The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program 2027 is open to high school seniors worldwide. It covers eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees at Duke University or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. International applicants are welcome if they can obtain a U.S. visa. The final deadline is November 15, 2026; the programme does not state a cutoff time or time zone.
At a glance
- Level: Undergraduate
- Hosts: Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill
- Coverage: Tuition, room, board and most mandatory fees for eight semesters
- Extras: Funding for up to three summer experiences and up to two study-abroad semesters
- Nationalities: All; international students must be able to obtain a U.S. visa
- Early date: October 15, 2026
- Final deadline: November 15, 2026
- Nomination: Not required
What does the Robertson Scholarship cover?
Robertson Scholars receive eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees at Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill. The programme also funds up to three summer experiences and as many as two semesters of study abroad.
This is a full-cost-style award, but applicants should not assume every personal or indirect expense is covered. The official wording is “most mandatory fees,” so review university cost information for anything outside the award.
Who can apply?
- Current high school seniors applying for first-year undergraduate admission
- Applicants of any citizenship or nationality
- International students who can obtain a U.S. visa
- Students applying separately to Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, or both
No school nomination is required. Transfer students and graduate applicants are not eligible for this high school programme.
Deadlines for 2027 entry
The application opened August 15, 2026. The early application date is October 15, 2026, and the final regular deadline is November 15, 2026. No cutoff time or time zone is published. Duke and UNC admission deadlines are separate, so applicants must meet both the Robertson and university timelines.
Documents and information
- Completed Robertson Scholars High School Application
- Exactly one recommendation that directly addresses leadership
- ACT or SAT results if you have taken either test
- Responses to the questions and essays displayed in the live application
- Separate admission materials required by Duke and/or UNC
Important: Robertson says it does not accept official transcripts. Send academic records required for admission through Duke or UNC, not to Robertson.
Who should write the recommendation?
Choose one person who can describe your leadership through specific examples, such as a teacher, counsellor, coach, employer or another adult who has supervised your work. Friends, peers, relatives and family friends are not appropriate recommenders. The recommender submits through a unique link.
How to apply
- Check eligibility. Confirm you are seeking first-year admission and, if international, can pursue the required U.S. visa.
- Choose Duke, UNC, or both. Submit the relevant undergraduate application by each university’s deadline.
- Create the Robertson application. Complete every required field in the official portal.
- Invite one recommender early. Use the correct email address and allow time for a detailed leadership reference.
- Report tests accurately. If you have taken the ACT or SAT, report those scores as instructed.
- Proofread and submit. Finish no later than November 15, 2026.
- Monitor your email. Selected applicants may join group activities from December 2026 through February 2027; semifinalist and finalist stages follow.
Application fee
The official Robertson pages do not state a fee for the scholarship application. Duke and UNC applications are separate and may have their own fees or waiver policies.
Selection timeline
Selected candidates may take part in group activities between December 2026 and February 2027. Semifinalists are identified in February, finalists in early March, and finalist visits are scheduled for March 31–April 3, 2027. Follow the programme’s messages for individual instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students apply?
Yes. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome, provided international students can obtain a U.S. visa.
Is a nomination required?
No. Students apply directly.
Can I apply to both Duke and UNC?
Yes, but university applications are separate from the Robertson application.
Does Robertson require a transcript?
No. Robertson does not accept official transcripts; send university-required records through Duke or UNC.
Are SAT or ACT scores required?
If you have taken either test, Robertson requires you to report the scores. University testing policies are separate.
What is the final deadline?
November 15, 2026. No cutoff time or time zone is stated.
Official sources
Related opportunities
Scholarship details can change. Confirm requirements and dates on the official pages before submitting.
