitions
  • Secure letters of recommendation that speak to your potential and character
  • Ensure you meet the age and citizenship/immigration status requirements — these are strictly enforced

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