The Jefferson Foundation Scholarship Program 2027 offers one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the United States. Administered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, the scholarship supports exceptional students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia (UVA).
The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and enrichment opportunities, for up to eight semesters, with a total value of up to $405,000 for eligible recipients.
Jefferson Foundation Scholarship Program Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host Institution: University of Virginia
- Scholarship Provider: Jefferson Scholars Foundation
- Study Level: Bachelor’s
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Value: Up to $405,000
- IELTS Required: No
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
About the Jefferson Foundation Scholarship
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding students through two flagship programs:
- Jefferson Scholars Program
- Walentas Scholars Program
These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership ability, character, and commitment to serving their communities.
Recipients are selected through a highly competitive process designed to identify future leaders who will contribute both inside and outside the classroom.
In addition to comprehensive financial support, scholars benefit from leadership development, research opportunities, international experiences, and lifelong professional networks.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Accommodation (room).
- Meals (board).
- Books and academic supplies.
- Miscellaneous educational expenses.
- Funding for supplemental enrichment experiences.
- Scholarship support for up to eight semesters.
Scholarship value includes:
- Virginia residents: More than $42,000 per year, totaling over $230,000.
- Non-Virginia residents and international students: More than $83,000 per year, totaling over $405,000.
Additional enrichment opportunities include:
- International travel programs.
- Leadership development through the Institute for Leadership and Citizenship.
- Career development and networking opportunities.
- Alumni mentorship and connections.
- Research collaboration with Jefferson Fellows.
- Speaker series featuring distinguished leaders.
- Exploratory funding for academic and professional projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a domestic or international student.
- Apply for admission to an undergraduate degree program at the University of Virginia.
- Meet the University’s undergraduate admission requirements.
- Satisfy the English language requirements of the University of Virginia, where applicable.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership potential, integrity, and commitment to service.
Scholarship Conditions
Successful scholars are expected to:
- Enroll full-time in an undergraduate program at the University of Virginia.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Participate actively in Jefferson Scholars Foundation leadership and enrichment activities throughout the scholarship period.
How to Apply
To apply for the Jefferson Foundation Scholarship Program:
- Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Virginia.
- Complete all admission requirements before the application deadline.
- Participate in the scholarship selection process, which consists of:
- Nomination
- Regional Review
- Final Selection
- Successful candidates will be contacted by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation with further instructions regarding the final stages of the selection process.
📋 Required Documents
- Academic Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (if required)
- Personal essays or statements
- Proof of English language proficiency, where applicable
- Completed undergraduate admission application
- Any additional documents requested during the admission or scholarship selection process