Morehead-Cain Scholarship (UNC-Chapel Hill)

About this scholarship

The Morehead-Cain is the oldest merit scholarship in the United States, fully funding four years of undergraduate study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill along with four fully funded summer experiences — a distinctive feature that takes Scholars through outdoor leadership, public service, inquiry, and a personal global venture. The award covers tuition, housing, meals, books, a laptop, and other costs, and the program seeks students who embody its four pillars: leadership, character, scholarship, and physical vigor. International students are eligible: those attending a Morehead-Cain nominating school or affiliate program can apply if nominated, and other exceptional international (and out-of-state) applicants to UNC can be referred through the Admissions Referral Program if they apply to UNC-Chapel Hill by the Early Action deadline (around 15 October). All Scholars must apply to and gain admission to UNC-Chapel Hill. The scholarship application opens around 15 August; students at out-of-state or international nominating schools begin once their school notifies them of nomination. The program has been test-optional in recent cycles, following UNC-Chapel Hill's guidance.

Eligibility

• Be nominated by a Morehead-Cain nominating school or affiliate program, or
• Apply to UNC-Chapel Hill by the Early Action deadline for the Admissions Referral Program
• Apply to and gain admission to UNC-Chapel Hill
• Exemplify leadership, character, scholarship, and physical vigor
• Complete the Morehead-Cain application once eligible/nominated