University Scholars Program

Designed to stimulate an interdisciplinary, intergenerational community of scholars, the University Scholars Program was created in 1998 with a gift from Duke University alumnus and trustee emerita Melinda French Gates and her husband, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, through the William H. Gates Foundation. Undergraduate, graduate and professional school University Scholars are selected based on demonstrated need and their ability to explore new academic horizons. They represent a range of personal and intellectual backgrounds and share an excitement for original research, collaborative thinking and innovative scholarship.

As University Scholars are selected in part on the basis of financial need, it is imperative to file any required financial aid forms as early as possible, preferably by mid-February.

The financial aid forms include the PROFILE, FAFSA, W-2 and tax forms, and any other required forms.

University Scholars receive full tuition for four years and financial support for summertime study abroad, internships or research projects. Recipients attend informal biweekly seminars, showcase research in an annual symposium and have a mentoring program.

For more information, visit the University Scholars Program web site.