Summary
The Jefferson Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded undergraduate scholarship awarded by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia (UVA). Designed for high-achieving high school seniors worldwide, the award covers the complete cost of attendance—including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and living expenses—valued at over $405,000 across four years for international and out-of-state students. Recipients gain access to leadership programs, research funding, global travel, and extensive alumni networking. Selection is merit-based and requires a direct nomination from an eligible secondary school.
- 🎓 Scholarship Opportunity: Applications are open for the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship 2027 in the USA, a fully funded undergraduate scholarship available to both domestic and international students.
- 🌎 Eligibility: Students from all nationalities can apply. US citizenship is not required, and applicants must be in their final year of high school with excellent academics, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
- 🏛️ University Details: The scholarship is offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia (UVA) for undergraduate study across any academic discipline.
- 💰 Fully Funded Benefits: The scholarship covers full tuition fees, university expenses, housing, meals, books, educational materials, living costs, personal expenses, and additional academic opportunities.
- 💵 Scholarship Value: For international and out-of-state students, the award can exceed $83,000 per year, with a total four-year package valued at nearly $405,000.
- ✈️ Additional Support: Scholars receive opportunities for international travel, undergraduate research, leadership programs, professional activities, conferences, internships, and alumni networking.
- 📄 Required Documents: Applicants need academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV/resume, personal statement, completed application forms, and other supporting documents.
- 🏆 Selection Criteria: Candidates are evaluated based on leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. There is no minimum GPA requirement, and SAT/ACT scores are not considered for scholarship selection.
- 🏫 Nomination Requirement: Students cannot apply independently. Their secondary school must nominate them before the deadline; nomination does not guarantee UVA admission or scholarship selection.
- 🗓️ Application Deadline: The final deadline to apply for the Jefferson Scholarship 2027 is 1 December 2026.
- 📝 How to Apply: Interested students should contact their school counselor or guidance office for nomination, prepare their academic and leadership profile, complete scholarship materials if nominated, and separately apply for undergraduate admission to UVA.
- 🇺🇸 Study Destination: The scholarship supports undergraduate education in the United States at one of the country’s leading public research universities.
Designation
- Title: Jefferson Scholar / Undergraduate Scholar
- Degree Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
Program Details Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Host Institution | University of Virginia |
| Administrator | Jefferson Scholars Foundation |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate |
| Coverage | Fully Funded (Up to $405,000 over 4 years / $83,000+ per year) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Nationalities (US & International Students) |
| Location | Charlottesville, Virginia, United States |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
Research Area / Academic Disciplines
- All Undergraduate Disciplines: Scholars are not limited to a single subject and can enroll in any undergraduate degree program offered across UVA’s academic departments.
Location
- City/State: Charlottesville, Virginia
- Country: United States of America (USA)
Eligibility & Qualification Requirements
- Academic Standing: Must be in the final year of secondary school (high school senior).
- Nomination Requirement: Must be officially nominated by an eligible secondary school (self-nominations are strictly not permitted).
- Selection Criteria: Awarded based on excellence in Leadership, Scholarship, and Citizenship.
- Academic Record: Strong academic performance is required. While there is no published minimum GPA or class rank requirement, selected candidates typically rank at the top of their high school class.
- Test Scores: SAT and ACT scores are not considered for scholarship evaluation.
- Language Proficiency: International applicants must meet UVA’s general English language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL per university standards, though there is no specific IELTS requirement for the scholarship evaluation itself).
- University Admission: Candidates must independently apply to and be admitted for undergraduate study at the University of Virginia.
Scholarship Coverage & Benefits
- Full Financial Coverage: 100% tuition, mandatory university fees, on-campus housing, and meal plans.
- Educational Allowance: Coverage for books, learning materials, and personal expenses.
- Enrichment Funding: Financial support for international travel, independent undergraduate research, professional development, conferences, and internships.
- Leadership & Networking: Participation in specialized leadership and citizenship programs, career mentorship, and connection with UVA’s global alumni network.
How to Apply
- Inquire with Your School: Contact your high school guidance counselor, principal, or administrative office early to express interest and inquire about internal nomination deadlines.
- Secure Nomination: Ensure your secondary school submits an official nomination on your behalf before the deadline.
- Complete Scholarship Profile: Once nominated, fill out and submit all required application materials provided by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
- Apply to UVA: Submit a separate application for undergraduate admission directly to the University of Virginia (a scholarship nomination does not guarantee university admission, nor does university admission guarantee the scholarship).
- Submit Application: Complete all scholarship materials by December 1, 2026.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in regional and final selection interviews.
Last Date to Apply
- Nomination & Application Deadline: December 1, 2026




