Created in 1975, the Whitaker Foundation supported interdisciplinary medical research, focusing primarily on biomedical engineering. Prior to 2006, the Foundation’s efforts were directed toward establishing and enhancing formal educational programs. Since then the Foundation ceased operations and committed its remaining funds to a grant program focused on strengthening international collaborative links between young leaders in biomedical engineering across the globe. The Whitaker International Programs are designed to bring international experience to the field of biomedical engineering.

The Award

The Whitaker International Undergraduate Scholarship provides funding to undergraduate biomedical engineers and bioengineers for a semester or one academic year to pursue coursework in their field in an international setting. Scholarship amounts range from $7,500 for one semester or academic term, to $10,000 for one academic year. There are competitions twice a year; one for the Fall or Academic Year term and one for the Spring term. Students going to non-traditional destinations are given priority.

Eligibility

Candidates for a Whitaker International Undergraduate Scholarship:

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Must be enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior with at least one semester remaining
Must be enrolled in an undergraduate biomedical engineering degree program
Must be in good academic standing
Must demonstrate a need for financial support to participate in study abroad

The Application

A Whitaker International Undergraduate Scholarship application consists of the following:

Completed online application form
Essay - one page maximum (submitted online)
Reference letter, preferably from an academic or profession in biomedical engineering or a closely related field (submitted online)
Cost of study abroad program (completed by study abroad advisor)
Amount of financial aid received towards program (completed by study abroad advisor and submitted online)
Advisor verification
Transcripts from all post-secondary degree granting institutions
Letter of acceptance from study abroad program if awarded the scholarship (hard copy submitted to IIE)

Although there is no Stanford campus process for the Whitaker International Undergraduate Scholarship, interested students should contact the ORC for guidance on the application process as well as review the Whitaker website for details.

Other Whitaker Programs:

Whitaker International Fellows Program for Biomedical Engineers

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