Each year, 40 US scholars are selected by the Marshall Scholarship programme to spend two years as under- or post-graduates at a British university, with all expenses paid by the British government. Each scholarship is held for two years.

Programmes like this contribute to strong transatlantic ties and Marshall scholars play an important role in strengthening the enduring relationship between the US and UK, their governments and their institutions.

The Scholarships began in 1953 as a gesture of thanks from the British Government for US assistance in rebuilding Europe after World War II - the Marshall Plan - and they commemorate those common ideals. They are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.