UndergraduatePartial

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

Official source

Topics

Undergraduate scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Robinson International Scholars Program is open to African students applying to study in United States at the Undergraduate level, with partial funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Undergraduate · applicants for United States
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.

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.

Robinson International Scholars Program eligibility for United States applicants

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.

Documents required for the Robinson International Scholars Program application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Robinson International Scholars Program 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/scholarships/regents-and-chancellors-scholarship/robinson-international-scholars-program/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "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 regi…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/scholarships/regents-and-chancellors-scholarship/robinson-international-scholars-program/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Robinson International Scholars Program deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Robinson International Scholars Program?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office, and be able to relocate to United States for the duration of the programme.

Is the Robinson International Scholars Program fully funded?+

Funding model: Partial. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Aligns with UC Berkeley admissions cycle. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.

By destination

Study in USA