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Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

 The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States. The program selects 30 New Americans—immigrants and children of immigrants—who are poised to make significant contributions to US society, culture or their academic field. The Fellows can study in any degree-granting program in any field at any university in the United States. Each Fellow receives up to $90,000 in financial support over two years.

National Deadline

Late October. Confirm exact date on the foundation website. 

Institutional Nomination

The Soros Fellowship does not require institutional nomination. Candidates are encouraged to work with Fellowships Advising on their application. 

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

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. Selection is based on merit – the specific selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative and sustained accomplishment.  

To be eligible for the 2021 Fellowship, you must meet the following requirements as of the application deadline:

1. New American Status

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program is intended for immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States.  

To be eligible, your birth parents must have both been born outside of the US as non-US citizens, and both parents must not have been eligible for US citizenship at the time of their births.* In addition, one of the following must be true of you as of the application deadline: 

  • Born in the US: You are a US citizen by birth and both of your parents were born abroad as non-US citizens. 

  • Born abroad: 

    • Naturalized Citizen: You have been naturalized as a US citizen either on your own or as a minor child under the application of one of your parents. 

    • Adopted: You were born outside of the US or one of its territories and were subsequently adopted by American parents and were awarded US citizenship because of your adoption. 

    • Green Card: You are in possession of a valid green card. 

    • Refugee & Asylees: You have been granted asylum or refugee status in the US. 

    • If None of the Other Categories Above Apply: Graduated from High School and College in the US: If none of the other categories apply to you and you were born abroad but graduated from both high school and college in the US (this includes current and past DACA recipients). 

* If you were raised by only one of your birth parents, the following must be true: 

  • The parent who raised you must have been born abroad as a non-US citizen. 

  • Your second birth parent was not part of your life growing up and you have no contact with them. 

 

2. Academic Standing

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program is intended for immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing full-time graduate degrees at United States institutions. To be eligible, you will have a bachelor’s degree before the start of your Soros funded period. You may be applying to graduate school at the same time that you are applying to the Fellowship, or you may already be enrolled in the graduate program that you are seeking funding for as of the application deadline. The Fellowship is open to all fields of study and fully accredited full-time graduate degree programs. 

3. Age

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program is intended for students who are early in their careers. All students must be 30 or younger as of the application deadline. There is no minimum age requirement. 

Campus Contact

Barbara Gorka

Director, Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising

Email:
Phone: 215-204-0708