Requirements

Open to:

• Cornell Graduate/Professional Students

Application Information:

Note:  A Cornell endorsement is not longer required. Applicants must submit an application directly to the program via the Luce program website. 

 

Candidates must first complete an eligibility questionnaire. If eligible, they will be prompted to complete the application which includes the following: 

• Written Application – Candidates provide biographical and contact information, respond to short answer questions, and write a personal statement and 400-word-max bio.
• Request Forms for Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR) – Candidates complete a form for each recommender. Once a form is submitted, an email is triggered to the recommender. Letters must be uploaded separately by the recommenders. LORs can be from academic, professional, or collegial references. They should come from people who know the candidate well and can speak to their skills, abilities, and potential. LORs should be signed on official letterhead whenever possible.
• Academic Transcripts – Candidates submit unofficial transcripts of all college and graduate work.
• A 1-3 minute video (*new*) – Candidates record and upload a 1–3-minute video based on the provided prompt. The video gives program administrators a chance to get to know the candidate beyond the page. 

The application deadline is October 1, 2025 at 5:00PM ET. Late applications—including transcripts and letters of recommendation—will NOT be accepted. You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. You can save your work at any point as frequently as necessary. Once you submit your application, you will no longer have access to it, so be sure to print a copy for your records prior to submitting.

Detailed information, resources and the official application are available on the Luce Foundation website.

Interested applicants should, after doing some research of their own on the program and application process, schedule an appointment with Krista Saleet from the Office of Fellowships, who advises on the Luce Scholars.

Special Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible are graduating seniors, graduate/professional students, and alumni.

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 
• Eligible are graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under the age of 32, OR if older than 32, candidates must have received their bachelor's degree within the past three years.
• Applicants that have taken extensive coursework in Asian language or Asia-focused courses, majored in Asian studies, or have spent more than a total of eighteen weeks in one or more countries in Asia since starting college are eligible for this program as are those that do not have this experience.

Applicants should have a record of high achievement, outstanding leadership ability, and clearly defined interests with evidence of potential for professional accomplishments.  They should demonstrate evidence of being a leader within their profession and as a member of the broader community.  Personal qualities such as initiative, creativity, maturity humility, sensitivity, and strength of character typify successful applicants.

Applicants will not be judged on the basis of whether they have developed specific plans for their Asian experience, although they may have general ideas about the kind of placement preferred. Financial need is not a criterion for selection.

Semi-finalists are invited for interviews by representatives of the Luce Foundation in November. Those selected as finalists are invited to a finalist weekend in January. The cohort of Luce Scholars will be publicly announced by early-February.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Krista Saleet at ks2334@cornell.edu.