Applications are invited for Robertson Scholars Leadership Program 2024. Apply at the earliest.

About Robertson Scholars Leadership Program

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is a merit-based scholarship at Duke University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in the United States that invests in young leaders who strive to make transformational contributions to society.

The Program was established in 2000 by Julian and the late Josie Robertson and provides an opportunity for selected undergraduate students to take advantage of the resources of two very highly regarded universities.

Although Robertson Scholars matriculate to only one of the two institutions, they have access to the classes and resources of both universities and live on the sister campus during the second term of their second year. Julian Robertson generously offers a scholarship to at least one talented New Zealand undergraduate student each year.

Eligibility

International students of all nationalities and citizenship are eligible to apply for the Robertson Scholarship Program as long as they are able to obtain a Visa to study in the US.

In addition to meeting the Robertson Scholarship requirements, students must also meet the academic scholarship requirements. Applicants must have an impressive academic record that includes consistent grades in the most challenging courses available at their high school. 

Application procedure

Applying to the Robertson Scholarship Program is a separate process from the normal application process for Duke and UNC. To apply to the Robertson Scholarship, you must apply to either UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, or both universities by their published deadlines. You must then meet the Robertson Scholarship deadline and complete the separate Robertson Scholarship application.

The academic scholarship requirements only include the self-reported grade point average. Students must have access to their academic transcript to provide accurate self-reported grades.

Compelling recommendations are another important part of the Duke Robertson Scholarship and UNC Robertson Scholarship application review process. At least one letter should come from a teacher who’s witnessed you in the classroom setting. The other recommendation should come from someone that can speak to your character outside of the classroom. This could be a coach, employer, or mentor that has guided you professionally. You can use the same letters used in the Common Application. 

Deadline

For domestic students, the Robertson Scholarship application opens on August 15th of each year. At that time students can start filling out their application and their recommenders can begin sharing their letters of advocacy. The Robertson Scholarship deadline is November 15th. 

Once applicants submit their Robertson Scholarship application, the Robertson Scholars’ program will select the semi-finalists. All semi-finalists will participate in a round of virtual interviews and a final round of interviews. Then, the review committee will announce the Robertson Scholarship finalists.  

Applicants interested in the Duke Robertson Scholarship should decide if they are planning to apply Early Decision or Regular Decision. The Duke Early Decision deadline is November 1st and the Regular Decision deadline is January 2nd. The Robertson Scholarship requirements do not favor one deadline over the other.  

Applicants interested in the UNC Robertson Scholarship have the option to apply Early Action or Regular Decision. The Early Action deadline for UNC is October 15th and the Regular Decision deadline is January 15th. 

What it covers?

In addition to a wealth of non-financial benefits, the Robertson Scholars’ program also provides a full merit scholarship. This covers tuition, room and board, and the majority of mandatory fees.

Contact

Email: ousf[at]duke.edu

Click here to view the official notification of Robertson Scholars Leadership Program 2024