The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2026 in the USA is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding scholars looking to advance their academic research. This fellowship welcomes applications in diverse fields such as history, political science, law, public policy, media, communication, sociology, and political economy. Designed for scholars completing their dissertations, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship supports transformative academic experiences at leading higher education institutions, including the University of Virginia (UVA).
This National Fellowship is fully funded, providing a stipend of $30,000 for the first year with the possibility of renewal in the second year. Beyond financial support, fellows gain access to conferences, symposia, training workshops, and networking events, allowing them to engage deeply with contemporary issues in U.S. politics, foreign policy, and global affairs. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2026 empowers scholars to focus entirely on their research while developing leadership skills and contributing innovative insights to their fields.
Benefits
- The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship offers a stipend of $30,000, reducing the financial burden of doctoral studies in the first year, with the possibility of a renewal in the second year.
- Jefferson fellowship also provides research funds of up to $5,000.
- Fellows will participate in various workshops, training, conferences, symposia and networking events to improve skills needed for leading in academic research, higher education and relevant areas.
- Fellows will receive support for one year to help with dissertation research and writing, with the chance for a second year of support.
- In addition, fellows may present their research at prestigious seminars and conferences.
- Fellows contribute to the interdisciplinary community of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
- The Jefferson Scholars national fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to pursue a fellowship in USA.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from outside the U.S. can also apply for Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship
- Applicants should be PhD candidates who expect to complete their dissertation by the end of the Fellowship year, or they should have a well-detailed two-year write-up plan that is documented. This is not a post-doctoral fellowship.
- Moreover, each fellow must participate in two conferences – one in the fall and the other in spring. These conferences serve as platforms to share research and discoveries with the scholarly community at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
- Irrespective of residency choices, all fellows must actively take part in and contribute to the diverse interdisciplinary community cultivated by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
- All Fellows, except for Galambos Fellows with residencies at the Hagley Library, will have to participate in on-campus residential visits at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, lasting up to two weeks.
Documents Required
- Curriculum Vitae/CV (2 pages)
- Research Plan (500 words maximum)
- Bibliography (3 pages)
- Network Proposal (1200 words maximum)
- Op-ed or Blog post (750 words maximum)
- Project Description (1200 words)
- Writing Sample (40 pages maximum)
- Letters of Recommendation (2)
- Statement of Interest in Professional Development (500 words maximum)
How to Apply?
- Review all eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify as a PhD candidate completing your dissertation or with a detailed two‑year research plan.
- Prepare all required application materials, including personal details, dissertation project description, research plan, and a network proposal.
- Write and refine an op‑ed or blog post sample that applies your research to an important public policy question.
- Compile a bibliography and a strong writing sample from your dissertation or an accepted article.
- Update your CV and draft a statement of interest in professional development, showing how the fellowship will advance your work.
- Arrange two letters of recommendation, including one from your dissertation advisor, and ensure they are ready before the deadline.
- Submit your complete application online before the deadline and confirm all documents, especially recommendation letters, are included.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship supports PhD candidates completing dissertations in U.S. politics and related fields with stipends, mentoring, research funds, leadership training, and community engagement while requiring a detailed application and specific academic materials.
What is the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship?
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship is a competitive program that supports PhD candidates completing dissertations in U.S. politics, public policy, foreign relations, or related fields, helping them connect with a scholarly community and develop research networks.
Who is eligible for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship?
Eligibility for this National Fellowship requires applicants to be PhD candidates who expect to complete their dissertation by the end of the fellowship year or have a detailed two‑year dissertation plan, and both U.S. and non‑U.S. citizens may apply.
What disciplines does the National Fellowship support?
The National Fellowship welcomes applicants from a broad range of disciplines, including history, political science, policy studies, law, political economy, communications, media, and sociology, as long as the work relates to significant policy‑facing questions.
How much stipend do National Fellows receive?
National Fellows in this program receive a stipend of $30,000 for the first year, with the possibility of a second $30,000 award if they qualify, providing funding support while they complete dissertation research and writing.
Does the National Fellowship include mentoring?
Yes, each National Fellow is paired with a senior scholar in their field who serves as a mentor, offering guidance, literature recommendations, feedback on writing, and help building a research network focused on the fellow’s area of expertise.
Are researchers supported beyond the stipend?
National Fellows can receive up to $5,000 in research funds and participate in training designed to enhance skills relevant to leadership, public engagement, grant writing, and academic research during their fellowship.
What community benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows join an interdisciplinary community of scholars, fellows, and professors that fosters collaboration, invites participation in workshops and conferences, and helps build networks that extend beyond their dissertation research.
Is there a residency requirement for the National Fellowship?
National Fellows are expected to complete at least one extended visit each year at the foundation in Charlottesville to consult with mentors and collaborators, participate in events, and contribute to the interdisciplinary fellowship community.
What is the application deadline for the National Fellowship?
The application deadline for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2026-27 is February 2, 2026, with letters of recommendation accepted until February 9, 2026. Applicants must submit all materials on time to be considered for this competitive fellowship.
What documents are required for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship application?
Applicants must submit an information sheet, a detailed project description, research plan, network proposal, sample op‑ed or blog post, statement of professional development, bibliography, CV, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation.
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