Robertson Scholars Leadership Program

About the Scholarship

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is a joint scholarship run by UNC Chapel Hill and Duke, founded in 2000 by Julian Robertson, a 1955 UNC graduate, and his wife Josie. About 25 scholars join each entering class across the two campuses.

The money is the most generous package either university is attached to. It pays eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees. On top of that, scholars get funding for up to three summer experiences, for academic year conferences, and for two semesters of study abroad.

The programme states that it welcomes applications from international students and that one application serves every secondary school applicant whatever their nationality or citizenship. Obtaining a US study visa is left to the student.

The catch is effort and odds. This is a separate application opening on 15 August and closing on 15 November, it runs alongside your UNC admission application, and it draws a global pool for a very small cohort. Scholars also commit to the cross-campus structure, taking at least five courses at the partner university and spending a full semester in residence there.

What It Covers

Tuition
Housing
Fees
Travel
Other

Eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees. Scholars also receive funding for up to three summer experiences, for conferences during the academic year, and for two semesters of study abroad. Visa costs and any expenses outside these categories sit with the student.

Eligibility

Open to secondary school students who have not yet matriculated at any university. One application serves all applicants whatever their nationality or citizenship. Selection looks for demonstrated leadership and the capacity to think critically, act with integrity and build connections across differences. Scholars enrol at either UNC Chapel Hill or Duke, take classes on both campuses, and spend one semester in residence at the partner university, completing at least five courses there. Applicants admitted from outside the United States are responsible for obtaining their own study visa.

Eligible Countries

All countries

How to Apply

A separate application to the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, submitted directly to the programme rather than through UNC admissions. The application opens on 15 August and closes on 15 November. Applicants still need to apply to UNC Chapel Hill (or Duke) for admission. Shortlisted candidates continue through programme interviews before the cohort of roughly 25 scholars is named in spring.