Marshall Scholarships. Great Britain established a fund in 1953 to provide scholarships for United States citizens to study at any British university of their choice for up to three years. The Marshall Scholarships were founded in gratitude for American aid given to Europe after World War II under the Marshall Plan. Selection of the scholars is made by the British embassy and British consulates general on the basis of character and intellect. Each year 40 Marshall Scholarships are awarded.