Outstanding high school students seeking to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States have an opportunity to receive one of the country’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships through the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. The Foundation supports exceptional students enrolling at the University of Virginia (UVA) through two flagship scholarship programmes: the Jefferson Scholars Program and the Walentas Scholars Program.
These highly competitive scholarships are designed to identify students with exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. In addition to covering the full cost of attendance, the programmes provide extensive enrichment opportunities that prepare scholars to become influential leaders, engaged citizens, and lifelong contributors to society.
About the Jefferson Scholars Foundation
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is dedicated to developing future leaders by investing in outstanding undergraduate students and graduate scholars at the University of Virginia. Through its scholarship and fellowship programmes, the Foundation seeks individuals who demonstrate excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
The Foundation believes that exceptional students should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial barriers while benefiting from experiences that broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership abilities, and expand their professional networks.
Its undergraduate scholarship programmes focus on nurturing intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and personal development throughout the students’ academic journey.
Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship
The Foundation administers two prestigious undergraduate scholarship programmes:
- Jefferson Scholars Program
- Walentas Scholars Program
Both scholarships offer recipients a comprehensive educational experience by combining generous financial support with leadership development, academic enrichment, mentorship, and access to an extensive alumni network.
Students selected for either programme become part of a vibrant community of scholars, fellows, alumni, faculty, and volunteers dedicated to academic excellence and public service.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of both scholarships receive financial awards intended to cover the full cost of attending the University of Virginia for four years.
The scholarship package includes tuition and other educational expenses, along with funding for enrichment activities that complement students’ academic studies.
Scholarship values include:
- Virginia residents receive more than $42,000 per year, amounting to over $230,000 throughout a four-year degree.
- Non-Virginia residents receive more than $83,000 per year, with total support exceeding $405,000 over four years.
This comprehensive funding enables students to focus on academic achievement, leadership, and personal growth without the financial burden associated with higher education.
Enrichment Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
A defining feature of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is its commitment to providing transformative learning experiences beyond traditional classroom education.
Scholars participate in numerous enrichment programmes that foster intellectual exploration, leadership development, and global engagement.
These opportunities include:
- International travel experiences
- Career development programmes
- Professional networking opportunities
- Institute for Leadership and Citizenship activities
- Alumni engagement and mentoring
- Exploratory funding for independent learning projects
- Research collaboration with Jefferson Fellows
- Distinguished speaker series featuring accomplished leaders and experts
These experiences help scholars develop practical skills, broaden their global perspectives, and establish valuable professional relationships that continue long after graduation.
Rigorous Selection Process
Admission into either scholarship programme is highly competitive.
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation evaluates applicants through a rigorous multi-stage selection process designed to identify students who demonstrate exceptional promise in academics, leadership, character, and community involvement.
The selection process consists of three major stages:
- Nomination
- Regional Review
- Final Selection
Candidates are assessed on their academic accomplishments, leadership experiences, extracurricular achievements, integrity, and potential to create meaningful impact in their communities and future careers.
2025–2026 Selection Highlights
The scale and competitiveness of the scholarship programme are reflected in the latest selection statistics.
During the 2025–2026 selection cycle:
- 7,697 secondary schools were invited to nominate students.
- Schools represented 85 regional selection areas.
- 3,289 students received official nominations.
- Approximately $14.5 million was awarded in undergraduate scholarship support.
These figures demonstrate the Foundation’s significant investment in developing future leaders while maintaining an exceptionally selective admissions process.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation seeks students who consistently demonstrate excellence across multiple areas rather than academic achievement alone.
Competitive candidates generally possess:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong leadership experience
- Active community engagement
- Excellent communication skills
- High ethical standards
- Initiative and creativity
- Commitment to making a positive societal impact
Students who combine intellectual excellence with meaningful service and leadership are particularly well-positioned during the selection process.
More Than a Scholarship
Beyond financial assistance, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation offers scholars lifelong membership in a distinguished academic community.
Recipients gain access to an extensive network of alumni, faculty members, researchers, and professionals who provide mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and career guidance throughout their educational and professional journeys.
This enduring community enhances scholars’ academic experiences while opening doors to future opportunities in research, public service, business, law, medicine, technology, and numerous other fields.
Supporting Excellence at the University of Virginia
In addition to undergraduate scholarships, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation also supports graduate education through fellowship programmes and contributes to faculty excellence through distinguished professorships and faculty awards at the University of Virginia.
These initiatives collectively strengthen the University’s academic community while promoting innovation, leadership, and service at every level.
The Foundation continues to invest in students and scholars whose achievements have the potential to create lasting positive change both within the University of Virginia and across the global community.
