Raoul Wallenberg Fellowship

The Wallenberg Fellowship will be awarded each spring to a graduating senior of exceptional promise and accomplishment who is committed to serving the public good. The fellowship provides $25,000 to carry out an independent project of learning or exploration anywhere in the world during the year after graduation. The Fellow will engage in a self-designed and self-directed area of exploration or project of experiential learning. Through this year-long experience, and by connecting in meaningful ways with the lives of people and communities around the world, the Wallenberg Fellow will prepare to make a difference in the world.

The Fellowship honors Raoul Wallenberg (B.S. Arch. ’35), one of the most illustrious graduates of the University of Michigan. At Michigan, Raoul Wallenberg was recognized for the excellence of his academic work, his eagerness to understand the world and other people, and for his intrepid independence and resourcefulness. He left Ann Arbor resolved to be actively engaged in life. Ten years later, as a Swedish diplomat during World War II, Raoul Wallenberg coordinated the rescue of tens of thousands of Jews in Budapest. He disappeared after being arrested by Soviet authorities during the Siege of Budapest in 1945. 

Eligibility and Requirements

Application is a two-stage process. Seniors must apply to the Raoul Wallenberg Fellowship (RWF) contact within their school or college.  Each school or college will review applications and may forward up to two nominations to the Wallenberg Fellowship Selection Committee, comprising representatives from the President’s Office, the Provost’s Office, Rackham, LSA, Engineering, and others.

Applicants must be in good academic standing and in their final undergraduate year at the time of their application; and must graduate by the time the fellowship begins. Applicants may be of any citizenship. They should have an excellent academic record. They should show evidence of qualities necessary for successfully completing an independent year-long project, such as seriousness of purpose; interest in and openness to others; eagerness to learn and curiosity about the world; self-reliance, poise and maturity; creativity and resourcefulness. 

Forms are provided below. 

Link for deadlines, dates, and details.

Forms

Application Form (PDF)

Budget Worksheet (PDF)

Recommendation Letter (PDF)

Wallenberg Contacts (PDF)