The University of Virginia scholarships offer outstanding students an opportunity to pursue a fully supported undergraduate education in the United States. Through the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, selected students can receive financial support covering the full cost of attendance at the University of Virginia, together with enrichment opportunities, leadership development, networking, research, and international experiences.
The two major undergraduate scholarship programs are the Jefferson Scholars Program and the Walentas Scholars Program. Both programs are designed for exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, community involvement, and the potential to create meaningful impact.
University of Virginia Scholarships 2026
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation attracts outstanding undergraduate students to the University of Virginia through its two major scholarship programs.
The Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship provide generous financial packages and enrichment opportunities designed to help students pursue their academic interests, develop their talents, and contribute to their communities.
Selected scholars also become part of a valuable network that includes Jefferson Scholars, Walentas Scholars, Fellows, alumni, and volunteers.
For students looking for fully funded undergraduate scholarships in the USA, these University of Virginia scholarships provide an opportunity to receive substantial financial support throughout a four-year undergraduate degree.
Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Virginia |
| Scholarship Foundation | Jefferson Scholars Foundation |
| Scholarships | Jefferson Scholarship & Walentas Scholarship |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Location | Charlottesville, Virginia, USA |
| Duration | Four years |
| Funding | Full cost of attendance |
| Enrichment | Included |
| Selection | Nomination, Regional Review & Final Selection |
Jefferson Scholarship
The Jefferson Scholarship is one of the undergraduate scholarship programs supported by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia.
The scholarship is designed to identify students with an exceptional record of achievement and significant potential for impact both inside and outside the classroom.
The Jefferson Scholarship provides financial support intended to cover the entire cost of attendance at the University of Virginia for four years.
In addition to financial support, Jefferson Scholars receive opportunities to participate in enrichment activities designed to broaden their academic, professional, and personal experiences.
Walentas Scholarship
The Walentas Scholarship is the second undergraduate scholarship program supported by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
Like the Jefferson Scholarship, the Walentas Scholarship is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, together with supplemental enrichment experiences.
The program seeks outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional achievement and the potential to make a meaningful impact.
For students searching for fully funded undergraduate scholarships in America, the Walentas Scholarship provides an opportunity to study at one of the United States’ leading universities with significant financial support.
University of Virginia Scholarship Benefits
The Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship offer substantial financial and educational benefits.
Financial Benefits
The scholarship awards are intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia.
The award levels provided by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation include:
🇺🇸 Virginia Residents
- 💰 More than $42,000 per year
- 🎓 Upwards of $230,000 total
🌎 Non-Virginia Residents
- 💰 More than $83,000 per year
- 🎓 Upwards of $405,000 total
The exact value of an award can depend on the student’s residency and applicable cost of attendance.
Additional Scholarship Benefits
The University of Virginia scholarships go beyond tuition and financial assistance.
Selected scholars can access a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including:
✈️ International Travel
Scholars can participate in international travel opportunities designed to broaden their perspectives and experiences.
💼 Career Development and Networking
Students can develop professional connections and gain career development opportunities.
🌍 Institute for Leadership and Citizenship
Scholars can participate in programs focused on leadership and civic engagement.
🤝 Alumni Connections
Students can connect with members of the Foundation’s extensive alumni network.
💡 Exploratory Fund
Scholars have access to opportunities that encourage exploration of new interests and experiences.
🔬 Research Collaboration
Students can collaborate on research with Jefferson Fellows.
🎤 Speaker Series
Scholars can engage with speakers and gain exposure to different ideas, perspectives, and fields.
Who Is Eligible for the Jefferson Scholarship?
The Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship are intended for exceptional undergraduate students entering the University of Virginia.
The selection process focuses on candidates who demonstrate:
- 🎓 Exceptional academic achievement
- 🏆 A strong record of accomplishment
- 🌟 Leadership potential
- 🤝 Community involvement
- 💡 Potential to create meaningful impact
- 📚 Excellence inside and outside the classroom
The programs look beyond academic performance alone. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation seeks students who have demonstrated the ability and potential to contribute positively to their communities, the University of Virginia, and the wider world.
How the Jefferson Scholarship Selection Process Works
The Jefferson Scholarship selection process is highly competitive and consists of three major components.
1. Nomination
The process begins with nominations.
For the 2025–26 selection cycle, 7,697 secondary schools were invited to nominate students across 85 regions.
A total of 3,289 high school students were nominated.
2. Regional Review
Nominated students proceed through a regional review process.
Candidates are evaluated based on their accomplishments, leadership qualities, academic record, and potential for impact.
3. Final Selection
Candidates who progress through the selection process are considered for final selection.
The rigorous process is designed to identify students who demonstrate exceptional potential both inside and outside the classroom.
Jefferson Scholars Foundation Impact
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation provides significant undergraduate support through its scholarship programs.
During the 2025–26 academic year, the Foundation awarded:
$14.5 million
in undergraduate support.
