Thomas J. Watson Fellowship

The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship is a one-year grant for independent, purposeful exploration outside the United States. It is awarded to graduating seniors nominated by one of 39 partner institutions to design and carry out an original 12-month project abroad without academic affiliation or formal employment. The foundation provides a stipend, health insurance, loan repayments and additional support for Personal Assistance Services or a spouse. Fellows are expected to remain outside the United States (or their home country, if different) for twelve consecutive months and submit periodic reports.

One-year $40,000 stipend; health insurance; 12 months of institutional/federal loan payments covered; additional stipend for Personal Assistance Services or spouse; participation in pre-departure webinar and returning fellows' conference.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or international students in the academic year they receive their bachelor’s degree and must be nominated by one of the Foundation's 39 partner institutions. Applicants must be able to remain outside the United States (or their home country) for 12 consecutive months and meet other fellowship expectations.

Students must be nominated by a partner college through that campus selection process; nominated applicants complete an application with personal and project statements, two recommendations, and a transcript, and participate in a one-hour national interview. Contact campus advisor for internal deadlines.