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Barbour Scholars

The Barbour Scholarship program was originally endowed by Levi Barbour in 1917 to support female graduate students from Asia and the Middle East.

Among the oldest and most prestigious awards granted by the University of Michigan, offering funding to female students from Asia and the Middle East since 1917.

The Rackham Graduate School celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the Barbour Scholarship throughout 2017. Barbour Scholars gathered to share their experiences and look to the future of the education of Asian women.

Historical photo of Edaveth Kakkat Janaki Ammal

Barbour Scholar Was First Indian Woman to Receive Botany Doctorate

Edavelth Kakkat Janaki Ammal would go on to pioneer new hybrid crops and advocate for preserving India’s native plant life.

A group of women in traditional and contemporary clothing pose for a formal portrait.

A Feminist Family Legacy

U-M’s first female Korean Ph.D. graduate fought for the safety of her niece, who paid it forward by ensuring the well-being of women on a global scale.

Logo of barbour scholars for the 2024-2025 academic year featuring an illustration of a book and light rays on a dark blue octagonal background with gold and teal accents.

Announcing the 2024-2025 Barbour Scholars

Established more than a century ago by Regent Levi Barbour, the prestigious Barbour Scholarship funds exceptional women from Asia and the Middle East as they pursue their graduate education at the University of Michigan.

Graphic design. Text: Barbour Scholars 2023-2024

Announcing the 2023-2024 Barbour Scholars

Established more than a century ago by Regent Levi Barbour, the prestigious Barbour Scholarship funds exceptional women from Asia and the Middle East as they pursue their graduate education at the University of Michigan.

A photo of Mervat Hatem beside a cover of one of her books.

Representation Matters: Bringing Firsthand Experience to Political Science

Rackham political science alumna and Barbour Scholarship recipient Mervat Hatem has dedicated her career to understanding the complex political realities that shape the world around us. Through a generous gift to Rackham, she’s working to ensure a new generation of scholars can follow in her footsteps.

Total Scholars by Discipline

  • Biological and Health Science 21.02% 21.02%
  • Humanities and the Arts 20.63% 20.63%
  • Physical Sciences and Engineering 20.24% 20.24%
  • Social Sciences 38.11% 38.11%
  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) 2.27% 2.27%

Degrees Earned by Barbours

  • Bachelor’s Degree 3.07% 3.07%
  • Master’s Degree 36.25% 36.25%
  • Doctoral Degree 57.77% 57.77%
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) 0.65% 0.65%

Not all program data available.