Emory University closes most academic and administrative offices for Winter Recess, the three days between the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Office of Undergraduate Admission will be closed from Dec. 24, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026, reopening on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Please check our FAQs Over Winter Break blog post for additional information and resources during this time.
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Emory University Scholar Programs

Emory University offers partial to full merit-based scholarships as part of the Emory University Scholar Programs. Scholar programs are more than just merit scholarships. They empower students through resources and support to reach their full potential and make an impact on the university, Atlanta, and the world beyond.

Find out more

Emory scholars at the ATL beltline lantern parade

Emory College Woodruff Scholars

At Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Woodruff Scholars offers merit scholarships, early course registration, exclusive programming, and a close-knit Scholars community.

Learn more.
Oxford Scholars

Oxford College Woodruff Scholars

Oxford College Woodruff Scholars offers merit scholarships, early faculty mentorship, a tight-knit community, and a smooth transition to the Atlanta campus for your junior year.

Learn more.

How to apply

  1. To be considered for any and all scholar programs, you must select one of the three admission decision plans (Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision) and submit all required application materials by November 15. (Those applying Early Decision I must apply by November 1.)

  2. You also must answer "yes" to the question on your application that says, "Are you interested in being considered for the Emory University Scholar Programs?"
students sit on a bench in downtown Covington

Selection Process

The selection for merit-based scholar programs is administered by the Office of Admission in partnership with esteemed faculty.

Roughly 10,000 students apply to be Scholars each year. Out of that, 175–200 students are selected as Scholar Finalists. Finalists located within the U.S. are required to attend an on-campus Scholars Finalists Visit held in the spring. Finalists are brought to campus at no expense to the student.

Taking place over several days, the visit includes activities and interviews designed to help finalists become better acquainted with Emory University and the distinct opportunities available for them here.

Applicants who are not selected as finalists for a program are still fully reviewed for admission under their selected application plan and will also automatically be considered for other smaller merit-based scholarships.

The Scholar selection process is completely separate from the financial aid process. When a student is eligible for both merit scholarships and financial aid, merit scholarships are awarded first. Students who applied for financial aid may also be eligible for need-based grants and loans if there is remaining need beyond the merit scholarship award.

Scholar Programs Deadlines

  1. November 15

    Emory University Scholar Programs application deadline. (Early Decision I applicants should apply by November 1.)

  2. October–January

    Applications reviewed by admission and faculty committees.

  3. By end of February

    Scholar Finalists are chosen and notified.

  4. Late March

    Finalists visit campus and scholarship offers are made.

  5. May 1

    Enrollment deposit deadline.

Scholar Applicant FAQs

Students applying Early Decision I can apply for the scholar programs but need to meet the November 1 deadline. If your ability to enroll depends on receiving a specific amount of merit scholarships or need-based financial aid, we strongly encourage you to apply Regular Decision.

Scholar program awards are not finalized until early April, after the deposit deadlines for Early Decision I and Early Decision II.

Yes, all application materials must be submitted by November 15.

Applicants are notified by March 1 if they have been selected as a finalist in one of the programs (Emory Woodruff Scholars or Oxford Woodruff Scholars). Students not selected as finalists will continue to be considered for admission under the decision plan they selected as well as for smaller merit-based scholarships.


Please know that not being selected as a scholar program finalist has no bearing on your overall admissibility to the university. Every year, many great students who are not finalists are admitted to the university and become active in the student community.

Yes. There are a limited number of smaller merit-based scholarships beyond the scholar programs. You do not need to submit any additional materials to be considered.

Yes. A student may be selected as a finalist for the Emory Scholars program and also be admitted to Oxford College or vice versa.