The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia offers prestigious graduate fellowship opportunities designed to support exceptional scholars pursuing advanced research, academic careers, public service, and leadership roles. Through the Jefferson Fellowship Program and the National Fellowship Program, the Foundation provides financial support, research resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to outstanding graduate students across multiple disciplines.
These highly competitive fellowships recognise individuals with exceptional academic achievements and strong potential to make meaningful contributions to higher education, research, government, business, and society.
About the Jefferson Scholars Foundation Graduate Fellowships
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is committed to developing a global community of scholars who demonstrate intellectual excellence, leadership ability, and dedication to public impact.
The Foundation’s graduate fellowship programmes support students undertaking advanced degrees at the University of Virginia and other leading academic institutions. Fellows receive financial assistance and access to enrichment opportunities that strengthen their research capabilities, leadership skills, and professional networks.
The two major graduate fellowship programmes include:
- Jefferson Fellowship Program
- National Fellowship Program
Each programme has a distinct focus and supports scholars who demonstrate outstanding promise in their respective fields.
Jefferson Fellowship Program
The Jefferson Fellowship is one of the leading graduate fellowship opportunities available through the University of Virginia. It is offered to outstanding Ph.D. and M.B.A. candidates enrolled in selected graduate programmes.
The fellowship is awarded entirely based on merit and seeks candidates who demonstrate exceptional achievement and the potential to become influential scholars, educators, public servants, and business leaders.
Jefferson Fellows are expected to contribute to the intellectual environment of the University of Virginia through academic research, collaboration, and community engagement.
The fellowship supports graduate students in:
- Darden School of Business
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science
Jefferson Fellowship at the Darden School of Business
Graduate students selected as Jefferson Fellows at the Darden School of Business receive comprehensive financial and academic support.
Benefits include:
- A living stipend of $20,000 renewable for two years
- Research and travel funding of up to $7,000
- Full tuition and fees coverage
- Medical and dental health insurance
The fellowship enables MBA candidates to focus on academic excellence, leadership development, and innovative research while engaging with a global business community.
Jefferson Fellowship at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
The Jefferson Fellowship also supports doctoral students within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Candidates are nominated by the academic departments where they are pursuing doctoral studies. Selected fellows receive support that allows them to advance their research and dissertation work.
Benefits include:
- One year of financial support
- Living stipend equivalent to the standard departmental stipend
- Research funding of up to $2,500
- Tuition and fees coverage
- Medical and dental health insurance
This support helps doctoral candidates conduct impactful research while contributing to the academic mission of the University.
Jefferson Fellowship at the Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science
Engineering and applied science doctoral candidates may also receive Jefferson Fellowship support through departmental nominations.
Selected fellows receive:
- $5,000 during the first year
- $10,000 annually during years two through five
- Additional support through their standard departmental financial package
- Research funding of up to $2,500
The fellowship provides engineering researchers with resources to advance innovative projects and contribute to technological development.
National Fellowship Program
The National Fellowship Program supports exceptional scholars conducting dissertation research focused on United States politics.
The programme places particular emphasis on historical and institutional analyses related to:
- American political systems
- Public policy
- Government institutions
- Foreign relations
National Fellows are selected from leading higher education institutions, including the University of Virginia, and receive support designed to strengthen their academic research and leadership potential.
National Fellowship Benefits
Recipients of the National Fellowship receive extensive support to complete dissertation research and develop their academic careers.
The fellowship package includes:
- One year of dissertation research and writing support, with the possibility of renewal for a second year
- A $30,000 stipend during the first year, potentially renewable for a second year
- Research funding of up to $5,000
- Mentorship from a distinguished senior scholar
- Leadership training workshops focused on academic research and higher education leadership
- Opportunities to establish and lead research networks in specialised fields
These resources allow fellows to expand their research impact while building long-term academic and professional connections.
Selection and Nomination Process
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation maintains a highly selective nomination and review process to identify scholars with exceptional academic records and leadership potential.
Candidates are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research achievements
- Leadership capacity
- Commitment to public engagement
- Potential contributions to their academic fields
Departments and academic institutions play a key role in nominating candidates who demonstrate outstanding promise.
Advancing Research and Leadership Through Fellowships
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation graduate fellowship programmes provide more than financial assistance. They create a community of scholars committed to advancing knowledge, strengthening institutions, and addressing complex challenges through research and leadership.
By supporting emerging academics, researchers, and professionals, the Foundation continues to contribute to the development of future leaders who will influence universities, governments, industries, and communities worldwide.
The Jefferson Fellowship and National Fellowship programmes remain valuable opportunities for graduate students seeking comprehensive support, mentorship, and opportunities to make significant contributions in their fields.
