Merit Achievement Scholarship for Graduate School

CEF is committed to supporting a generation of promising Coptic American youth as they continue their higher education journey into graduate school in the United States. This $2,000 scholarship is a merit-based award to encourage and support the efforts of those who have been admitted to graduate school.

The 2025 Merit Achievement Scholarship for Graduate School

Student Eligibility:

  • Must be an active member in the Coptic Orthodox Church, and residing in the US

  • Must possess or will complete an undergraduate degree (BA or BS) by summer 2025 from an accredited University or College

  • Has been accepted or continuing their education at an accredited graduate school in the USA and will be in school for the 2025-2026 academic year 

Application Process

  1. Complete online application

  2. In essay form, please respond to the following prompt (650 words max): The Coptic community has a rich history of resilience, faith, and intellectual contributions. How do you see yourself carrying forward this legacy in today’s world with your graduate education? Provide examples of how you blend tradition with modern aspirations.

  3. Submit two recommendation letters from credible people who have a close relationship with the applicant and are aware of their character traits and personal development (professor, academic advisor, priest/ father of confession, church ministry or volunteer supervisor, and/or any other type of mentor). Letters of recommendation should be uploaded and attached, or emailed directly by the recommender to katherine@copticedu.org

  4. Submit a copy of Undergraduate Unofficial Transcript

  5. Submit Resume or CV

  6. Submit Letter of Admission to the Graduate School you are attending for the academic year 2025-2026

  7. Submit a self-portrait or headshot

Application and Decision Timeline

  • Deadline: May 31, 2025

  • Final Decision communicated to awardee: Late June - Early July 2025

  • Award Ceremony at Awardees own church: July - August 2025

Important to Note

  • Applicants must have been accepted or continuing their education at an accredited graduate school in the USA and will be in school for the 2025-2026 academic year

  • Be prepared to finish your submission at the same session as the application will not allow you to save and continue at a later time.

  • Applicants who have previously received CEF’s Graduate Achievement Scholarship are not eligible

  • Late applications will not be considered.