Application Process
There is not a separate application process for merit scholarships for incoming first year students, except for the Robertson Scholars Program. Your application to Duke University is the basis on which eligibility for merit scholarships is determined. If you are selected as a finalist for a merit scholarship, you will be notified via email from this office by 8:00 PM EDT on April 29, 2024. Finalists will then interview with scholarship selection committees and merit scholarships will be awarded no later than mid June.
Academic Community & Faculty Engagement
Merit Scholars contribute to and benefit from being part of a community of ambitious and collegial thinkers. Each scholarship is led by a Faculty Director, a distinguished Duke faculty member and campus leader who has chosen to dedicate extra time to working with undergraduate merit scholars. During the academic year, Scholars will also engage with faculty mentors through programs like Critical Conversations, learn from guest speakers at events like the Faculty Flash Talks on Race and Society, and enjoy the occasional field trip.
Enrichment Experiences
Merit Scholars have a variety of options for educational enrichment over the course of their Duke careers. After completion of their first year, Scholars may apply to use their enrichment funds to support a variety of experiential opportunities. Scholars conduct research in labs and archives around the world, intern in the private or public sector, engage in service work, and pursue creative projects. Each year, scholars present their projects at the OUSF Poster Session.
Research & Professional Development
At Duke, world-class professors are in the classroom from day one, teaching small classes and seminars. Scholars can work alongside faculty to tackle real problems at the frontiers of research and public service. Through personal interactions with Duke professors, visiting scholars, scholarship alumni, and one another, scholars gain early exposure to top faculty, discover opportunities to receive professional mentoring, and secure research positions as early as their first year.
List of Scholarships
The Alumni Endowed Scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement in children or grandchildren of Duke Alumni who demonstrate some financial need.
The Angier B. Duke Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate intellectual accomplishment and exceptional potential for academic leadership.
The Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship recognizes students from North or South Carolina who excel academically, engage their communities, and aspire to become leaders at Duke and beyond.
The Karsh International Scholarship recognizes the outstanding potential for academic and global impact of international students.
Rubenstein Scholarships recognize students who are the first in their families to attend college.
The Trinity Scholarships recognize students with outstanding academic achievement from various areas of North and South Carolina. Some Trinity awards also require demonstrated financial need.
The University Scholarship recognizes students with excitement for interdisciplinary research, collaborative thinking, and innovative scholarship. University Scholars must also demonstrate financial need.