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Robinson International Scholars Program

The Robinson International Scholars Program enriches Berkeley’s global learning and discovery by developing transformational leaders. It supports high-achieving international students who are refugees or stateless from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations, or who graduated secondary school there, with a demonstrated commitment to their home community/country/continent. Selection is through Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility, not direct application. This scholarship is part of the larger Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship program, funded by Stephanie Burke Robinson & Mark J. Robinson.

Provider
UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office
Host country
United States
Deadline
Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle
Region
Americas

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
High-achieving international students: refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations (as defined by the United Nations), or those who have graduated from secondary school in these regions. Must demonstrate a commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent, and/or an intention to return to their home country. Candidates are selected through their Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility.
Funding
Partial
Study level
Undergraduate
Deadline
Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle

Key eligibility criteria

  • High-achieving international students: refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations (as defined by the United Nations), or those who have graduated from secondary school in these regions. Must demonstrate a commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent, and/or an intention to return to their home country. Candidates are selected through their Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility.

Recorded funding information

  • Partial

About the Robinson International Scholars Program (2026)

# Robinson International Scholars Program: Comprehensive Brief for Prospective Applicants ## Overview The Robinson International Scholars Program at UC Berkeley aims to foster global learning and leadership development by supporting a select group of high-achieving international students. This program is specifically designed for individuals who are refugees or stateless, originating from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations as defined by the United Nations, or for those who have completed their secondary education in such regions. The program seeks to identify and cultivate transformational leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to their communities, countries, or continents, with a particular emphasis on an intention to return to their home country. Funded through the generosity of Stephanie Burke Robinson and Mark J. Robinson, this initiative is a component of the broader Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship program at UC Berkeley, signifying its prestige and commitment to academic excellence and global impact. ## Benefits The Robinson International Scholars Program offers robust support to its recipients, although the specific financial details are not explicitly outlined beyond being described as "partial funding." As part of the larger Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship, recipients typically benefit from a comprehensive scholarship package that contributes significantly to their educational expenses at UC Berkeley. Beyond financial assistance, the program provides an invaluable opportunity for scholars to join a distinguished cohort of international students. This affiliation can lead to enhanced academic experiences, networking opportunities, and engagement in various leadership development initiatives. The program’s focus on global learning and discovery further enriches the scholars’ educational journey, preparing them to become influential leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to their home regions. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Robinson International Scholars Program, prospective applicants must meet specific criteria. The program targets high-achieving international students who fall into one of two main categories. Firstly, eligible candidates include refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations, as defined by the United Nations. Secondly, individuals who have graduated from secondary school in a Sub-Saharan African or developing nation, as defined by the United Nations, are also eligible. A critical component of eligibility is a demonstrated commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent. This commitment must be evidenced by a genuine intention to return to their home country or region to apply their acquired knowledge and skills for local development and positive change. It is important to note that candidates are selected for consideration through their Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility, indicating a high standard of academic achievement is a prerequisite. ## Required Documents The official page for the Robinson International Scholars Program does not explicitly list required documents for direct application, as there is no separate application process for this program. Instead, candidates are identified and considered for this scholarship through their eligibility for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship. Therefore, prospective applicants should focus on fulfilling all documentation requirements for the general UC Berkeley admissions process and the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship. Typically, this would include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and standardized test scores (if applicable). International students would also need to provide proof of English language proficiency and demonstrate their financial capacity to cover the remaining costs of attendance. Any documents submitted for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship will implicitly serve as the basis for consideration for the Robinson International Scholars Program. ## How to Apply Unlike many other scholarships, the Robinson International Scholars Program does not have a direct application process. Prospective scholars are selected for consideration based on their eligibility for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship. This means that to be considered for the Robinson program, students must first apply for admission to UC Berkeley and meet the stringent requirements for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship. The selection process for both is integrated. Therefore, students interested in this opportunity should concentrate on submitting a strong application for undergraduate admission to UC Berkeley, ensuring they highlight their academic achievements, leadership potential, commitment to community service, and desire to contribute to their home country or continent. Successfully gaining eligibility for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship is the pathway to being considered for the Robinson International Scholars Program. ## Key Dates The deadline for consideration for the Robinson International Scholars Program aligns directly with the UC Berkeley admissions cycle. While specific dates are not provided on the scholarship page, applicants should refer to the official UC Berkeley admissions website for the precise deadlines for undergraduate applications and associated financial aid submissions. Typically, university admissions cycles involve application submission deadlines in the fall for enrollment in the following year. It is crucial for prospective students to meticulously adhere to all UC Berkeley application deadlines for both admission and any associated scholarship considerations, including the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship, as their eligibility for the Robinson program is contingent upon this timeline. Timely submission of all required materials is essential to ensure consideration. ## Selection Criteria Selection for the Robinson International Scholars Program is highly competitive and is primarily driven by eligibility for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship. Key criteria include exceptional academic achievement, as evidenced by a strong academic record. Beyond academic excellence, candidates must demonstrate a profound commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent, coupled with an intention to return to their home country or region. The program specifically targets international students who are refugees or stateless from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations, or those who have completed their secondary education in these regions, as defined by the United Nations. The overarching goal is to identify individuals with leadership potential who can contribute to global learning and discovery and ultimately make a transformative impact on their home communities. The selection process likely involves a holistic review of their application materials for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship. ## Tips For prospective applicants aiming for the Robinson International Scholars Program, the most crucial tip is to focus on submitting an exceptionally strong application for undergraduate admission to UC Berkeley. Since consideration for this program is tied to eligibility for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship, ensure your application thoroughly showcases your academic excellence, leadership abilities, and commitment to global citizenship. Emphasize any experiences related to community service, international engagement, or initiatives that demonstrate your desire to contribute to your home country or region. If you meet the specific demographic criteria (refugee/stateless from Sub-Saharan African/developing nations or secondary education in these regions), ensure this is clearly communicated in your application. Craft compelling essays that authentically convey your aspirations and potential impact. Meet all UC Berkeley admission and scholarship deadlines without fail, as late submissions will not be considered. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Robinson International Scholars Program, please refer to the official UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office website: [https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/scholarships/regents-and-chancellors-scholarship/robinson-international-scholars-program/](https://financialaid.berkeley.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/scholarships/regents-and-chancellors-scholarship/robinson-international-scholars-program/) This brief summarizes the key details, but the official webpage remains the definitive source for any application-related inquiries or policy changes. The page is also available in several languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, for broader accessibility.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Partial

