The Jefferson Scholarship

Leaders. Scholars. Citizens.

Jefferson Scholars are passionate about the roles they play in their communities and the world.  Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia is a place where producing leaders for a self-governing people has always been a primary goal.  This goal of nurturing future leaders is at the heart of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s mission: to attract to the University the most promising leaders, scholars, and citizens in the world and to give them sufficient financial support so that they are free to develop their talents and to use them for the good of the University community.

The undergraduate scholarship program began at the inception of Jefferson Scholars Foundation and has been attracting and cultivating undergraduate leaders since 1980.  The program currently supports 110 Jefferson Scholars in residence at the University of Virginia.

Intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, the Jefferson Scholars’ stipend includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, and personal expenses.  In 2011-12, Jefferson Scholars from the Commonwealth of Virginia will receive $24,104 each year, and out-of-state or international Jefferson Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $49,098.

In addition to the financial component of the Scholarship is an extensive enrichment program which aims to support and nurture these students throughout their four years at U.Va.  Also an important part of the program is the community that develops between Scholars, Graduate Fellows, staff, and alumni.