To be considered for the program, you must submit your complete admissions application to the Master of Public Affairs program, and answer the Watson Equity in Policy Scholars eligibility and essay questions found within the MPA application. 

The deadline to apply for both the Brown MPA and Watson Equity in Policy Scholars program is January 15, 2026. 

During the last admissions cycle, which served as the pilot year for the Watson Equity in Policy Scholars program, we selected 5 scholars for this opportunity.

First, ensure that you submit a strong holistic admissions application for the Master of Public Affairs program that leverages the various application materials to demonstrate your purpose and interest in the field of public affairs, your leadership experiences, as well as your quantitative potential. Learn more about the MPA admissions process here. Strong applicants for the Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program will demonstrate commitment and/or experiences in working on addressing issues related to equity within policy, public affairs, and/or global affairs.

Contact Catherine Rodarte, Program Lead for the Watson Equity in Policy program and Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment for the MPA