Are you looking for a fully funded opportunity to study in the United States? The Jefferson Scholarship at the University of Virginia (UVA) provides financial support covering the full cost of attendance for four years, plus supplemental enrichment opportunities. International students, including Indian students, can be considered.
Quick Eligibility
- Opportunity Type: Fully Funded Merit Scholarship
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Eligible Nationalities: International students, including Indian students
- Age Limit: No specific age limit stated
- Education Requirement: Enrolled member of the current graduating high-school class who has not yet received a diploma
- Work Experience: Not required
- Nomination Required: Yes — students must be nominated by an eligible school; direct applications are not accepted
- University Admission: Must apply to UVA and ultimately gain admission
- Funding: Full cost of attendance for four years, plus supplemental enrichment opportunities
- Application Fee: No scholarship application fee stated
- Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Deadline: December 1, 2026
- Application Method: School nomination followed by nominee materials submitted through the official process
The Foundation states that Jefferson Scholars do not have to be U.S. citizens and that scholars come from around the world.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Jefferson Scholarship is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at UVA, along with supplemental enrichment.
For non-Virginia residents, the Foundation currently lists the value as more than $83,000 per year or upwards of $405,000 in total. Enrichment opportunities include international travel, career development, networking, research collaboration and other activities.
How Does the Nomination Process Work?
Students cannot apply directly for the Jefferson Scholarship. Eligible schools nominate a student from their graduating class who demonstrates exceptional potential in leadership, scholarship and citizenship.
Students should therefore contact their high-school counselor and express their interest in being nominated.
The Foundation’s current timeline lists:
- August: Nomination portal opens
- December 1, 2026: Counselor and nominee materials due
- Mid-December–January: Regional review and interviews
- Late February: Final virtual interviews
Selection Criteria
Jefferson Scholars are evaluated primarily on:
- Leadership
- Scholarship
- Citizenship / community engagement
Financial need and citizenship status are not factors in the scholarship selection process.
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