Thank you for your interest in the Luce Scholars Program, we look forward to learning more about you.

Application Procedures - For the Luce Scholars Program on SurveyMonkey Apply (SMA)

Applications for the 2026-2027 Luce Scholars competition must be submitted no later than September 15, 2025 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.  We are unable to accept or review late applications materials. 

For questions on eligibility, application content, or the Luce Scholar Year please check-out our website or reach out to lucescholars@hluce.org. 

For technical support or assistance using Survey Monkey Apply, please contact Survey Monkey Customer Support.

Eligibility

Applicants will first fill out a short questionnaire to confirm eligibility. 

Eligible Applicants will gain access to the application. Applicants deemed ineligible will be notified by email.  For more information on eligibility, please click here.

Luce Scholar Program Application 

Applicants will be asked to complete 8 required tasks and if they choose, 1 optional task (listed below). Candidates are not required to complete these tasks in order. We strongly encourage applicants to request letters of recommendation as soon as possible. Applicants may jump to the Request Recommendation Letters task at any point in completing an application. Applications will be considered incomplete if letters of recommendation are not submitted by the deadline. The application includes sections for contact and biographical, academic, and professional information.

- LSP Application Personal & Background Information

- LSP Application Academic Information

- LSP Application Professional Information

- Personal Statement

- Three Short Answer Questions

- Signature

- Upload a Video

- Request Two Letters of Recommendation

- Supplemental Materials Upload (optional)

Transcripts are no longer required.

You can save your application progress at any point and as frequently as necessary, but once submitted, you will no longer have access to it. We recommend printing a copy for your records before submitting.

Personal Statement Prompt

Use this space (maximum 1,000 words) to share your personal and professional journey; your long-term personal and professional goals; how you have grown and evolved over time; and how this journey has shaped your vision and aspirations for making an impact in the world.

Three Short Answer Questions

Applicants are asked to answer three short answer questions (maximum of 250 words each).

1) Use this space (maximum 250 words) to share what leadership means to you; provide an example of a leader you admire; and connect their example to your own experiences, showing how their leadership has shaped the way you lead or aspire to lead.

2) Use this space (maximum 250 words) to describe how you contribute in a team dynamic; highlight the strengths and qualities you bring to collaborative work; and share an example that illustrates the role you typically take.

3) Use this space (maximum 250 words) to tell us why you are interested in the Luce Scholars Program at this point in your personal and professional journey. How do you envision the Luce year in Asia contributing to your career trajectory and greater social impact?

Signature

Applicants must certify that the Personal Statement and all Short Answer Questions are their own work and that all questions were answered truthfully to the best of their knowledge.

Academic Transcripts Upload

Transcripts are no longer required.

Video Upload

In a 1-2 minute video, use an object or location that holds personal significance to share something about yourself that isn’t reflected elsewhere in your application.

Record using only your mobile phone or laptop camera—do not use professional equipment or editing tools, as points will be deducted if these are detected. The technical quality of the video is secondary to the content, so focus on your message. 

Be creative, honest, funny—most importantly, be yourself and let your personality shine!

Submit requests for Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Two letters of recommendation (LORs) are required - with a MAXIMUM of one academic letter and AT LEAST one professional letter. 

• Academic LORs may come from professors, mentors, advisors, or others who have directly supervised your academic work or research.
• Professional LORs should come from a supervisor with whom you’ve worked closely over a significant time and who can speak to your work ethic, leadership potential, and impact. This may include summer positions or internships, provided the supervisor had ample time to observe your work.

For each recommender, you must complete a form using their name and email address. Once submitted, the recommender will receive an email with instructions for writing and uploading the LOR directly to the application portal. Letters must be uploaded separately by the recommenders.

We encourage you to seek recommenders who know you well and have directly observed your work—whether in academic, professional, or leadership settings. They should be able to speak to your skills, achievements, and leadership potential. Recommenders should also be familiar with your personal strengths and future promise. All LORs must be signed and on official letterhead.

Deadline: Letters must be uploaded by 5:00 PM EST on September 15, 2025.

We strongly encourage you to request your letters as early as possible. You may jump to the "Request Recommendation Letters" task at any time while completing your application. Applications will be considered incomplete if both LORs are not submitted by the deadline.

Supplemental Materials

Applicants are invited, but not required, to upload examples of original work (i.e. artist's portfolios, publications, podcasts, etc.) We ask that you be considerate of the reviewer's time when compiling the volume of these materials. 

Submission of Application

All Application Materials, including letters of recommendations and all required and optional uploads, must be received no later than 5:00pm on September 15, 2025. In the event of technical difficulties or application submission issues, please use the HELP feature in the toolbar of the application portal.  You may also reach out to lucescholars@hluce.org, but we cannot guarantee that applications submitted after the deadline will be considered.

Application FAQs

What happens if my recommender cannot submit on time?

We strongly encourage you to work with your recommenders to explore all viable options to submit their letters on time. If a recommender is not able to write a letter on your behalf, you may withdraw the request and submit a new recommender form at any time. Remember, although you may submit your application, is not complete until your recommenders have submitted their letters.

How will I know if my recommendations have been submitted?

You will receive an email each time a letter of recommendation is submitted. It is your responsibility to follow up with your recommenders to make sure your letters are submitted by the deadline. 

Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?

No, applicants can save applications at any point while in progress and as many times as necessary.

I submitted my application, what happens next?

Review of applications begins immediately after the deadline. Click here to learn more about our review process.

I have an ongoing health condition; can I still apply?

Yes, scholars with physical and mental health conditions are eligible. As long as you are able to travel to Asia, we will work to support your success as a Luce Scholar.

I’ve read the website, but I still have questions about eligibility, the application process, or the Luce year. Who can I contact?

For questions regarding eligibility, applications, or the Luce year, please email lucescholars@hluce.org.