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University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship 2027

The University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the United States. Offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, this scholarship is designed for students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership ability, and a strong commitment to community service.

For international students and non-Virginia residents, the scholarship can provide a full financial package worth approximately $405,000 over four years. It supports undergraduate study at the University of Virginia (UVA) and covers tuition, housing, meals, books, educational expenses, and many additional academic and leadership opportunities.

One important rule is that students cannot apply directly for the Jefferson Scholarship. They must first be nominated by an eligible secondary school, and both the nomination and scholarship materials must be submitted by December 1, 2026.

University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship 2027 Highlights

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship 2027
Host Institution	University of Virginia (UVA)
Country	United States
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship
Degree Level	Bachelor’s Degree
Duration	Up to 8 semesters (4 years)
Scholarship Value	Up to $405,000
Eligible Applicants	Domestic and International Students
Application Route	School Nomination Required
Official Website	https://www.jeffersonscholars.org

What Is the Jefferson Scholarship?

The Jefferson Scholarship is a highly competitive undergraduate award that recognizes students who excel in three major areas:

Scholarship (academic excellence)
Leadership
Engaged citizenship

Unlike many scholarships, the Jefferson Scholarship is not primarily based on financial need. The Foundation looks for students who have used their talents to make a meaningful impact in their schools, communities, or society.

The scholarship supports full-time undergraduate study at the University of Virginia for up to eight semesters.

Scholarship Benefits

The Jefferson Scholarship provides one of the most comprehensive financial and educational support packages available to undergraduate students.

Full Tuition and Fees

Recipients receive full coverage of tuition and mandatory university fees.

Accommodation

Support for on-campus housing throughout undergraduate study.

Meals and Living Expenses

Funding for meal plans and approved living costs.

Books and Academic Supplies

Coverage for textbooks and required educational materials.

Personal Expenses

Support for eligible miscellaneous educational and living expenses.

Research Opportunities

Funding and access to undergraduate research programs.

Leadership Development

Participation in leadership training, seminars, and civic engagement programs.

International Experiences

Support for study abroad and global educational opportunities.

Internships and Professional Development

Additional funding may be available for internships, conferences, and career development activities.

Alumni Network

Scholars become part of a prestigious network that offers mentorship, career opportunities, and lifelong professional connections.

Total Scholarship Value

For international students and non-Virginia residents, the total value of the scholarship can reach approximately $405,000 over four years.

The annual value can exceed $83,000, depending on the cost of attendance and eligible educational expenses.

The scholarship is intended to cover educational costs and is not a direct cash payment to the student.

Eligible Degree Programs

The Jefferson Scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programs at the University of Virginia.

Students may pursue almost any academic discipline offered by UVA, including:

Engineering
Computer Science
Business
Economics
Finance
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Environmental Science
Political Science
International Relations
Psychology
Sociology
History
English
Arts and Humanities
Architecture
Other undergraduate majors

Applicants should review the University of Virginia’s undergraduate academic programs and admission requirements for their intended field of study.

Eligible Nationalities

International students are eligible for the Jefferson Scholarship.

There is no requirement to be a U.S. citizen.

However, international applicants must:

Be nominated by an eligible secondary school.
Apply separately for admission to the University of Virginia.

These are two separate processes, and success in one does not guarantee success in the other.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

Be completing the final year of secondary school.
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
Show strong leadership experience.
Have meaningful community involvement.
Demonstrate engaged citizenship.
Plan to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree at UVA.
Be nominated by an eligible secondary school.
Complete the scholarship process before the deadline.
Submit a separate UVA undergraduate admission application.

There is no publicly announced minimum GPA, SAT, ACT, or class-rank requirement, but successful candidates are usually academically exceptional.

What Does the Foundation Look For?

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation focuses on three core qualities.

Academic Excellence

Strong grades, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning.

Leadership

Evidence that the student has taken initiative and created positive change.

Engaged Citizenship

A demonstrated commitment to improving the community or helping others.

Students with excellent grades but limited leadership or service experience may be less competitive than applicants who combine strong academics with measurable community impact.

SAT, ACT, and IELTS Requirements

SAT and ACT

For the 2026–2027 scholarship cycle, SAT and ACT scores are not considered in the Jefferson Scholarship selection process.

IELTS

The scholarship itself does not have a separate IELTS requirement.

However, international students must satisfy the University of Virginia’s English-language requirements for undergraduate admission. UVA may accept tests such as:

IELTS
TOEFL
Duolingo English Test
Cambridge English

Applicants should check the current UVA admission requirements.

How to Apply for Jefferson Scholarship 2027

Students cannot nominate themselves.

Step 1: Contact Your School

Speak with:

School counselor
Principal
College guidance office
University admissions advisor

Ask whether your school participates in the Jefferson Scholarship nomination process.

Step 2: Request Nomination Consideration

Your school may have an internal selection process.

Some schools have deadlines earlier than December 1, 2026.

Step 3: Prepare Your Profile

Gather information about:

Academic achievements
Leadership activities
Community service
Awards
Extracurricular activities
Personal achievements
Civic engagement

Step 4: Complete Scholarship Materials

If nominated, complete all required scholarship documents.

Step 5: Apply Separately to UVA

Submit a separate undergraduate admission application to the University of Virginia.

Remember:

Jefferson Scholarship nomination ≠ UVA admission

Both processes are independent.

Selection Process

The competition is extremely competitive.

Thousands of schools participate, and many outstanding students are nominated each year.

The strongest applicants typically demonstrate:

Exceptional academic performance
Sustained leadership
Community impact
Initiative
Problem-solving ability
Measurable achievements
Commitment to service

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Show Real Leadership

Explain the results of your leadership, not just your title.

Demonstrate Long-Term Commitment

Sustained involvement in meaningful activities is valuable.

Quantify Your Impact

Use specific examples and measurable outcomes.

Build a Strong Personal Story

Connect your academics, leadership, and service into a clear narrative.

Obtain Strong Recommendations

Choose recommenders who know your character and leadership well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors:

Waiting too long to contact your school.
Assuming you can apply directly.
Believing grades alone are enough.
Confusing scholarship nomination with university admission.
Assuming admission to UVA guarantees the scholarship.
Missing school-specific nomination deadlines.

Important Deadline

The deadline for schools and nominated students to submit Jefferson Scholarship materials is:

December 1, 2026

Students must also submit a separate University of Virginia undergraduate application according to the appropriate admission deadline.

Important Link

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can international students apply?

Yes, international students are eligible.

Can students apply directly?

No. A school nomination is mandatory.

What is the scholarship value?

Up to $405,000 over four years.

Does the scholarship cover accommodation and meals?

Yes. It can cover housing, meals, books, and many other educational expenses.

Is financial need required?

No. The scholarship is primarily based on academic excellence, leadership, and engaged citizenship.

Final Thoughts

The University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious fully funded undergraduate scholarships available in the United States. Its comprehensive financial support and exceptional leadership and research opportunities make it an outstanding choice for high-achieving students from around the world.

International students should begin by contacting their secondary school as early as possible, because the school nomination process is required and may have an earlier internal deadline.