Libertas Scholarships
The School of Civic Life & Leadership (SCiLL) invites Carolina undergraduates to apply for a Libertas Scholarship of $3,000 per year ($1,500 per semester) to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books. Libertas Scholarship recipients will have access to leadership and co-curricular opportunities, including faculty mentorship and invitations to special events.
Contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory academic performance, the Libertas Scholarship is renewable. It can be held up to four years for a maximum lifetime scholarship of $12,000.
About the Libertas Scholarships
Who is Eligible?
Incoming or current Carolina undergraduates who are minoring—or intend to minor—in Civic Life & Leadership are eligible. Libertas Scholarship recipients should take at least one or two SCiLL courses per academic year in order to make satisfactory progress toward completion of the minor. View a list of courses. Students who have not yet declared a SCiLL minor are welcome to apply, but should plan to declare the minor within the first year of holding the scholarship.
Current recipients of the Civ-Comm Scholarship are not eligible for a Libertas Scholarship, but are encouraged to apply in future years.
What are the requirements of the SCiLL minor?
View a description of and requirements for the Civic Life & Leadership minor.
How will Libertas Scholars be selected?
Libertas Scholars will be selected based on academic achievement, commitment to civic engagement, answers to several short essay prompts, and past contributions to SCiLL programming.
How do I apply?
We are now accepting applications from incoming first-years and transfer students enrolling at UNC for the first time in the Fall 2026 term. Applications are due July 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Apply NowMeet Libertas Scholars
Questions?
Contact Prof. Michael Hawley at mchawley@unc.edu.