When are applications due?

Completed applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on March 1, 2021. The online application will not permit applicants to submit after March 1.

I am not a U.S. citizen but I am a permanent resident, and I meet all the other scholarship criteria. Am I eligible to apply?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national to apply for a James Madison Fellowship.

I already have a graduate degree. May I still apply for a James Madison Fellowship?

Yes. As a reminder, individuals are required to fulfill their teaching obligations after completing their master’s degree under the Fellowship.

What degree programs are acceptable?

The fellowships are intended exclusively for graduate study leading to a master’s degree. James Madison Fellows may attend any accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Each individual entering the James Madison Fellowship Program will be expected to pursue and complete a master’s degree in one of the following (listed in order of the Foundation’s preference):

• Master of Arts (MA) in American history, political science, or government
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) concentrating on either American Constitutional history (in a history department) or American government, political institutions, or political theory (in a political science department). MAT degrees without the Foundation’s required Constitutional coursework cannot be approved.
• Master of Education (MEd) or the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Education with a concentration in the American history or American government, political institutions, and political theory.

What expenses are covered by the fellowship?

The maximum amount of each award is $24,000. Fellowship funds may be used to cover the actual costs of tuition, required fees, books, and room and board (only if required to live away from primary residence) but cannot exceed $12,000 per academic year. Normally, Fellows receive less than these maximum amounts.

If awarded a James Madison Fellowship, may I study part-time?

Only Senior Fellows who want to continue teaching can pursue a graduate degree on part-time basis through the summer and evening classes.

Can I submit a copy of the application by mail or email?

No. All applications must be submitted online.

Where do I send my undergraduate transcripts?

Transcripts can be uploaded as part of the application as a PDF file or faxed to 507-931-2789.

Can my recommenders send paper copies?

No, all recommenders must complete the online form.

How will my recommender know that they are being asked to complete a recommendation for me?

For each recommender, the applicant will enter the email address on the ‘Recommenders’ page (this page can be accessed on the application) and click ‘Add Recommender’ to email the recommender. The recommender’s email will contain a URL and information for completing the online recommendation. All recommendations must be completed online by 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on March 8, 2021, in order for the application to be complete and competitive.

How will I know if my recommenders have submitted their recommendations?

Log in to the Scholarship America Hub by entering your username and password. Information regarding the status of your recommender will be available in the ‘Recommenders’ page.

I applied last year but did not receive a James Madison Fellowship. Can you provide feedback on my application?

Yes. By emailing the fellowship support center at Madison@scholarshipamerica.org, we can give prior-year applicants general comments about their previous year’s application. We do this to encourage people to reapply for the fellowship.

Can I reuse my transcripts if I am reapplying for a James Madison Fellowship?

Yes, however, make sure it is current.

When will you post the names of the fellowship recipients on your website?

James Madison Fellows are notified of their selection in late April. The press release announcing the fellowship recipients will be posted on the website in late May.

Is there a fee to apply?

No.