How to Secure the 2026 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans: A Complete Guide for Graduate Students in Public Health

If you’re a first-generation American or an immigrant looking to pursue graduate studies in the United States, the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans offer one of the most prestigious and generous scholarship opportunities. With up to $90,000 in funding per student, this fellowship supports immigrants and children of immigrants who are poised to make significant contributions to U.S. society, culture, or their academic field.

This guide will walk you through every step—from gaining admission into a top U.S. university for a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) to securing this elite scholarship.

🔍 About the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship

• Eligibility: Open to immigrants and children of immigrants in the U.S.
• Funding Amount: Up to $90,000 in total support
• Field of Study: Any graduate program (including MD, JD, MBA, MFA, MPH, and Ph.D.)
• Application Opens: April 2025
• Application Deadline: October 2025
• Number of Awards: 30 Fellowships annually

🎯 Why MPH (Master of Public Health) as an Example?

The MPH degree is a top choice for students passionate about global health, epidemiology, policy, and health advocacy. It’s also a practical and high-impact field where New Americans have made transformative contributions. Using it as an example, we’ll walk through the application and scholarship process step by step.

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the Soros Fellowship (Using MPH as a Case Study)

Step 1: Understand the Fellowship’s Purpose

The Soros Fellowship is not just a financial award—it seeks leaders. You must demonstrate:

• Creativity and originality
• A commitment to the U.S.
• High academic achievement
• A clear sense of how your immigrant background shaped your identity

💡Tip: Think beyond grades. The fellowship loves storytelling that highlights resilience, adaptability, and impact.

Step 2: Gain Admission to a Reputable MPH Program in the U.S.

While you can apply for the fellowship while still applying to schools, you must enroll in a full-time graduate program in Fall 2026 to receive the funding.

🔹 Best MPH Schools to Target:

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
• Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

🔹 Admission Requirements for MPH:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably with science or social science background)
• GRE/MCAT/LSAT: Optional for many programs
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Public health-related experience is a strong plus

💡Pro Tip: Start preparing your SOP and securing recommendation letters as early as January 2025.

Step 3: Build a Strong Application Profile

The Soros Fellowship looks beyond test scores.

Key Application Components:

• Two Essays:
  1. Your story as a New American
  2. Future plans and career impact
• Resume (2 pages max)
• Letters of Recommendation (3 minimum)
• Transcripts
• Graduate Program Information (what you plan to study and where)

What They’re Looking For:

Step 4: Apply for the Fellowship

• Start Date: April 2025
• Deadline: October 2025
• Interviews: Early 2026
• Decision: March 2026

💡Pro Tip: Apply for the Soros Fellowship before your MPH admission is finalized. You don’t need to have accepted an offer yet, but you must be planning to enroll by Fall 2026.

Step 5: Ace the Interview

Shortlisted applicants are invited for a formal interview.

Interview Tips:

• Be passionate about your field (public health in this example)
• Be authentic—talk about immigrant challenges and triumphs
• Know your research interests and future impact
• Be ready to discuss how your background connects to your goals

💼 After Securing the Fellowship

Once awarded:

• You get $90,000 over two years
  • $25,000/year stipend
  • $20,000/year tuition support
• Access to an elite alumni network
• Annual retreats and mentoring opportunities

📌 Additional Vital Information

📝 Final Checklist for MPH + Soros Fellowship

✅ Bachelor’s degree with solid academic background
✅ Experience in public health or related field
✅ Top-tier MPH applications (at least 3 schools)
✅ Soros essays highlighting immigrant identity
✅ Letters from mentors who know your story
✅ Early prep for interviews

🔚 Conclusion

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship offers more than just money—it’s a gateway to legacy, impact, and transformation. If you’re pursuing a degree like Master of Public Health (MPH), especially as a first- or second-generation American, this fellowship can fuel your dream and elevate your story.

Start now, stay intentional, and let your immigrant journey shine through every page of your application.