The Robert T Jones Scholarship Programme
The Robert T Jones Scholarships (also known as Bobby Jones Scholarships) support students for one year of study and life-changing experiences at Emory University in Atlanta.
Applications for 2026-2027 are now open
The Bobby Jones Scholarship was established in 1976 by friends and family of Bobby Jones and since then has supported over 400 students and built a worldwide network of Bobby Jones alumni.
The programme is one of the most prestigious available to students at St Andrews and covers all mandatory costs. The Scholarships are available to students who are completing their final year of undergraduate study and are open to all nationalities, except United States citizens.
In 2027, the Bobby Jones Scholarship programme celebrates its 50th anniversary. Scholars selected for the 2026-2027 academic year will have the unique opportunity to conclude their scholarship experience with a memorable four-day celebration in Atlanta to commemorate this historic milestone.
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Born in 1902, Robert T Jones was an American amateur golfer who was one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport; he was also a lawyer by profession. Jones founded and helped design the Augusta National Golf Club, and co-founded the Masters Tournament. The innovations that he introduced at the Masters have been copied by virtually every professional golf tournament in the world.
In 1930, at the age of 28, Bobby completed the (pre-Masters) Grand Slam by winning all four major golfing championships in the same calendar year which included the British Open at St Andrews. He is the only player ever to do so.
He had a strong relationship with St Andrews, being named Freeman of the City in 1958 and famously requesting the Open Championship Trophy remained with his friends at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, rather than taking it with him on his return to Atlanta.
Bobby died in 1971 at the age of sixty-nine. He continues to be remembered as a man who accepted life with humility, integrity, and wisdom, and who rendered it a triumph through the strength and grace of his character.
The Robert T Jones Scholarship exists in his honour, encouraging students of both the University of St Andrews and Emory to expand their horizons with travel, education and experiences.
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Nationality
All nationalities, except US citizens.
Level of study
Open to final year undergraduate students.
Course criteria
The Scholarship is intended for students to study a variety of classes at Emory through a non-degree route.
Subjects
All. Please note, applicants studying BSc (Hons) Medicine are encouraged to discuss the implications on their partner route programme with the Admissions Officer before applying.
Schools
All.
Additional criteria
Selection is with regard to character, academic record and proposed course of studies.
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Duration of award
One year.
Value of award
The Scholarships are sufficient to cover all basic costs for the year at Emory including:
- tuition fees
- room and board in a university residence
- return airfares from the UK to Atlanta and all visa costs
- health and dental insurance
- personal stipend to cover basic expenditure
- travel stipend to assist and encourage travel around the US
- shared use of a car for scholarship-related travel.
The precise breakdown of stipend and travel allowance will be provided to the successful candidates.
Tuition and maintenance award?
Both.
Number of awards available
4.
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The selection process comprises of an application form which must be submitted by the advertised deadline with accompanying references. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview early in Semester 2. Depending on applicant numbers, a second interview may be held.
During the selection process you will be assessed using the following criteria:
- academic record
- verbal and written skills
- record of leadership in the life of the St Andrews community and the broader community
- ability to be an ambassador for the Robert T Jones Scholarship and the University of St Andrews
- interpersonal and presentational skills
- course of study and scholarly interests that can be pursued at Emory.
Bobby Jones was an all-rounder and the selectors will be keen to know how else you have spent your time whilst at the University of St Andrews. Golfing ability is not a necessary criterion though an active interest in the game is a consideration, for instance, because the Scholars have previously had the privilege of attending the Masters Tournament at Augusta. On such occasions, the Scholars have an ambassadorial role, for which reasonable experience of public speaking is also advantageous.
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Scholars can choose a non degree seeking route or a small number of one year masters programmes.
Non degree seeking
You will be required to maintain full-time academic status, which requires a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester which is generally 4-5 courses (modules). Your J-1 visa status will be jeopardized if you fall below this threshold. You are free to select any courses for which they are qualified. Eligibility and availability are matters for Emory University to decide.
Applicants are encouraged to look at the Emory Prospectus to familiarise yourself with the programmes and courses available. Be sure to filter for the correct semester and the Atlanta Campus. Do not select subjects with "Oxford" since that is a different Emory campus location.
