Scholarship Awarding University:
Type of degree:
Bachelor’s
Scholarship Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship will end on the
Scholarship Summary:
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, established by Julian and the late Josie Robertson in 2000, provides an opportunity for selected undergraduate students (US citizens and permanent residents) to take advantage of the resources of two very highly regarded universities. Although Robertson scholars enrol in 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.
Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program seeks students who have demonstrated outstanding potential to become great leaders in college and beyond. The goal is for Robertson Scholars to play significant and impactful roles in their communities and society, today and in the future.
There is no such thing as a ‘typical Robertson Scholar’. Scholars pursue a range of passions, academic interests, and personal and professional goals.
While each Scholar brings their own skill sets, strengths, and personalities to the program, they share the following traits:
1. Purposeful Leadership
2. Intellectual Curiosity
3. Strength of Character
4. Collaborative Spirit
Value of Scholarship:
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program provides:
i. Eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for Scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill.
ii. Scholars also have access to generous funding for up to three summer experiences, funding for conferences throughout the academic year, and for two semesters of study abroad.
iii. During the spring of their sophomore year, all Robertson Scholars participate in a semester of Campus Switch where they live at the sister institution. This semester challenges Scholars to engage in a new environment and develop their abilities to be adaptive, resourceful, collaborative and self-initiating. Campus Switch fosters a sense of collaboration between Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill by building a community of Scholars who are comfortable on both campuses and have a sense of allegiance to both universities.
Scholarship Application Guide:
To apply,
STEP 1: Application
Complete the by the deadline.
- Candidates must apply for undergraduate admission at Duke and/or University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill the same year they apply to the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.
STEP 2: Group Activity
Group Activity invitations will be issued on a rolling basis from December 15, 2025 – February 20, 2026. Applicants not invited to the Group Activity who applied using the November 15, 2025, deadline will be notified no later than February 20, 2026.
STEP 3: Semi-finalist Interview
Semi-Finalist interview invitations will be issued on a rolling basis between February 7, 2026, and February 22, 2026. Applicants not invited for a semi-finalist interview will be notified by February 23, 2026.
STEP 4: Finalist Interview
Finalist Interviews: All applicants completing a semi-finalist interview will receive either an invitation to interview as a finalist or be notified that they are not progressing on the same date. This will be in early March (TBD).
STEP 5: Scholar Recipient Campus Visit
All applicants will learn if they are offered the Robertson by March 11, 2026. Those offered the scholarship will be invited for an expense paid trip to visit campus with the alumni and current scholars from March 25-March 28, 2026.
Scholarship Website:
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the Robertson Scholars Program Page.