Apply Now: 2025 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans – Up to $90,000 for Graduate Study (Deadline: 30 October, 2025)

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is now accepting applications for its 2025 cycle, offering a prestigious opportunity for immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States to pursue advanced degrees with robust financial and community support. With a longstanding mission to celebrate and uplift the contributions of New Americans, this merit-based program supports 30 exceptional individuals each year with up to $90,000 in funding toward graduate education.

A Fellowship That Honors the Immigrant Experience

Founded by Hungarian immigrants Paul and Daisy Soros, this fellowship program recognizes the profound impact of immigrants on American society. It aims to provide educational opportunities to New Americans who demonstrate creativity, drive, and a commitment to both professional excellence and public service.

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships are open to individuals pursuing graduate studies in any academic or professional field at accredited institutions in the United States. Fellows are chosen not only for their academic potential and intellectual curiosity but also for their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

The program is inclusive of a wide range of immigration statuses, including:

• Naturalized U.S. citizens

• Green card holders (permanent residents)

• DACA recipients

• Asylees and refugees

• U.S.-born children of immigrants

What the Fellowship Offers

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships provide up to $90,000 in total funding, distributed over two years. The financial package includes:

• $25,000 per year in stipend support for living expenses

• Up to $20,000 per year toward tuition and mandatory fees

This level of support gives Fellows considerable freedom to choose the graduate program that best suits their goals without the burden of excessive student debt.

But the benefits go beyond financial support. Fellows also gain access to:

• A national network of over 800 alumni, many of whom are leaders in medicine, law, academia, science, business, public policy, and the arts

• An annual Fall Conference in New York City, where current Fellows gather to build community and celebrate the New American experience—fully funded by the program

This combination of funding and mentorship creates an empowering ecosystem designed to foster long-term success and impact.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2025 application cycle, candidates must meet the following criteria as of October 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time:

1. Age: You must be 30 years old or younger

2. Immigration Background: You must be a New American, defined as an immigrant (naturalized citizen, green card holder, refugee/asylee, or DACA recipient) or the child of two immigrants

3. Graduate Program Enrollment: You must be planning to start or continue full-time graduate study in the United States during the 2026–2027 academic year

Applicants do not need to be currently enrolled in graduate school—those in the application phase or in their early years of a graduate program are welcome to apply.

For a detailed breakdown of eligibility, visit the official Paul & Daisy Soros eligibility page.

How to Apply

The application process is online and requires several components to showcase your academic background, life experiences, and professional aspirations. Required materials include:

• Completed online application form

• Resume

• Two personal essays, including a personal statement and a graduate school-focused essay

• Academic transcripts (college and graduate, if applicable)

• Standardized test scores, only if required for your graduate program

• Up to five optional exhibits (e.g., publications, portfolios, press)

• Three recommendation letters (required; up to five accepted)

All materials must be submitted by the strict deadline of October 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and no exceptions are made.

Visit The Paul & Daisy Soros to begin your application, access application instructions, and read profiles of past Fellows for inspiration.

Selection Timeline

After the application deadline, the selection process unfolds as follows:

• January–February 2026: 77 finalists are invited to participate in virtual interviews

• March 2026: 30 Fellows are selected and notified

• April 2026: Public announcement of the 2026 Fellows

• Fall 2026: Fellowship support begins, and the cohort gathers in New York City for the annual Fall Conference

w American with a vision for your future and a drive to make an impact, this Fellowship could be the key to realizing your aspirations.