The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia 2026

Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarships 2027 – Fully Funded UVA Undergraduate Scholarships

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Overview of Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarships

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia offers two prestigious undergraduate scholarship programs – the Jefferson Scholars Program and the Walentas Scholars Program. These fully funded scholarships cultivate outstanding undergraduate students, providing them with comprehensive financial support, enrichment opportunities, and access to a powerful network of Scholars, Fellows, alumni, and volunteers . Named in honour of Thomas Jefferson, the Foundation develops leaders, scholars, and citizens for the benefit of the University and the world at-large .

◆ Fully funded undergraduate scholarships at the University of Virginia.
◆ Two programs: Jefferson Scholars Program and Walentas Scholars Program.
◆ Comprehensive financial packages covering tuition, fees, and living expenses.
◆ Enrichment opportunities including study abroad, internships, and leadership development.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in USA for international students for similar opportunities.

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Scholarship Programs

The Foundation offers two scholarship programs, each with distinct focus areas:

◆ Jefferson Scholars Program:
◉ Recognizes excellence in leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
◉ Open to nominated students from over 65 nominating regions.

◆ Walentas Scholars Program:
◉ Recognizes excellence in leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
◉ Open to first-generation college students (first or among the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree).
◉ 20 nominating regions across the United States.
◆ Explore latest scholarships in USA for all nationalities for more field options.

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Scholarship Benefits

◆ Financial Support:
★ Generous financial packages covering tuition and fees.
★ Support for living expenses.
★ No financial need requirement for Jefferson Scholars (unlike Walentas Scholars, who are first-generation college students).

◆ Enrichment Opportunities:
★ Foundation Fridays – biweekly lunch series for community building.
★ Scholar Summit – pre-orientation experience for Walentas and first-generation Jefferson Scholars.
★ College Transition Workshop – first-year community bonding.
★ J-Term/May Courses – unique interdisciplinary classes.
★ ModernGuild Accelerators – career mentorship and networking.
★ Academy for Inner Leadership – experiential mindfulness and social entrepreneurship retreat.
★ Institute for Leadership and Citizenship – multi-day leadership development for rising second-year Scholars.
★ Travel Study – foreign travel/study experiences.
★ Oxford Semester Abroad – immersive semester at St. Anne's College, University of Oxford.
★ Professional Development Fund – up to $4,000 for internships, conferences, and other opportunities.
★ Exploratory Fund – merit-based funding for entrepreneurial ideas.
★ Instaviser – online networking platform connecting Scholars and alumni.
★ Fellow-Scholar Research Opportunities – undergraduate research mentorship.

◆ Explore United States's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Eligibility Criteria

◆ Jefferson Scholars Program:
◉ Must be nominated by an eligible school.
◉ Demonstrate exceptional leadership talents.
◉ Show understanding of the broader community.
◉ Exhibit uncommon academic abilities.

◆ Walentas Scholars Program:
◉ Must be nominated by an eligible school.
◉ Must be first or among the first in the family to earn a bachelor's degree.
◉ Demonstrate exceptional leadership talents and academic abilities.

◉ Prior interest in the University of Virginia and financial need should not be factors in selecting a nominee .
◉ No one may apply directly – nomination by an eligible school is required .
◆ See financial aids for students in North America for more funding options.

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Selection Process

The selection process is separate from UVA's admissions process :

◆ Nomination:
◉ Eligible schools nominate one student from the senior class who best exemplifies leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
◉ Nominees must be the first or among the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree (Walentas Scholars).
◉ Nominations include scholastic report, extracurricular activities, and two essays .
◉ All materials must be submitted by December 1 .

◆ Regional Selection:
◉ Regional Selection Committees review transcripts, activities, essays, and recommendations .
◉ Nominees participate in regional interviews to determine finalists .

◆ Admissions Review:
◉ The Office of Undergraduate Admission reviews Early applicants and recommends nominees .

◆ Final Selection:
◉ Finalists participate in a virtual final interview in late February .
◉ Recipients visit Charlottesville to explore UVA .
◉ Accept scholarship offers by mid-April .
◆ list of all open scholarships in North America for additional funding sources.

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Important Dates for Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarships

August: Nomination portal opens for eligible schools.

December 1: Counselor and nominee materials are due for all regions.

Mid-December through January: Regional review and interviews are conducted.

Late February: Final virtual interviews are conducted.

Mid-April: Recipients must accept scholarship offers.

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How to Apply

1. Contact your school counselor to express interest in being nominated.

2. Eligible schools nominate students through the nomination portal .

3. School officials and students complete the nomination materials (scholastic report, extracurricular activities, two essays) .

4. All materials must be submitted by December 1 .

5. Regional Selection Committees review nominations and invite nominees for interviews.

6. Finalists are invited to compete in the Final Selection in late February .

7. Recipients are notified and invited to visit Charlottesville .

8. Accept the scholarship offer by mid-April.

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Why Choose Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarships

◆ Prestigious scholarships at the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson .
◆ Fully funded with generous financial packages and enrichment opportunities.
◆ Access to a powerful network of Scholars, Fellows, alumni, and volunteers .
◆ Leadership development through the Institute for Leadership and Citizenship .
◆ Study abroad opportunities including Oxford Semester Abroad .
◆ Professional development funding of up to $4,000 .
◆ Merit-based funding for entrepreneurial ideas through the Exploratory Fund .
◆ Be part of a community dedicated to developing leaders, scholars, and citizens .
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarships

◆ This is a transformative opportunity for exceptional high school seniors.
◆ Nomination is required – no direct applications are accepted.
◆ Demonstrate leadership, scholarship, and citizenship in your application.
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in USA for all nationalities .

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