The Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York (SASSNY) is a one year graduate (master’s) scholarship open to current seniors (preference) or 2026 graduates. Applicants must be US citizens with some Scottish descent. Scholars receive $45K toward their studies (tuition, fees, board, transportation, etc.) in Scotland.
Candidates should possess qualifications which will enable them to be good ambassadors for the US. Selection is also based on (1) academic achievement, (2) extracurricular activities, (3) financial need, (4) clarity of career purpose in pursuing the graduate studies in Scotland, and (5) a compelling rationale for why they wish to pursue their studies in Scotland. If invited for an interview, finalists must provide evidence that they have applied to their selected university and program in Scotland.
Campus Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
Submit the following materials electronically as WORD attachments using the “Submit Materials” tab on our website:
- An application essay of 1 page, single spaced (approximately 400-500 words) that addresses the following: Why you wish to earn a master’s degree in Scotland and how this program of study will contribute to your overall goals. The essay should discuss your objective(s) to be achieved and the reasons for pursuing said graduate degree in Scotland.
- A detailed, fulsome Resume or Curriculum Vitae (the document may be longer than one page)
- The names of 2 faculty members who have agreed to write you strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs). Each LOR must provide a strong and detailed assessment of your “work, academic and/or personal qualificationsSHARE with your recommenders:
- Recommenders should submit their LORs as email attachments on Letterhead to externalscholarships@lafayette.edu or Dean Goldberg. Please Note: The Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York expects fulsome, detailed letters of approximately 1 ½ to 2+ pages (single spaced, after letterhead) in length. As such, make sure you speak with your recommenders about your graduate study aspirations, vision for your future, and why the programs you have identified (you may identify up to 2) are ideally suited for needs and aspirations. The letters should be addressed to The Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, Scholarship for Graduate Study in Scotland.
- Scholarship app form (although this is a writable PDF, as it is very old-school, we encourage you to address each of the items following your “Proposed graduate institution: 2nd Choice” on the application form as WORD document attachments (indicating See Attached for each section on the application form itself): This includes responses to Jobs/Positions Held; Scholarships/Financial Aid Received; Academic or Other Honors/Awards Received; Extracurricular Activities; and any Additional Remarks.
- Regarding the Application Form’s “In your own words–on an attached sheet–please compose a thesis/proposal that addresses the following: (1) why you wish to continue your education beyond the present year; and (2) why you wish to study in Scotland and how this study will contribute to overall goals.” The essay should be about 400 words (more or less) and should be written as a coherent essay not as 2 separate responses.
- A physically signed Nomination & Permission Waiver form
If you are our campus nominee (we may only submit one applicant), you will need to provide the following as part of your official application:
- Proof of US Citizenship
- Proof of financial need from the Financial Aid Office
- A description of your Scottish lineage
- Official Transcript from Lafayette College’s Registrar’s Office. IMPT: If you studied abroad, you will also need to order an official copy of your study abroad transcript from the study abroad provider. You should order this copy to be sent to yourself (electronic or paper copy) as you will need it for other applications down the road. Lafayette College will not provide a copy of that transcript.