The scale of this investment demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment to supporting talented students at the University of Virginia.
Study at the University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Students selected for the Jefferson Scholarship or Walentas Scholarship have the opportunity to complete an undergraduate education while benefiting from financial support and a broad range of enrichment experiences.
The scholarship programs are designed not only to support students academically but also to help them develop as leaders, scholars, and citizens.
Why Apply for University of Virginia Scholarships?
The University of Virginia scholarships are particularly valuable for students who want more than financial assistance.
The programs combine:
- 🎓 Undergraduate education at the University of Virginia
- 💰 Comprehensive financial support
- 🌍 International experiences
- 💼 Career development
- 🤝 Professional networking
- 🧑🏫 Leadership development
- 🔬 Research opportunities
- 🎤 Speaker events
- 🌐 Alumni connections
This combination makes the Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship highly competitive opportunities for talented students.
How to Pursue the Jefferson Scholarship
The Jefferson Scholarship application process differs from a standard scholarship application because students must go through the Foundation’s nomination and selection process.
Students interested in the scholarship should:
Step 1: Understand the Program
Review the requirements and selection criteria for the Jefferson and Walentas scholarship programs.
Step 2: Explore the Nomination Process
Eligible students should determine how nominations are handled through their school or applicable selection region.
Step 3: Demonstrate Academic Excellence
Maintain a strong academic record and demonstrate intellectual curiosity.
Step 4: Highlight Leadership
Show evidence of leadership, initiative, service, and meaningful involvement in your community.
Step 5: Demonstrate Impact
Strong candidates should be able to demonstrate how their activities and achievements have created positive impact.
Step 6: Complete the Selection Process
Nominated candidates who progress will participate in the subsequent regional review and final selection stages.
What Makes a Strong Jefferson Scholarship Candidate?
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation emphasizes exceptional achievement and the potential for impact.
A strong candidate should therefore demonstrate more than excellent grades.
Consider highlighting:
Academic Achievement
Show consistent academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning.
Leadership
Describe leadership positions, initiatives, projects, or situations where you took responsibility and motivated others.
Community Involvement
Demonstrate meaningful involvement in your school, community, or other organizations.
Personal Initiative
Highlight projects and accomplishments that demonstrate creativity, determination, and independent thinking.
Potential for Impact
Explain how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to the University of Virginia and society more broadly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jefferson Scholarship?
The Jefferson Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship program supported by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia. The award is intended to cover the full cost of attendance for four years, together with supplemental enrichment experiences.
What is the Walentas Scholarship?
The Walentas Scholarship is another undergraduate scholarship program offered through the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. Like the Jefferson Scholarship, it provides financial support intended to cover the full cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia.
How much is the Jefferson Scholarship worth?
For Virginia residents, the award is stated as more than $42,000 per year or upwards of $230,000 total. For non-Virginia residents, the award is stated as more than $83,000 per year or upwards of $405,000 total.
Does the scholarship cover the full cost of attendance?
Yes. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation states that both the Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship are intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, plus supplemental enrichment experiences.
What additional benefits are available?
Scholars can access international travel, career development and networking, leadership programs, alumni connections, an exploratory fund, research collaboration with Jefferson Fellows, and speaker series.
How are Jefferson Scholars selected?
The selection process has three main components: Nomination, Regional Review, and Final Selection.
Where is the University of Virginia located?
The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Application and Selection Information
Students interested in the Jefferson Scholarship or Walentas Scholarship should review the official Jefferson Scholars Foundation information carefully because the nomination and selection process is different from many traditional scholarship applications.
The Foundation’s official scholarship information provides details about the selection process, nomination, enrichment opportunities, and undergraduate scholarship programs.
Applicants should always check the official website for the latest application and nomination information before taking action.
Final Thoughts
The University of Virginia scholarships offered through the Jefferson Scholars Foundation provide exceptional students with the opportunity to pursue a four-year undergraduate education with substantial financial support.
The Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship are designed for students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, community involvement, and the potential to create meaningful impact.
With awards intended to cover the full cost of attendance, together with international travel, career development, leadership programs, research opportunities, networking, and alumni connections, these scholarships are among the notable undergraduate scholarship opportunities in the USA.
Students interested in the Jefferson Scholarship 2026, Walentas Scholarship, or other University of Virginia scholarships should carefully review the official selection and nomination information and follow the Foundation’s current application procedures.
University of Virginia Scholarships – Quick Facts
🎓 Scholarships: Jefferson Scholarship & Walentas Scholarship
🏫 University: University of Virginia
📍 Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
📚 Study Level: Undergraduate
⏳ Duration: Four years
💰 Funding: Intended to cover full cost of attendance
🇺🇸 Virginia Residents: Over $42,000/year; upwards of $230,000 total
🌎 Non-Virginia Residents: Over $83,000/year; upwards of $405,000 total
✈️ Enrichment: International travel, leadership, research, networking and more
🏆 Selection: Nomination → Regional Review → Final Selection
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