The Richmond Scholars Program 2027 is a full-cost merit scholarship for first-year applicants to the University of Richmond. Twenty-five incoming students receive full tuition, housing and food for up to eight consecutive semesters, plus access to a one-time $5,500 enrichment grant. Domestic and international applicants are eligible, and there is no separate scholarship form: submit a complete first-year admission application by December 1, 2026. The university does not publish a cutoff time or time zone for this scholarship deadline.
Richmond Scholars 2027 at a glance
- Host: University of Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Level: First-year undergraduate degree
- Awards: 25
- Funding: Full tuition, housing and food
- Duration: Up to eight consecutive semesters
- International applicants: Eligible
- Separate scholarship form: No
- Deadline: December 1, 2026; no official cutoff time or time zone stated
Scholarship benefits
Each Richmond Scholar receives full tuition, university housing and food. The renewable award can continue for eight consecutive semesters of full-time undergraduate study, including approved study abroad, subject to the award conditions.
Scholars are also eligible for a one-time $5,500 enrichment grant supporting a student-selected activity that strengthens the academic experience. Other benefits include priority course registration, guaranteed campus housing, faculty mentoring, selected cultural-event tickets and dedicated academic, social and professional programming.
Do not assume personal expenses, travel, health insurance or summer costs are covered unless the final award letter says so.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must seek first-year, degree-seeking undergraduate admission for fall 2027 and submit a complete admission file by December 1. Every admission plan can receive consideration, but the scholarship deadline applies even when the normal admission deadline is later.
Selection emphasizes academic achievement, engaged leadership, purpose and investment in a diverse and inclusive community. Richmond publishes no minimum GPA or guaranteed test-score threshold for the award.
International applicants are eligible. Richmond states that all applicants, regardless of citizenship, can compete for university-funded merit scholarships. International admission is need-aware when financial assistance is requested.
Required documents
- Common Application or Coalition Application
- Richmond Question supplemental essay
- Official high-school transcript for grades 9–11
- Secondary School Report
- One recommendation from a school official, ideally a counsellor
- Senior progress grades when available
- Early Decision Agreement only for ED applicants
- Official English-proficiency result when required
- Certification of Financial Responsibility for non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents
The standard application fee is US$50. Richmond offers an application-fee waiver for international students and applicants living abroad through its published waiver procedure.
English tests and SAT/ACT
Richmond is test optional for most first-year applicants entering in 2027. English proficiency is separate: applicants whose first language is not English need an official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo result unless an approved waiver applies.
Richmond lists competitive—not minimum—scores of TOEFL iBT 100 (or 5.5 on the updated scale), IELTS 7.5 and Duolingo 135. Approved waivers can include four years at a rigorous English-medium school or specified SAT, ACT, AP, IB or A-level English results.
How to apply
- Start a first-year Common Application or Coalition Application.
- Choose an admission plan. Early Decision I and Early Action applicants must meet the earlier November 1 admission deadline.
- Complete the Richmond Question and all application sections.
- Arrange the transcript, School Report and required recommendation.
- Submit an official English test or evidence for a waiver when applicable.
- International applicants must complete the Certification of Financial Responsibility in the Spider Portal. Submit the 2027–28 CSS Profile if requesting need-based aid.
- Ensure the complete application is on record by December 1, 2026. No separate scholarship form is required.
- Monitor the Spider Portal for missing items and selection messages.
Important deadlines
| Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision I / Early Action admission application | November 1, 2026 |
| Richmond Scholars complete-application deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Early Decision II / Regular Decision application | January 1, 2027 |
| International need-based aid: ED I / EA | November 15, 2026 |
| International need-based aid: ED II / RD | February 1, 2027 |
No cutoff time or time zone is stated for December 1. Submit early and confirm receipt in the portal.
Application advice
- Use the Richmond Question to show action, reflection and benefit to others.
- Choose a recommender who can provide specific evidence of academic character and contribution.
- Describe sustained leadership and measurable impact, not only titles.
- Prepare translated records when necessary and complete financial certification accurately.
- Check the portal before the deadline for missing credentials.
Frequently asked questions
Is Richmond Scholars fully funded?
It covers full tuition, housing and food, with eligibility for a one-time $5,500 enrichment grant. Budget separately for costs not named in the award.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Applicants of every citizenship can compete for university-funded merit scholarships.
Is there a separate application?
No. A complete first-year admission file submitted by December 1 triggers automatic consideration.
Is SAT or ACT required?
Richmond is test optional for most 2027 first-year applicants. English testing may still be required.
What is the application fee?
The standard fee is US$50. International students and applicants living abroad may use Richmond’s institutional fee waiver.
Does requesting aid affect international admission?
International admission is need-aware, but international students remain eligible for Richmond Scholars and other merit awards.
Official sources
- Richmond Scholars benefits and automatic consideration
- Official merit scholarship details
- First-year materials and deadlines
- International admission and merit eligibility
- English-proficiency policy
Related opportunities
ScholarshipHubNow is not affiliated with the University of Richmond. Requirements may change; rely on official pages and your Spider Portal.
