University of North Carolina Morehead-Cain Scholarship 2026, USA (Fully Funded)
Applications are open for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill). The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded undergraduate scholarships in the United States, providing exceptional students with financial support, leadership development, global learning opportunities, and professional experiences throughout their bachelor's degree.
The scholarship is intended for outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, character, and physical vigor. International students are also eligible to compete through approved nomination pathways or the UNC Admissions Referral Program.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States
- Host University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
- Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based Scholarship
- Eligible Nationalities: Domestic and International Students
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Mode: Nomination or Admissions Referral Program
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for:
Bachelor's Degree
Available Subjects
The scholarship is open to students applying for eligible undergraduate programs offered by UNC-Chapel Hill, including:
Business
Engineering
Computer Science
Health Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Economics
Political Science
Public Health
Psychology
Journalism
Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Environmental Science
Education
Data Science
And other eligible undergraduate majors offered by the university.
Benefits
Selected scholars will receive:
Full tuition fee coverage
Accommodation expenses
Meal allowance
Books and academic supplies
Funding for four summer enrichment experiences
Financial support for study abroad opportunities
Discovery grants for research and educational projects
Leadership development programs
Internship opportunities
Professional mentoring
Access to the Morehead-Cain alumni network
Optional gap year funding of up to US$8,000 for an approved international program
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be completing high school before beginning undergraduate studies.
Apply for admission to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
Show exceptional leadership potential.
Demonstrate strong character and integrity.
Show evidence of physical vigor through sports, fitness, dance, outdoor activities, or similar pursuits.
Meet the scholarship nomination or referral requirements.
International students must be nominated by an approved school or be referred through the UNC Admissions Referral Program.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to submit:
Scholarship application
UNC undergraduate admission application
Academic transcripts
Recommendation letters
Personal essays
School nomination (if applicable)
Standardized test scores (optional where applicable)
Additional supporting documents requested during the selection process
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
Apply for undergraduate admission to UNC-Chapel Hill.
Obtain a nomination from an approved nominating school, if applicable.
Students from non-nominating schools should apply through UNC Early Action for possible referral.
Complete the Morehead-Cain Scholarship application if invited.
Submit all required documents before the deadline.
Participate in interviews if selected as a semifinalist or finalist.
Wait for the final scholarship decision.
Application Deadline
Scholarship Application Opens: 15 August
Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 October
UNC Early Action Deadline: 15 October
UNC Regular Decision Deadline: 1 January
