Frequently Asked Questions for the Legatum Fellowship
Application Questions | Fellowship Program Questions | Financial Questions | International Students Questions
Q: If I am accepted by MIT and choose to defer, can my Legatum Fellowship be deferred as well?
A: If you were granted a Legatum Fellowship but chose to defer, you will need to re-apply to our program next year.
Q: How many Fellows will be selected?
A: There is not a set number of Fellowships. The Fellowships will be awarded to applicants based on merit of the application and the entrepreneurial project submitted. The Review Committee will review all applications received to determine the strongest candidates to receive the Fellowships.
Q: If I am not already enrolled at MIT, do I need to apply to an MIT graduate school to be accepted as a Legatum Fellow? If yes, how should I apply? And when is the date for MIT graduate admissions?
A: Yes, you must apply to a MIT graduate program (or be a current student) to be considered for the Legatum Fellowship. Each program has its own deadline. We would advise you to visit this page to find the program you are interested in applying to: http://web.mit.edu/admissions/graduate/
For a listing of the MIT departments, sections and programs, please visit: http://web.mit.edu/education/
Q: When can I submit my application for the Legatum Fellowship?
A: You can submit your Legatum Fellowship application begining October 15, 2012. Application deadline for Round 1 Sloan applicants is December 15, 2012. Application deadline for all other applicants is February 15, 2013.
Q: I am applying to MIT at the same time that I am applying for the Fellowship. Will my Fellowship application be evaluated together with my application to MIT?
A: Your Fellowship application is reviewed by a completely different selection committee from your MIT application. The process for each may take place at the same time but independent of each other.
Q: Is there a difference between applications from current MIT students and external applicants?
A: There is no difference between applications for current students and incoming students.
Q: What are the restrictions for your Fellowship (age, nationality, student-status, etc...)?
A: The only restrictions for the Fellowship are:
1. You must be accepted in a graduate degree program (or a junior, senior, or graduate student) at MIT
2. You must be enrolled as an MIT student for the duration of the Fellowship
3. Your project must be based on a for-profit model in a low-income country
Q: I applied unsuccessfully for the Fellowship last year. Can I apply again? Is there a different application for reapplicants?
A: For applicants who applied for the Fellowship last year but were not admitted to MIT or did not receive a Legatum Fellowship, you will be required to complete the same online Fellowship application.
Q: I already submitted letters of recommendation with my application to MIT. May I use these same recommendations for my Legatum Fellowship application?
A: The Legatum Center has access to only the materials you submit with your Legatum Fellowship application, so you will need to submit two letters of recommendation with your Fellowship application. When you fill out the Fellowship application online, we ask that you identify two recommenders, who each then receive an email requesting a letter remarking on your entrepreneurial and leadership qualities as well as your capacity to start a business in a low-income country. You are more than welcome to use the same recommenders that you used for your MIT application, but each will need to submit a letter to the Legatum Center that is separate from any other letter they may have submitted for outside applications.
Q: What type of references are acceptable for my letters of recommendation?
A: People in a position of authority that are familar with your passion, motivation, and entrepreneurial activities. Colleagues are not advisable.
Q: When does the program start and end?
A: The Legatum Fellowship begins the summer before your academic year starts. It can be a one or two year Fellowship.
Q: I am enrolled in a two year graduate degree program. Would you recommend that I apply for the Legatum Fellowship now for my first year so that I can participate earlier, or that I wait until my second year when I will be further along with my project?
A: Because everyone's situation is unique, we are unable to advise you in this matter. The Legatum Center does not give a preference to existing MIT students over new applicants.
Q: I am a PhD student. When would be the best time for me to apply for a Legatum Fellowship?
A: It is best to apply for a Legatum Fellowship when you are at least in the 3rd year of your PhD program.
Q: What is the condition and information of the award, such as amount and form?
A: The amount of the Fellowship is based on the applicant's financial situation. The Center encourages all applicants to seek supplemental funding from other sources as well.
The Legatum Fellowship can only be applied towards the cost of an education at MIT. The length of funding is for one year.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS QUESTIONS
Q: What is the visa status of the Legatum Fellow?
A: Typically there are two kinds of visas which allow you to come to the United States to study: F-1 Student Visa and the J-1 Exchange Student Visa. Once accepted to a department at MIT, you would work with the International Students Office at MIT to complete the necessary forms to come to the US.
FOR DIRECT INQUIRIES
Email:fellowship@mit.edu