How to Apply
The University Scholars Program welcomes incoming undergraduate, graduate and professional school students to Duke University. It is not possible to apply directly to the University Scholars Program.
Undergraduate Applicants
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 the OUSF office in the spring. Finalists will then interview with scholarship selection committees and merit scholarships will be awarded shortly after the interviews.
Graduate and Professional School Applicants
The University Scholars Program is for incoming graduate and professional school students only. Students already enrolled in graduate or professional school degree programs at Duke are not eligible. It is not possible or necessary to apply to the University Scholars Program directly. Candidates for PhD programs are nominated by the Director of Graduate Studies of the department to which they are applying. Professional school candidates are selected by the Admissions and Financial Aid offices of the respective professional schools to which the students are applying. USP fellowships are available to incoming students from the Divinity School, the Fuqua School of Business, the Law School, the Nicholas School of the Environment, the Sanford School of Public Policy, the School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing.
Graduate and professional school University Scholars are selected for being outstanding, innovative students who have exhibited wide interdisciplinary interests and commitments. They are eager and willing to convey their ideas with undergraduates and other graduate or professional school students.
The terms of the scholarship vary among the departments and professional schools. At the minimum, funding covers the equivalent of one year’s tuition. Students chosen as University Scholars are expected to remain involved in the University Scholars Program for the duration of their tenure as students at Duke University.