Duke University Scholarships

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the United States. Known for its rigorous academics, global impact, and vibrant campus life, Duke attracts some of the brightest students worldwide. However, with tuition and living costs at top-tier universities being significant, scholarships and financial aid play a vital role in making Duke education accessible.

Duke University provides a wide variety of scholarships and financial support programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. These awards are designed to recognize academic merit, leadership, financial need, and diverse backgrounds while ensuring that financial challenges do not limit student opportunities.

This guide explores the different types of Duke University Scholarships, their features, benefits, and application process.

Duke University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students at Duke benefit from both need-based financial aid and competitive merit scholarships.

1. Duke Need-Based Financial Aid

Eligibility:

  • Available to U.S. and international students with demonstrated financial need.

Coverage:

  • Duke meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without student loans.

Features:

  • Support includes tuition, room, board, and other academic expenses.

Benefit:

  • Makes Duke accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds.

2. Duke Merit-Based Scholarships

Duke offers highly competitive merit awards for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service.

Types of Merit-Based Scholarships

  • Robertson Scholars Leadership Program – Covers full tuition, fees, room, and board; also includes leadership development opportunities at both Duke and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • A.B. Duke Scholarship – Duke’s most prestigious merit scholarship, covering full tuition, room, board, and enrichment funds for independent study and research.
  • Benjamin N. Duke Memorial Scholarship – For students from North Carolina and South Carolina; covers full tuition, room, board, and summer community service experiences.
  • University Scholars Program – Offers tuition funding and mentorship for students with outstanding interdisciplinary interests and leadership potential.

3. Duke International Student Scholarships

Eligibility:

  • Awarded to high-achieving international students.

Coverage:

  • Need-based and merit-based scholarships are available.

Benefit:

  • Provides global students with financial support to thrive in a competitive academic environment.

Duke University Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students at Duke have access to fellowships, assistantships, and professional school scholarships.

1. Duke Graduate Fellowships

Eligibility:

  • Available to outstanding graduate students in STEM, humanities, social sciences, and business.

Coverage:

  • Full or partial tuition, stipends, and health insurance.

Types of Fellowships:

  • James B. Duke Fellowships – Awarded to exceptional doctoral students across disciplines.
  • Dean’s Graduate Fellowships – Provides funding and academic mentorship.
  • Diversity Fellowships – Supports underrepresented students in graduate education.

2. Duke Research and Teaching Assistantships

Eligibility:

  • Graduate students assisting faculty in teaching or research.

Coverage:

  • Tuition remission and living stipend.

Benefit:

  • Offers hands-on experience in teaching and research while funding education.

3. Duke Professional School Scholarships

  • Fuqua School of Business (MBA Scholarships)
    • Merit-based scholarships are available for MBA students.
    • Includes the Fuqua Impact Scholarship for students demonstrating leadership and service.
  • Duke Law School Scholarships
    • Merit scholarships for students with exceptional academic and professional records.
    • Public Interest Fellowships for students pursuing careers in public service.
  • Duke School of Medicine & Nursing Scholarships
    • Merit and need-based scholarships for medical and nursing students.
    • Specialized funding for students pursuing global health and community service.

How to Apply for Duke Scholarships

For Undergraduate Students

1. Submit Application for Admission

  • Through the Common Application or Coalition Application.

2. Need-Based Aid

  • Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile (for U.S. students).
  • International students submit only the CSS Profile.

3. Merit-Based Scholarships

  • Certain programs like the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program require separate applications and interviews.
  • Others (e.g., A.B. Duke) consider applicants automatically.

4. Supporting Materials

  • Essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and test scores (if submitted).

For Graduate Students

1. Submit Application for Admission 

  • Apply to a Graduate or Professional Program (Fuqua, Law, Medicine, Arts & Sciences, etc.).

2. Scholarship/Fellowship Consideration

  • Most fellowships and merit-based awards are considered during the admissions process.
  • Some require additional essays or research proposals.

3. Assistantships

  • Students must express interest in teaching or research assistant roles.

4. Deadlines

  • Vary by school and program; typically December–January for fellowships.

Duke University stands out for its academic prestige and for its commitment to ensuring financial accessibility for students. Whether through prestigious merit scholarships like the A.B. Duke and Robertson Scholars Program, comprehensive need-based aid, or graduate fellowships and assistantships, Duke invests deeply in its students’ success.