United States · Fully funded
University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship 2027 in USA (Fully Funded)
Updated 27 October 2026
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The Jefferson Scholarship, awarded by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, is one of the most generous undergraduate scholarships in the United States. It covers the full cost of studying at the University of Virginia (UVA) for four years, and you don't need to be a US citizen to be considered.
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition and fees
- Housing and food
- Books and materials
- Personal and travel expenses
- Enrichment funding for international travel, research and career development
Value: over US$83,000 a year (more than US$405,000 over four years) for students from outside Virginia.
Who can apply
- Students in their final year of secondary or high school, applying to start a bachelor's degree at UVA in fall 2027
- All nationalities. US citizenship is not required.
- Outstanding achievement in leadership, scholarship and citizenship
- Financial need is not considered, and SAT, ACT, AP and IB scores are not used in the scholarship selection
How the nomination works
You cannot apply on your own. You must be nominated by your school.
- Talk to your school counsellor or principal as early as possible and ask them to nominate you for the Jefferson Scholarship.
- Your counsellor submits your basic details, school information, one recommendation letter, your transcript and the school profile.
- You submit your contact details, activities, awards and two essays (a personal statement and a leadership essay).
- Apply to UVA for admission separately through the Office of Undergraduate Admission. You must be admitted to UVA to receive the scholarship.
Key dates
| Stage |
Date |
| Counsellor and nominee materials due |
1 December 2026 |
| Nominees told of their status |
By the end of January 2027 |
| Regional interviews |
Mid-December 2026 to January 2027 |
| Final virtual interviews |
Late February 2027 |
| Studies begin |
Fall 2027 |
Tips for a strong application
- Start the conversation with your school now. Your counsellor needs time to prepare the nomination before 1 December.
- Show real leadership. Describe projects you started, groups you led and the impact you made.
- Write honest, personal essays. Show who you are, what you care about and how you serve others.
- Apply to UVA on time. The scholarship only works if you are admitted.
- Applying is free. Never pay anyone who promises a Jefferson Scholarship.