Samvid Scholars

Samvid Scholars is sponsored by Desai Sethi Foundation Inc.. A merit-based scholarship and leadership program for mission-driven graduate students committed to effecting positive change in society. The program provides financial support for tuition and fees, as well as two years of leadership development, mentorship, and access to a community of changemakers.

Geographic focus: United States

Focus areas: Education, Leadership, STEM, Healthcare, Social Sciences, Public Policy

How to Apply - Samvid. Ventures Apply to be a 2026 Samvid Scholars here ! The application deadline is Sunday, April 12.

Frequently Asked Questions The 2026 Cohort application will open on February 9, 2026 and close on April 12, 2026. An eligible candidate for 2026 selection will: Pursue a full-time graduate program of 2 years or longer at a university in the United States, in one of the following eligible programs: MD, MBA, JD, MPP/MPA, MPH, MS/MA in the social sciences or STEM.

See FAQ below to check if your MA/MS program is eligible Be a first-year graduate student for the 2026-2027 academic year Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3. 50 Be a U.S. citizen or DACA recipient All competitive candidates will demonstrate commitment to driving change for society through both their past experiences and achievements and their vision for their career.

We evaluate Scholars holistically based on the following criteria: Academic exce llence: You have an excellent academic record, reflecting your critical thinking ability, your drive, and your interest in your academic field. Leadership: You have an outstanding track record of leading efforts that deliver results.

You also have a leader’s mindset: you are optimistic, self-reliant, and strive to learn from and inspire those with whom you work. Mission: You are committed to driving change for society through your leadership. You are fundamentally motivated by the impact of your achievements on others’ lives.

Bias towards acti on: When you see problems, you not only seek to understand them, but also take action to drive change. You have developed and operationalized solutions to the issue/issues about which you are most passionate. Determination: You have worked steadfastly to make impact on the issues and/or communities which matter to you, even in the face of setbacks.

You demonstrate adaptability and resilience in pursuit of your goals. Frequently Asked Questions If I haven’t decided which graduate school to attend or haven’t yet received an admission decision, can I apply for this scholarship? Yes, you are eligible to apply.

In the online application, you will be asked to list the institutions where your application is still under consideration: If you submit your application prior to your receiving admissions decisions from all the graduate programs to which you’ve applied, you will need to send an admissions decisions update, an update listing to which schools you have been admitted, to gradscholarship@samvid. ventures.

This update is required for your application to be reviewed. If you are selected as a scholar, you will be asked to provide enrollment confirmation in a graduate program. Which graduate programs are eligible for this scholarship?

We accept applications from candidates applying to US universities in the following programs that are two (2) years or longer: MS/MA in the social sciences or STEM program (see FAQ below for more details) Is my master’s program in STEM or social sciences a good fit for the scholarship?

We will prioritize candidates who are using their master’s program in STEM or social sciences to develop solutions to real-world problems with the opportunity for broad and deep social impact.

This year, we expect to focus on candidates pursuing master’s degrees in programs like: Earth and climate sciences The following degree programs are not eligible : DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) MSW (Master of Social Work) DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) If I will be in a Master’s/PhD program, am I eligible for this scholarship?

Yes, if the Master’s degree portion of the program will require at least 2 years and is in the social sciences or STEM. Am I eligible if I am pursuing a dual degree? Yes, dual-degree candidates are eligible for Samvid Scholars, including if you are entering the first year of your second program if the second program is eligible and you meet all eligibility criteria as outlined above.

Please email us directly with individual questions. What are the citizenship requirements for Samvid Scholars? You must be either a U.S. citizen or DACA recipient to be eligible to apply for the Samvid Scholars program.

Unfortunately, permanent residents are not eligible. If I receive another scholarship, can I apply for this program? Yes, you can apply.

The program will work with the limits of other awards to give scholars the maximum benefit from all sources of funding. The Samvid Scholars funding applies towards tuition and fees. What does the application consist of?

