Truman Scholarship (2027) Application Guide, Requirements, and Deadlines

February 12, 2026
by
MST

The Truman Scholarship is the premier federal graduate fellowship in the United States for students pursuing careers in public service. This prestigious award identifies and supports future “change agents” who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to government or non-profit work. Each year, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards approximately 60 scholarships to students in their penultimate year of undergraduate study.

The scholarship provides significant financial support and professional development opportunities to prepare you for high-impact roles. Scholars receive preferential admission to top graduate schools and join a vast network of influential alumni in the public sector. The foundation also facilitates the Truman Scholars Leadership Week and a summer internship program in Washington, D.C., to enhance your professional skills.

Applying for this award requires a strategic approach and a strong record of community involvement, campus leadership, and academic success. You must obtain an official nomination from your college or university to compete at the national level. The foundation evaluates applicants based on their ability to solve complex public problems and their long-term dedication to serving the common good.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Graduate degree (Master’s, Doctorate, or Professional degree)
Location: Any accredited university in the United States or abroad
Institution(s): The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
Program Period: 2 to 3 years of graduate funding
Course offered: Public policy, international affairs, education, or public health
Deadline: February 2, 2027 (Annual national deadline is the first Tuesday of February)

Scholarship Coverage

The Truman Scholarship offers $30,000 in total funding to support your graduate education. This funding assists with tuition, mandatory fees, and cost-of-living expenses at your chosen institution. Recipients also gain access to exclusive federal hiring authorities, which allow you to secure government positions more quickly after graduation. The foundation covers all costs for the mandatory leadership programs, including airfare, meals, and lodging during your training.

Eligibility Criteria

There are 4 key eligibility requirements for every Truman Scholarship applicant: U.S. citizenship, junior-level status, high academic rank, and a commitment to service.

Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. national from American Samoa to apply.
Academic Level: You must be a full-time student with junior-level standing at a four-year university during the application year.
Class Ranking: You must be in the upper quarter of your class, typically maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Career Path: You must intend to pursue a career in public service, such as working for government agencies, advocacy groups, or international NGOs.
Institutional Support: You must be nominated by your Faculty Representative, as the foundation does not accept independent applications.

Truman Scholarship Application Process

To submit a successful application, you must follow the 6 steps process involving your university and the national foundation.

Request a Nomination: You must contact your campus Faculty Representative to express interest and participate in your school’s internal selection process.
Complete the Digital Form: You must fill out the online application portal, which includes questions about your leadership activities, public service history, and employment.
Draft a Policy Proposal: You must write a 500-word policy memo that recommends a specific legislative or administrative action to a government official.
Submit Supporting Documents: You must provide academic documents, such as official transcripts from every college you attended, to verify your grades.
Provide Recommendations: You must submit 3 letters of recommendation that highlight your leadership abilities, intellectual potential, and service record.
Attend National Interviews: You must participate in a regional panel interview, if the foundation selects you as a national finalist.

Deadline

The national deadline for the Truman Scholarship occurs on the first Tuesday of February each year. For the upcoming cycle, all materials must be uploaded to the portal by February 2, 2027. You must meet your internal campus deadline, which usually falls between November and January, to be considered for nomination.