Scholarship Guides Truman Scholarship (US): How to Apply
USA · Application Guide
The Truman Scholarship supports US college juniors who plan careers in public service. It provides up to US$30,000 for graduate study, plus leadership training and a network of public-service professionals. You cannot apply directly to the Foundation. Your undergraduate institution must first nominate you through its own campus process, and only nominated candidates submit the Foundation application.
Administered by: The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (US)
Written by Zain Aqdas, Founder and lead researcher, Scholarships AtlasLast updated 3 September 2026
Find your institution's Truman faculty representative, who runs the campus nomination process. Campus application deadlines are typically between September and November of the junior year.
Candidates prepare the campus application (statement of purpose, policy proposal draft, resume and other materials) and are selected by the campus committee to be the institution's nominee(s).
Nominated candidates complete the Truman Foundation's online application, including the full policy proposal, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation, plus a nomination letter from the institution.
The Foundation reviews complete nomination packages and selects finalists, who are interviewed by regional review panels.
Truman Scholars are announced in the spring (for 2027: application deadline 2 February 2027, scholars posted 23 April 2027).
Dates move every year — always confirm on the official portal before planning around them.