Robinson International Scholars Program eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • High-achieving international students: refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations (as defined by the United Nations), or those who have graduated from secondary school in these regions. Must demonstrate a commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent, and/or an intention to return to their home country. Candidates are selected through their Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility.

Robinson International Scholars Program document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Robinson International Scholars Program 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/scholarships/regents-and-chancellors-scholarship/robinson-international-scholars-program/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: High-achieving international students: refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations (as defined by the United Nations), or those who have graduated from secondary school in these regions. Must demonstrate a commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent, and/or an intention to return to their home country. Candidates are selected through their Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Robinson International Scholars Program deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle

      Provider deadline information: Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Robinson International Scholars Program?+

    High-achieving international students: refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations (as defined by the United Nations), or those who have graduated from secondary school in these regions. Must demonstrate a commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent, and/or an intention to return to their home country. Candidates are selected through their Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility.

    What funding does the Robinson International Scholars Program offer?+

    Listed funding: Partial. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/scholarships/regents-and-chancellors-scholarship/robinson-international-scholars-program/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: High-achieving international students: refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African and developing nations (as defined by the United Nations), or those who have graduated from secondary school in these regions. Must demonstrate a commitment to give back to their community, country, or continent, and/or an intention to return to their home country. Candidates are selected through their Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship eligibility.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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