Jefferson Scholarship 2027 in USA | Fully Funded
Accepting applications Fully Funded

Jefferson Scholarship 2027 in USA | Fully Funded

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Deadline
2026-12-01
Country
USA
Level
undergraduate
Organization
Jefferson Scholars Foundation
Field
Any field of study offered at the University of Virginia
Funding
fully funded

Overview

The Jefferson Scholarship is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for outstanding students pursuing a bachelor's degree at the University of Virginia in the USA. Offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, it aims to identify and support students who demonstrate exceptional potential in leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship.

Coverage

This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate study at the University of Virginia. It covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, books, and miscellaneous expenses. For Virginians, the award is over $42,000 per year (totaling more than $230,000), while for non-Virginians, it is over $83,000 per year (totaling more than $405,000). Additionally, scholars receive financial support for enrichment activities such as international travel, career development, professional networking, leadership programs, research collaborations with Jefferson Fellows, alumni activities, and speaker series.

Eligibility

The Jefferson Scholarship is open to students from all countries, including international students. Applicants must demonstrate excellence or potential for excellence in leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship. To receive the scholarship, applicants must ultimately gain admission to the University of Virginia. Financial need is not a factor in the scholarship selection process.

Requirements

Applicants must be outstanding high school students. Key requirements for nomination materials include: basic nominee information (name, email, date of birth), scholastic information about the applicant’s school, academic transcript, school profile, one letter of recommendation, details about extracurricular activities and awards, a personal statement, and a leadership essay. SAT, ACT, AP, and IB scores are not considered for the 2026-2027 selection process, as the University of Virginia remains test-optional.

How to apply

The scholarship selection process is separate from the University of Virginia’s undergraduate admission process. Students must first be nominated by their high school. The school counselor is responsible for submitting the required nomination information and supporting documents. Nominees then need to provide their contact information, details of activities and awards, a personal statement, and a leadership essay. In parallel, applicants must also apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Virginia. Gaining admission to the university is a prerequisite for receiving the scholarship. The scholarship competition does not depend on the admission application method (Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision).

Notes

The selection process is highly competitive and involves three main components: Nomination, Regional Review, and Final Selection. Scholars become part of a network connecting them with other Scholars, Fellows, alumni, and volunteers.

Source & Verification

Host organization: Jefferson Scholars Foundation

Original source: OpportunitiesCircle

Official application page: https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarships

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Read the full requirements

    Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.

  2. 2

    Gather your documents

    Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.

  3. 3

    Request recommendation letters

    Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.

  4. 4

    Write your motivation letter

    Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.

  5. 5

    Proofread and submit early

    Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.

Deadline: 2026-12-01 — always verify on the official website before applying.

Go to Official Application

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