Luce Scholars
1 year immersive professional placement in 1 of 16 Asian countries
Eligibility
The intent of the program is to provide an in-depth immersive experience in Asia to young Americans who would not otherwise have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country where they are placed.
- U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
- Graduating seniors, recent graduates and young professionals under the age of 32 (or no more than 3 years out from receiving bachelor’s degree).
- Candidates who have majored in Asian studies are now eligible to apply.
- Candidates who have spent 18 weeks or more (since beginning college) in one of the countries where Luce Scholars are placed are eligible to apply to be placed in a country where they do not have significant experience.
About the Luce Scholarship
Established in 1974 by the Henry Luce Foundation, experiential rather than academic in nature, the Luce Scholars Program is intended for early career leaders with limited experience of Asia. Scholars participate in internships of approximately one year in 1 of 16 Asian countries.
Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the Luce Scholars Program provides leadership training, stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for up to 18 Luce Scholars each year.
Each placement provides a professional venue and perspective and the assignments are a mechanism through which to gain a broader understanding and appreciation of the culture in which one is living. The following Luce countries include: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, The Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.
Successful candidates should have a record of high achievement, outstanding leadership ability, and clearly defined interests with evidence of potential for professional accomplishments. All fields will be considered.
Award Amount
Basic stipend, living allowance, and housing allowance
Application Process
The Luce admissions process has three parts
- Committee-based evaluation of applications
- One-on-one virtual interview with a Luce Scholar alumnus
- A finalist weekend that will consist of interactive programs, workshops, and one-on-one interviews.
The Luce Scholars Application consists of
- Personal and Background Information
- Academic Information
- Personal Statement
- Written Application (biographical and educational information)
- Three Short Answer Questions
- 1-2 Minute Video
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Signature
- Optional Supplemental Materials Upload
Candidates must first complete an eligibility questionnaire. If eligible, they will be prompted to complete the application with the above.
Stanford students and alumni: please fill out our Luce Intent to Apply Form 2025 and we can provide guidance and application tips.
Timeline Details
The Luce Scholarship does not have a campus process and does not require a Stanford nomination. The national deadline is September 15, 2025. Eligible applicants will now submit their applications directly to the Luce Scholars Program online application. The application process is lengthy and requires many months of preparation.
Additional Information
Number Awarded: 15-18 awards
Find additional information about the Luce Scholars Program here, including application criteria.