The Foundation supports world-class graduate students through two fellowship programs–the Jefferson Fellowship Program and the National Fellowship Program.

Jefferson Fellowship

The Jefferson Fellowship is the premier graduate fellowship offered at the Darden School of Business, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and the Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science. Based solely on merit, Jefferson Fellowships are designed to identify Ph.D. and M.B.A. candidates who demonstrate outstanding achievement and the highest promise as scholars, teachers, public servants, and business leaders in the United States and beyond. Once selected, Jefferson Fellows are charged with furthering the quality of education, intellectual life, and mission of the University through their academic pursuits and community engagement. 

Darden School of Business

Jefferson Fellows in the Darden School of Business will receive:

  • A living stipend of $20,000 renewable for two years
  • Research and travel funds up to $7,000
  • Tuition and fees
  • Health insurance (medical and dental)

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation recently announced a shift in its Jefferson Fellows Program for students studying in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS). In order to better meet the challenges facing graduate students today and in response to changes in the landscape of higher education, beginning in 2022, the Jefferson Fellows Program will provide up to two years of dissertation completion and postdoctoral support, including a living stipend, health insurance, and research funds.

Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science

Jefferson Fellows in the Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are nominated by the departments to which they applied. Recipients of the Fellowship will receive:

  • $5,000 in year one and $10,000 in years two through five, in addition to their standard departmental financial package
  • Research funds up to $2,500

 

National Fellowship 

The National Fellowship supports outstanding scholars at leading institutions of higher education, including UVA, who are completing dissertations in United States politics, with an emphasis on historical and institutional analyses of politics, public policy, and foreign relations. National Fellows receive:

  • Training workshops to enhance skills relevant to leadership in academic research, higher education, and related institutional endeavors
  • One year of support for dissertation research and writing, with the possibility of a second
  • A stipend of $30,000 in the first year, and $30,000 in the second
  • Mentoring from a renowned senior scholar in the field
  • Research funds up to $5,000
  • Opportunity to form and lead a research network centered on selected area of expertise

Highlighted

Distinguished Professorships

Learn more about the Foundation’s Professorship Program.

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Fellowships

The Foundation supports world-class graduate students through Jefferson Fellowships and National Fellowships.

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Scholarships

The Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship are the premier undergraduate scholarships at the University of Virginia.

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