The Luce program operates throughout most of East and Southeast Asia. It is appropriate for a candidate to express a preference for a particular country, but candidates cannot be guaranteed their first choice. The Foundation then seeks out a firm or institution where the scholar can work and provides a significant monthly stipend, cost of living and housing allowances, plus air fare to Asia. The Luce Foundation judges applicants on the basis of high academic achievement, a clearly defined career interest, leadership potential, and adaptability to other cultures. Luce Scholars must be under 30 years of age by September 1 of the year in which the award is used.
Materials usually arrive in mid-summer.
Applications are reviewed first by the Committee on Graduate Fellowships, which selects two nominees and then forwards their materials to the Luce Foundation.