The Emory University Scholars Program in the USA gives talented students the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree at Emory University with merit-based financial support. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the university offers several scholarship awards for incoming students, including international applicants. Some awards cover a portion of tuition, while the prestigious Woodruff Scholarships provide full tuition, required fees, on-campus accommodation, and meals. Students selected for these awards also get access to academic resources, research opportunities, and a wider network of scholars throughout their undergraduate studies.

Students do not need to apply through a separate scholarship portal. Instead, they can apply for undergraduate admission through the Common Application and opt in for consideration for the Emory Scholars Program. Selection is competitive and considers more than academic performance, including leadership, intellectual interests, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. This guide covers the eligibility requirements, accepted English proficiency tests, scholarship coverage, documents, deadlines, and application steps to help students understand the process before applying.

Emory Scholars Program Summary

The Emory University Scholars Program is offered by Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It provides merit-based financial awards to outstanding incoming undergraduate students, including international applicants.

Eligibility for the Emory Scholars Program

One of the important advantages of the Emory Scholars Program is that applicants from different countries can compete for merit-based awards. Emory specifically confirms that first-year international applicants can apply regardless of citizenship.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Students from all nationalities can apply, including international students living outside the United States.
• The programme is open to incoming first-year undergraduate applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or be completing, the appropriate secondary education required for undergraduate admission.
• Students with a homeschooling background can also apply.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and the ability to succeed in a demanding university environment.
• Emory looks for intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, servant leadership, communication skills, and contributions to the community.
• Applicants must complete the undergraduate admission process at Emory.

Age and Academic Requirements

• Applicants must meet the requirements for first-year undergraduate admission.
• Students must submit official secondary school transcripts.
• Midyear and final academic records may be required according to the application stage.
• Applicants with previous college or university education may need to submit official college transcripts.
• Emory recognises international educational systems, including International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and British A-Levels.
• SAT and ACT scores are optional for the 2026–2027 application cycle.
• International applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate their ability to study successfully in an English-speaking academic environment.

Benefits of the Emory Scholars Program

The financial benefits depend on the particular scholarship awarded. Some students receive partial merit scholarships, while selected Woodruff Scholars receive a much more comprehensive funding package.

Financial Benefits

• Full tuition: Coverage of undergraduate tuition costs.
• Required fees: Payment of required university fees.
• On-campus accommodation: Coverage of on-campus room expenses.
• Meals: Coverage of on-campus meal expenses.
• Summer funding opportunities: Scholars can access funding opportunities for qualifying activities.
• Research and internship support: Funding may be available for qualifying research projects and unpaid domestic or international internships.
• Conference travel: Scholars may apply for support for qualifying conference travel.

Academic and Personal Benefits

• Scholars receive priority when selecting their university courses.
• Students receive individual guidance and support.
• Scholars can connect with experienced faculty members, graduates, and other students.
• Incoming scholars are matched with peer mentors to help them adjust to university life.
• Annual gatherings provide opportunities for academic and personal development.
• Students participate in activities involving leadership, professional development, and personal growth

Documents Required for the Emory Scholars Program

There is no separate scholarship document application. Students apply through Emory University’s undergraduate admission process and indicate that they want to be considered for the Scholars Program.

• Common Application
• Academic transcripts
• Midyear and final reports
• Secondary school report
• Two teacher recommendations
• Personal statement
• Emory supplemental essays
• English proficiency results
• Financial documentation: International applicants must provide financial certification and supporting documentation as required by Emory.

Optional supporting documents:

• Resume or CV.
• Digital portfolio.
• Relevant creative or academic work.
• YouTube or other digital portfolio links.

How to Apply for the Emory Scholars Program

The application process is relatively straightforward because Emory does not require students to submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, applicants must complete their undergraduate admission application and specifically opt in to be considered for the Emory University Scholars Program.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Visit the Common Application website: Go to Common Application and create an account. Search for Emory University and add it to your college list.
• Choose your preferred college: Select Emory College, Oxford College, or both, depending on where you want to study.
• Select an admission plan: Choose Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. Remember that Early Decision is binding if you are admitted.
• Opt in for scholarship consideration: Find the question asking whether you want to be considered for the Emory University Scholars Program and select Yes. This is essential because there is no separate scholarship application.
• Complete your personal details: Enter your name, contact information, nationality, educational background, and other required information.
• Provide your academic details: Add your secondary school information and arrange for your official transcripts, school reports, and other required academic records to be submitted.
• Write your admission essays: Complete the Common Application personal statement and Emory’s supplemental essay questions. Use specific examples to explain your interests, experiences, achievements, and future goals.
• Arrange recommendation letters: Request two recommendation letters from core academic teachers who can discuss your academic abilities and personal qualities.
• Submit English proficiency results: If required, arrange for your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results to be sent to Emory.
• Complete financial documentation: International applicants should prepare the financial certification and supporting documents required by the university.
• Review your application: Check that all sections are complete, your documents have been submitted, and you selected Yes for Scholars consideration.
• Submit before the deadline: Submit your application by the applicable Scholars consideration deadline. Do not rely on the later general admission deadline.
• Monitor your application: After submission, regularly check your email and Emory applicant portal for updates, missing documents, finalist notifications, or interview invitations.
• Attend finalist activities if selected: Students shortlisted for the Scholars Program may be invited to participate in interviews and additional selection activities.

Application Tips

• Explain what you enjoy learning and how you explore your interests outside the classroom.
• You do not necessarily need to hold a formal leadership position. Taking responsibility for a project or helping your community can also demonstrate leadership.
• Emory values students who use their abilities to contribute to their communities.
• Avoid simply repeating your achievements. Explain the experiences and decisions that have shaped you.
• Ask teachers who can provide specific examples of your academic strengths and character.

Deadline for the Emory Scholars Program

The Emory University Scholars Program has specific deadlines that applicants must follow. These are separate from some of the university’s general undergraduate admission deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)