The Jefferson Scholarship 2027 provides an exceptional undergraduate funding opportunity for outstanding students seeking to study at the University of Virginia (UVA). Administered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, the scholarship is designed to attract students with exceptional academic records, leadership potential and a demonstrated capacity to make an impact both inside and outside the classroom.
For non-Virginia students, the award is valued at more than $83,000 per year or upwards of $405,000 over four years, making it one of the most substantial undergraduate scholarship packages available at the University of Virginia.
Virginia residents can receive more than $42,000 per year or upwards of $230,000 in total.
In addition to financial support, Jefferson Scholars receive access to enrichment opportunities including international travel, career development, leadership programmes, networking, research collaboration and alumni connections.
Jefferson Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Jefferson Scholarship |
| University | University of Virginia |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | Four years |
| Virginia students | Over $42,000 per year / upwards of $230,000 total |
| Non-Virginia students | Over $83,000 per year / upwards of $405,000 total |
| Additional benefits | Enrichment experiences and professional development |
| Selection | Nomination, Regional Review and Final Selection |
| Application | Through the nomination and selection process |
About the Jefferson Scholarship
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation supports outstanding undergraduate students through two scholarship programmes: the Jefferson Scholars Program and the Walentas Scholars Program.
Both programmes are intended to cultivate future leaders, scholars and citizens who can contribute positively to the University of Virginia and the wider world.
The scholarships combine substantial financial support with opportunities that allow students to develop their talents, explore new interests and build relationships with scholars, faculty, alumni and other members of the Foundation’s network.
The Foundation states that its undergraduate programmes seek students who demonstrate an exceptional record and potential for impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Scholarship Benefits
The Jefferson Scholarship is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, together with supplemental enrichment experiences.
Financial Support
The value of the scholarship depends on whether the student is a Virginia resident.
Virginia residents receive:
- More than $42,000 per year
- Upwards of $230,000 in total
Non-Virginia residents receive:
- More than $83,000 per year
- Upwards of $405,000 in total
These figures represent the financial packages described by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation on its scholarship information page.
Enrichment Opportunities
Financial assistance is accompanied by a range of enrichment opportunities designed to broaden Scholars’ academic, professional and leadership experiences.
These include:
- International travel
- Career development and networking
- Institute for Leadership and Citizenship
- Alumni connections
- Exploratory Fund
- Research collaboration with Jefferson Fellows
- Speaker series
These opportunities are intended to complement students’ academic experience at UVA and help them explore interests beyond their regular coursework.
Who Is Eligible for the Jefferson Scholarship?
The supplied Foundation information emphasizes outstanding undergraduate students with exceptional records and strong potential for impact.
The selection process is designed to identify students who demonstrate qualities associated with leadership, scholarship and citizenship.
The Foundation does not present the scholarship simply as an academic award. Its selection process considers an applicant’s record and potential for impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Students interested in the scholarship should therefore consider how their academic achievements, leadership activities, community involvement and broader contributions demonstrate their potential.
How the Jefferson Scholarship Selection Process Works
The Jefferson Scholarship is not presented as a conventional scholarship where every student independently submits an application directly to the Foundation.
The selection process has three main components:
1. Nomination
The process begins with nominations.
For the 2025–26 selection cycle, the Foundation reported that 7,697 secondary schools were invited to nominate students for the Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships across 85 regions.
A total of 3,289 high school students were nominated.
Students should therefore pay close attention to the nomination process applicable to their school or region.
2. Regional Review
After nomination, candidates proceed through a regional review process.
This stage allows the Foundation to evaluate candidates from different regions before determining which students advance in the competition.
3. Final Selection
Candidates who progress through the earlier stages undergo final selection.
The Foundation seeks students with exceptional records and the potential to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom.
What Makes the Jefferson Scholarship Different?
The Jefferson Scholarship combines financial support with a structured programme of enrichment.
Rather than focusing exclusively on tuition assistance, the Foundation provides Scholars with opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore professional interests, travel internationally and connect with a broader network.
Students can also participate in research collaboration with Jefferson Fellows and benefit from relationships with Foundation alumni.
This combination of funding, leadership development and networking makes the programme particularly relevant to students who want to use their undergraduate experience to develop both academically and personally.
Recent Scholarship Scale
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s reported 2025–26 selection figures illustrate the scale of its undergraduate scholarship programme.
During that selection cycle:
- 7,697 secondary schools were invited to nominate students.
- 85 regions participated in the nomination process.
- 3,289 high school students were nominated.
- $14.5 million was awarded in undergraduate support for the 2025–26 academic year.
These figures demonstrate the competitive nature of the programme.
How to Prepare for the Jefferson Scholarship
Because the scholarship involves nomination, regional review and final selection, prospective applicants should focus on building a strong overall profile.
Students should be prepared to demonstrate:
- Strong academic achievement
- Leadership potential
- Meaningful involvement beyond the classroom
- Evidence of community engagement
- A record of achievement and initiative
- Potential to make a positive impact
The Foundation’s selection criteria emphasize more than grades alone. Applicants should therefore consider how their experiences demonstrate leadership, scholarship and citizenship.
Jefferson Scholarship at UVA
The scholarship is associated with undergraduate study at the University of Virginia, providing Scholars with financial support for four years.
The Foundation’s broader mission is to develop leaders, scholars and citizens who can contribute to UVA and society.
Successful Scholars therefore become part of a wider network that includes current Scholars, Jefferson Fellows, alumni and volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Jefferson Scholarship worth?
Virginia residents receive more than $42,000 per year or upwards of $230,000 total, while non-Virginia residents receive more than $83,000 per year or upwards of $405,000 total.
How long does the Jefferson Scholarship last?
The scholarship is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, along with supplemental enrichment experiences.
Who can receive the Jefferson Scholarship?
The programme attracts outstanding undergraduate students with exceptional records and potential for impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Is the Jefferson Scholarship available to non-Virginia students?
Yes. The Foundation specifically lists a separate award level for non-Virginia students, valued at more than $83,000 per year or upwards of $405,000 over four years.
What enrichment opportunities are available?
Scholars can participate in international travel, career development and networking, the Institute for Leadership and Citizenship, alumni connections, the Exploratory Fund, research collaboration with Jefferson Fellows and speaker series.
How are Jefferson Scholars selected?
The selection process consists of nomination, regional review and final selection.
Is there a direct application?
The supplied Foundation information describes a nomination-based selection process rather than a standard direct scholarship application. Prospective students should review the Foundation’s current nomination and selection information for the applicable cycle.
Conclusion
The Jefferson Scholarship 2027 offers outstanding students an opportunity to receive substantial financial support while pursuing an undergraduate education at the University of Virginia.
The award is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years, with non-Virginia students eligible for a package worth more than $83,000 per year or upwards of $405,000 in total. Virginia residents can receive more than $42,000 annually or upwards of $230,000 over four years.
Beyond the financial award, Jefferson Scholars gain access to international travel, leadership development, career networking, research opportunities and connections with the Foundation’s wider community.
Because the programme uses a competitive nomination, regional review and final selection process, students interested in the opportunity should begin preparing well in advance and ensure they understand how nominations work through their school or region.
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