Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
Offered by Robertson Scholars Leadership Program (Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill)
About This Scholarship
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is the only major merit scholarship shared by two rival campuses: Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. It provides eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees, plus generous funding for up to three summer experiences, conference funding during the academic year, and support for two semesters of study abroad. Scholars are dual citizens of both campuses, taking classes and living on each.
The program looks for students committed to making systems-level change — applicants who believe in possibilities and have the creative imagination to tackle intractable problems. The Class of 2030 numbered twenty-five incoming first-year students, which tells you how selective the pipeline is.
The application runs on the program's own portal, separate from Duke and UNC admission. For the current cycle it opened August 15, 2026, with an early application window closing October 15, 2026 and a regular deadline of November 15, 2026. Current Duke and UNC first-years can also apply through a campus pathway.
Eligibility
- High school senior applying to Duke University or UNC-Chapel Hill
- Current Duke or UNC first-year students may apply through the campus pathway
- Open to students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to systems-level change
How To Apply
- Complete the Robertson application on the program's High School Students page (opened August 15, 2026)
- Submit by the early window deadline of October 15, 2026 or the regular deadline of November 15, 2026
- Apply for admission to Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill through their normal processes
- If advanced, complete the program's interview and finalist stages in the winter and spring
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Robertson Scholarship cover?
Eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees at Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill, plus funding for up to three summer experiences, conference travel, and two semesters of study abroad.
Do I apply through Duke or UNC?
You apply to the Robertson program directly through its own application, and separately apply for admission to Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill. The scholarship application opened August 15, 2026 for the current cycle.
How many scholars are selected?
The program is small by design — its Class of 2030 included twenty-five incoming first-year students across both campuses.