Open programmes / 

McCloy Programm

Program objective 

Launched in 1983, the McCloy Scholarship Program enables highly qualified students from all disciplines to pursue a two-year master's degree at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). In addition to contributing to the qualification of future leaders in public and international organizations, the program aims to promote transatlantic relations and to connect the McCloy scholarship holders also beyond their studies. Up to six scholarships are awarded each year.

The program is funded by Harvard University, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection as administrator of the Special ERP-assets of the German Federal Government, the Haniel Foundation, the McCloy Scholarship Foundation, and the Association for the Promotion of the McCloy Scholarship Program.

Program description

ZThere are various Master's programs to choose from with considerable differences in requirements and freedom of design. “Analysis, management and advocacy” is part of the core program, as are courses in economics, statistics, politics, and ethics. A compulsory internship is planned between the first and second year.

For concise information please see the Flyer zum McCloy-Stipendienprogramm (German, PDF, 0.4 MB).

Scholarship benefits

Financial benefit

  • Monthly scholarship of 1,900 USD (for 21 months)
  • One-off starting grant of 500 USD
  • Travel grant of 1,000 USD
  • Reduction of tuition fees to EUR 10,000 per academic year

Non-material benefits

  • Admission to the Studienstiftung (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) and access to its course programs
  • Admission to a worldwide McCloy network
  • Admission to the Haniel Foundation network
  • Kick-off event in Berlin before your time abroad
  • Virtual semester kick-off at the beginning of your time abroad
  • Annual scholarship holder meeting in the USA during your time abroad

The McCloy scholarship may be combined with other scholarships - such as the DAAD - in order to reduce or cover the remaining tuition fees. The Studienstiftung also offers advice on finding further financing options (student loans, study funds, etc.). In addition, with the support of the McCloy Alumni Association, the Studienstiftung provides an emergency fund. You may apply for a stipend from the emergency fund once you provide proof that your application to at least one other scholarship program was unsuccessful (e.g. DAAD). 

Application requirements  

  • Open to students of all disciplines
  • Academic excellence in a determined course of study, experience abroad, communication skills, and interest in practice-oriented solutions
  • At the time of the application deadline of November 1st of each year, the last university degree (including doctorate) must date back no more than five years. The date of the degree certificate applies.
  • Applicants must have completed a bachelor's, master's, “Diplom”, or state examination with a final grade at least “good” (for applicants with a law degree “fully satisfactory”) at the beginning of the time at HKS. First professional experiences are welcomed.
  • A prior scholarship by the Studienstiftung is not necessary to apply.
  • Admission to the HKS is not required at the time of application for the McCloy Scholarship.

If you are interested in the McCloy Scholarship Program but do not have German citizenship, you can find out here (German) whether you meet the formal application requirements.

Application process

An important message: The Studienstiftung is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. The McCloy Scholarship Program regards the diversity of its scholarship holders as an enrichment and opportunity and is committed to ensuring that the diversity of our society is reflected also in the scholarship program. We are very happy to welcome applicants with a broad variety of life experiences and personal life circumstances: be it with regards to chronic illness, caring for family members, a history of flight or migration, experience of racism, experience of discrimination or because they grew up in a non-academic and/or low-income environment. We know that all these and other factors can shape the course of your life. But we would like to encourage you: The McCloy Scholars Program is looking forward to receiving your applications! Please do not hesitate to contact mccloy@studiensiftung.dewith any questions you may have.

Application Deadline

Applications for the academic years 2025 to 2027 may be submitted from August 15th to November 1st, 2024. Applications submitted before this application period will not be considered. The application documents will be updated at the start of the application period. Please be sure to only use the current application documents.
 

Contact us

Program Manager

Steffen Rodenbach
E-Mail: mccloy@studienstiftung.de

Program assistant

Helen Gellrich
E-Mail: mccloy@studienstiftung.de

 

Further information and downloads