The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship supports doctoral students working on dissertations in the humanities, social sciences, and related fields. The Jefferson National Fellowship in the USA 2025-26 offers an excellent graduate fellowship for outstanding scholars from around the world. Fellows receive a $30,000 annual stipend, renewable for a second year, with added research funding and development opportunities. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation welcomes applicants from various fields, including history, political science, law, sociology, and media studies.
National Fellows have the opportunity to connect with and be a part of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s interdisciplinary community of world-class Scholars, Fellows, and Professors at the University of Virginia. This specific fellowship supports PhD candidates who are nearing the completion of their dissertations. The Jefferson National Fellowship provides funding to ease financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus on their research and dissertation. In addition, the Jefferson National Fellowship is more than just a scholarship, it will allow fellows to participate in various training workshops, conferences, symposia, and networking events. Application deadline: The deadline for applications and letters of recommendation to the 2025-26 National Fellowship is February 1, 2025.
University/Institution
- Institution: The Jefferson Scholars Foundation operates in partnership with the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Ranking: UVA is a prestigious institution often ranked among the top 50 universities globally.
- Programs & Duration: Focus on PhD-level dissertation support for one or two years.
Study Areas
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship supports PhD candidates in the humanities, social sciences, and related interdisciplinary fields. Typical areas include:
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Public Policy
It prioritizes projects that demonstrate originality, interdisciplinary insights, and the potential for significant societal impact.
Jefferson National Fellowship Benefits
- Funds up to four National Fellows per year to support dissertation research and writing
- Awards each Fellow a stipend of $30,000 in their first year with the possibility of a renewal in the second year.
- Each Fellow is paired with a senior scholar who serves as a Mentor. These Mentors guide Fellows by recommending key literature, reviewing their work, and offering research advice.
- Provides up to $5,000 in research funds.
- The fellowship helps fellows build collaborative research networks focused on their area of expertise, particularly in relation to public policy
- Opportunities to present research at prestigious forums.
- The fellowship helps develop essential leadership skills for academic research, higher education, and policy-making. These skills include grant writing, data analysis, budgeting, public outreach (such as using social media, writing op-eds and blogs), and techniques from digital humanities to communicate ideas effectively.
Benefits Not Included
- Tuition fees.
- Visa and travel expenses.
- Health insurance coverage.
Jefferson National Fellowship Eligibilities
- An applicant must be a Ph.D. candidate who expects to complete their dissertation by the end of the Fellowship year or has a clear, two-year plan for finishing the write-up, backed by solid documentation.
- Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
- This is not a post-doctoral fellowship
- All Fellows, except for the Galambos Fellows, are required to participate in on-campus residential visits of up to two weeks at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
- Galambos Fellows typically hold their residencies at the Hagley Library but can also spend up to two weeks at the Foundation to expand their scholarly networks.
- Active participation in interdisciplinary community events and residential visits to the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is required.
- All Fellows will attend a fall conference to discuss their dissertation drafts, plan to build scholarly networks, and set long-term professional goals.
- The spring conference will focus on refining research with both junior and senior scholars, preparing for potential publication. Each spring event concludes with a workshop led by a university press editor.
- Regardless of where they reside, Fellows are expected to engage with and contribute to the interdisciplinary community at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
Required Documents
- Applicant information sheet
- Project description (1,200 words)-(Describe your dissertation or book, state the thesis)
- Research Plan (500 words max).
- Network proposal (1,200 words, maximum)
- Op-ed or blog post (750 words, maximum) – a sample of public engagement, for instance, an op-ed or blog post that applies a major finding from your research to a current public policy problem.
- A short statement of interest in professional development (500 words, maximum) which justifies new skills and competencies the applicant would like to cultivate during the Fellowship,
- Bibliography (3 pages)
- Curriculum vitae (2 pages)
- Writing sample (40 pages, maximum)
- TWO letters of recommendation (one of which must be from your advisor)-Letters of recommendation are initiated through the application process or may be sent to the Selection Committee at nationalfellows@jeffersonscholars.org.
Application Process
- Ensure you meet the criteria and complete the online application form.
- Prepare required documents and ensure your dissertation aligns with the fellowship focus.
- Submit an online application through the Jefferson Scholars Foundation portal.
- Secure two strong recommendation letters highlighting your academic potential and research.
- If you have questions about the National Fellowship Program, please e-mail nationalfellows@jeffersonscholars.org.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Clearly articulate the impact and originality of your research.
- Highlight interdisciplinary relevance and societal contributions.
- Ensure documents are concise and well-structured.
Living Expenses for International Students in Charlottesville, Virginia
- Housing:
- Rent for a shared apartment: $800–$1,200/month.
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $150–$250/month.
- Food:
- Groceries: $300–$500/month.
- Dining out occasionally: $100–$200/month.
- Transportation:
- Public transport or bike costs: $50–$100/month.
- Gas (if owning a car): ~$3.50 per gallon.
- Health Insurance:
- Student plans can range between $100–$300/month.
- Miscellaneous:
- Entertainment, clothing, personal care: $200–$400/month.
Estimated Total: $1,600–$2,500 per month, depending on lifestyle.
Why Choose This Fellowship?
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship offers unparalleled interdisciplinary support, financial stability, and platforms to present research, making it a prestigious and transformative opportunity for doctoral candidates.
FAQs
- Who is eligible for the fellowship? Advanced PhD students from any country, focusing on humanities or social sciences.
- Can I apply for a second year of funding? Yes, the fellowship is renewable for a second year.
- Are international students eligible? Yes, the fellowship is open to both U.S. and international students.
- What is the application deadline? Typically in late January 2025.
- Does the fellowship cover tuition? No, it primarily supports living expenses and research.
Official Link for More Information
Visit the Jefferson Scholars Foundation website for application details and updates.