The application consists of: Information about planned graduate study Short essays: see FAQ below for essay questions What are the essay questions in the 2025 application? All applicants will be asked to complete multiple short response essays as part of their application. The essay prompts for the 2025 application cycle are listed here: Describe your experience as a leader.

In your response, please be sure to describe examples of your impact and challenges you have encountered as a leader. (500 words max.) How have you demonstrated your commitment to driving change for society?

(500 words max.) What are your reasons for pursuing graduate study? How do you envision driving change for society after graduate study?

(500 words max.) Applicants will also have the opportunity to complete an optional, additional essay prompt: We seek a cohort of future leaders, representing diverse perspectives. What unique perspective would you contribute to the Samvid Scholars community?

(250 words max.) What transcripts do I need to provide? Transcripts from all higher education institutions that provided or will provide you with a degree are required.

This means your undergraduate transcript and, if applicable, transcripts from graduate schools. Transcripts from summer abroad courses or non-degree programs are not required. Do I have to submit an official transcript?

For the application, you may submit a school-issued unofficial transcript. If you are selected as a scholar, you will be required to submit official transcripts. How is GPA factored into the selection committee process?

Applicants must have at least a 3. 50 undergraduate GPA to be eligible for the Samvid Scholarship. Typically, competitive candidates have GPAs well above that minimum; 95% of our finalists in 2021 had a GPA above 3.

70. However, the selection committee will weigh the strength of an applicant’s GPA, in combination with other qualifications, when selecting finalists and scholars. Please note that only undergraduate GPAs are considered in the application process; GPAs from graduate or other degree programs cannot be used.

Additionally, GPAs may not be rounded to meet the 3. 50 minimum. Are there minimum requirements for standardized test scores?

No, there are no minimum test score requirements. The selection committee will weigh the strength of applicants’ test scores, in combination with other qualifications, when selecting finalists and scholars. 2021 Samvid Scholars finalists scored within the following ranges across standardized tests: GRE: Verbal: 162 – 170, Quantitative Reasoning: 156 – 169 What standardized test scores are required?

What if my graduate program did not require a standardized test score? If any university you applied to for your graduate program required the submission of a standardized test score, please provide your relevant standardized test score If none of the universities you applied to for your graduate program required the submission of a standardized test score, then we will waive the test score requirement for the scholarship application.

In the application fields asking for test score information, please select “Standardized test not required for program admission” If you are a joint-degree candidate (e.g., JD/MBA) who submitted more than one test for graduate program admissions, please provide information on both tests What awards should I include on the application?

Please include up to eight (8) academic, leadership, or community awards that reflect your achievements and commitment to service (e.g., Presidential Scholar, Gates Millennium Scholar, Truman Scholar, university-wide service leadership award, university research award, Phi Beta Kappa). Who should be my recommenders?

You should choose recommenders who can give a candid and thorough assessment of how you meet the scholarship’s selection criteria. How many recommendations should I submit? You are required to submit the names and contact details for two people who will provide your recommendations.

Cohort Announcement and Programming When will I be notified of a decision? Samvid Scholars finalists will be contacted by mid-May to schedule a virtual interview with the selection committee. Applicants who do not qualify for the finalist round will also be notified of a decision by mid-May.

Candidates selected for the scholarship will be notified by early June. Awardees will be asked to provide confirmation of enrollment in a qualifying graduate program. If selected as a finalist, will there be any supplemental materials I will be expected to provide?

Upon being notified of your selection as a finalist, the program team will reach out to you with a request for additional materials as needed. What does the leadership development programming entail? / What is the commitment for the leadership development programming?

Our programming is designed to deepen each Scholar’s understanding of who they are, what matters to them, and their unique path to impact — and, ultimately, to develop the knowledge and skills required to drive and lead change. To achieve this goal we offer virtual programming (e.g., peer discussions, workshops, an impact project), campus visits, an annual summer conference, and alumni support. Samvid Scholars 2025 Information Session