Masters programmes
From 2025-26 scholars are able to apply for a small number of one year Masters programmes as an alternative to the current non-degree seeking route. The following programmes are available to applicants with the appropriate undergraduate qualifications:
- Master of Arts in Bioethics – Emory Laney Graduate School – view course information
- Master of Management – Emory Goizueta Business School – view course information
- Master of Religion and Public Life – Emory Candler School of Theology – view course information
- Master of Science in Data Science - view course information
Applicants are encouraged to look at the relevant degree programme websites at the above links to familiarise themselves with the programmes.
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There are four Scholars in St Andrews from Emory. If you need to contact them, with any questions relating to Emory, please contact roberttjones@st-andrews.ac.uk.
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As a beneficiary of financial support, you will be required to submit a report of your year which will be shared with the Robert T Jones Trust and other donors to the Scholarship programme.
Whilst at Emory you will be expected to attend events with members of the Bobby Jones alumni community and Emory senior leadership. During these events, you will be required to speak publicly about your experiences on the programme.
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Where can I find the application to apply for the scholarship?
Applicants can apply via MySaint. Once you have logged into your MySaint, applications can be found within the My Applications section under the Scholarships and Funding heading. Please ensure you search for ‘Robert T Jones Memorial Trust Scholarship’ within the current academic year (2025-2026), rather than the scholarship year.
Are there any guidelines for referees?
There are no fixed guidelines for referees to follow however, you may find it helpful to direct your referees to the Eligibility and Selection Process information on this Robert T Jones Scholarship webpage and ask that they address as many points as they feel able to speak to in terms of their relationship to you.
Referees can provide you their reference in Word or PDF format which you can then upload to your application. If your referee does not wish to send you their reference, they may email it directly to roberttjones@st-andrews.ac.uk – if this is the case, please upload a separate Word document with a note of your referee’s name and contact information to the corresponding reference question in your application.
Who can provide a character reference?
A character referee can be anyone who knows you well enough to be able to speak to your ability to meet the criteria of the scholarship. Family members are a little close to home to be able to be reliable referees, so try and find someone who knows you through voluntary/work-related or even other academic activities who can vouch for your personal qualities (this should not be another assessment of your academic abilities if you ask a lecturer).
How much detail do I provide in my course of study answer?
A small number of one-year Masters programmes are available to applicants with the appropriate undergraduate qualifications. Alternatively, applicants can choose the non-degree seeking route where they will be required to maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, which is generally 4-5 courses. Applicants can select any course for which they are qualified. Eligibility and availability are matters for Emory University to decide.
Please demonstrate your understanding of some of the courses you plan in taking and the reasons why. You may wish to develop your course portfolio by taking options that enhance your current degree as well as options that push you out of your comfort zone.
When do applications close?
Please submit your application by 23:59 on 14 November 2025.
How much is the stipend and will I need additional funds?
Students receive a generous living stipend of $6,000 with a further $300 per month food stipend. If you are sensible with your money, this should be sufficient to last you the whole year. Scholars receive an additional travel stipend of $6,400.
(rates are pro rated for any scholar who leaves the programme early).
Can I have a part time job?
Your J1 visa prohibits you from taking on paid work unless it is part of your scholarship programme and considered to be academic training or be Emory facing and on the Emory payroll as on campus employment.
If I do the non-degree route, what do I leave Emory with?
You will be awarded credits for successful completion of your courses and this will be reflected on your academic transcript.
Can I stay in the US after the end of the year?
The J1 visa requires you to leave the US 30 days after the end of your programme of study at Emory. In the past, scholars have secured employment or further study in the US and have therefore had to apply for a further visa. The onus is on the scholar to make the necessary visa arrangements.
Do I have to be able to golf?
This is not a golf scholarship so you do not have to be able to golf, however an interest in the game would be useful as scholars are regularly invited to attend golf-related events.
I see the scholars have access to a car, do I have to have a driving licence?
In order to drive the scholars' car, which is only available for use for official programme travel, you do need a valid driver's licence. You will be provided with some lessons when arriving in the US to get used to the vehicle and the rules of the road.