Who should I reach out to if I have any questions?

Inquiries should be directed to the following e-mail: Info@RosenthalLevyScholars.org

Eligibility & Application Requirements

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program is open to:

• Current high-school seniors seeking to matriculate to the University of Texas for Fall 2026 (This includes students who intend to take a gap year and defer matriculation until Fall 2027)
• Current gap-year students (in Israel-based programs or elsewhere) seeking to matriculate to the University of Texas for Fall 2026
• Current freshmen or sophomores already enrolled at the University of Texas
• Current freshmen or sophomores at other colleges and universities seeking transfer admission to the University of Texas and planning to matriculate in Fall 2026

Do I need to be Jewish to Apply?

No. The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program is open to all students, regardless of background, who are interested in Jewish, Western, and American civilization. We are looking for intellectually curious and academically capable students with the character, drive, and spirit to become civic leaders.

Are international students eligible?

Yes. International student status will not affect consideration for the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program.

What role does demonstrated financial need play in selection?

None. Acceptance into the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program is based entirely on the merit-focused and mission-focused criteria articulated above.

Can I defer the scholarship if I decide to take a gap year?

Yes. Students who are accepted to the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program are allowed to defer their scholarship if they are doing a gap year in Israel or elsewhere.

If I receive other merit scholarships from UT, can I still receive the Rosenthal-Levy scholarship?

Yes. The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program will pay the full remaining tuition after calculating all merit-based and need-based financial awards from the University of Texas or other third-party scholarships. All Rosenthal-Levy Scholars will also receive a $7,000 per year living stipend for all four years. (If a housing award is separately provided by the University of Texas or another third-party scholarship program, this stipend may be reduced.)

Application Process

Do I need to apply separately to the University of Texas and the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program?

Yes. Candidates for the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program need to apply separately and independently to the University of Texas through the early action, regular application, or transfer application process. Any scholarship offer is contingent on admission to the University of Texas.

Who should I list as a reference?

We ask for two references:

• A teacher or educator who knows you well and can attest to your academic abilities
• A mentor, manager, or coach who can attest to your leadership skills and character

What is the deadline to apply to the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program?

The Rosenthal-Levy Scholarship has two application rounds: 

Deadline I:
Targeting students admitted to UT Early Action and Current UT Students

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Decision Notification: April 17, 2026

Deadline II:
Targeting students admitted to UT Regular Decision and Transfer Students

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
Decision Notification: April 24, 2026

If you (a) have an acceptance in hand to the University of Texas at Austin for Fall 2026, (b) have applied and are awaiting an admissions decision, or (c) are a current University of Texas at Austin student: please proceed with your application for the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars Program.

If you are interested in the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars Program but have not yet applied to the University of Texas at Austin, please reach out to Tamara Berens at tberens@tikvah.org to discuss application protocols.

Academic Requirements & Program Details

Do I Need To Be A School of Civic Leadership Major to Receive a Scholarship?

Yes. Rosenthal-Levy Scholars will be required to complete a major within the School of Civic Leadership.

Can Rosenthal-Levy Scholars also major in other fields?

Yes. Rosenthal-Levy Scholars are permitted and encouraged to pursue additional academic Majors, Minors, and Certificates in any other college or department at the University of Texas—including history, Jewish studies, business, natural science, engineering, architecture, and other fields of learning.

Do Rosenthal-Levy Scholars get special academic advising?

Yes. In addition to the high-level advising offered by the School of Civic Leadership and other professionals at the University of Texas our staff offers personalized advising, mentorship, and career advice.

How does the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program help launch my future career?

Our programs places a major emphasis on providing mentorship, internships, advise, and training that help students define their career ambitions and take the next major steps in their careers. This includes:

• Journalism & Think Tanks
• Law
• Politics and Public Policy
• Jewish Classical Education
• Combatting Anti-Semitism
• Strategy, Diplomacy, and World Affairs
• Academia
• Religious and Communal Leadership
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Science and Technology (including opportunities in Israel)

If I already know advanced Hebrew, do I have to take additional Hebrew language classes as a Rosenthal-Levy Scholar?

No. While we encourage continued Hebrew language study, it is possible to place out of the Hebrew language requirement.

What is the time commitment for extracurricular obligations, such as the Society for Jewish Thought?

Extracurricular opportunities are an important part of the Rosenthal-Levy experience. The exact time commitment will vary greatly for each student, depending on his or her interests, role, and possible leadership responsibilities.