Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2027, USA (Fully Funded)
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship is a highly selective program created for exceptional PhD candidates whose research addresses important questions in American politics, public policy, foreign policy, and global affairs. Offered in partnership with the University of Virginia, the fellowship supports emerging scholars who combine strong academic achievement with clear leadership potential.
Open to applicants from all countries, the fellowship is designed to help scholars complete their dissertations and prepare their work for publication. Just as importantly, it offers access to a vibrant academic network that connects fellows with senior scholars, editors, and peers across disciplines.
Degree Level
- Doctoral level only (PhD candidates)
This is not a postdoctoral fellowship.
Applicants must either be on track to complete their dissertation by the end of the fellowship year or present a clear and realistic two-year dissertation completion plan.
Fields of Study
The fellowship welcomes interdisciplinary research, including but not limited to:
- History
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Law
- Political Economy
- Sociology
- Communications and Media Studies
- International Relations
- American Politics
- Foreign Policy
- America and the World
Research should engage policy-relevant issues and address contemporary political or global challenges in the U.S. or internationally.
Fellowship Benefits
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship provides comprehensive academic and professional support, including:
- Research funding to support scholarly network activities
- Full coverage of costs related to:
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Reading groups
- Symposia
- Manuscript development sessions
- Mentorship from senior scholars in the fellow’s research field
- Required residential visits on campus (up to two weeks)
- Participation in:
- A fall dissertation development conference
- A spring research workshop with junior and senior scholars
- A university press editor workshop focused on publication
- Access to the interdisciplinary academic community of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation
Eligible Nationalities
- The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
- Non-U.S. citizens are fully eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be current PhD candidates
- Be close to completing their dissertation or provide a documented two-year completion plan
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and high-quality research
- Show leadership potential as emerging scholars
- Present a research agenda that adds new insight to policy-oriented scholarship
- Be willing to attend on-campus visits and fellowship events
- Commit to active participation in a scholarly research network
Application Process
Applicants must submit a complete online application that includes:
- Applicant information form
- Project description (up to 1,200 words)
- Research plan (up to 500 words)
- Scholarly network proposal (up to 1,200 words)
- Op-ed or blog post (up to 750 words) demonstrating public engagement
- Professional development statement (up to 500 words)
- Bibliography (maximum 3 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- Writing sample (up to 40 pages)
- Two letters of recommendation (one from the dissertation advisor)
Recommendation letters must be submitted through the application system or sent directly to:
nationalfellows@jeffersonscholars.org
Selection Timeline
- Application deadline: 2 February
- Final letters of recommendation due: 9 February
- Applications are reviewed only after all required materials are received.
- Deadlines may change, so applicants should consult the official website for the most current information.
Why Apply for the Jefferson Scholars National Fellowship?
This fellowship is well-suited for PhD candidates who want to:
- Strengthen their dissertation for publication
- Receive guidance from leading scholars and editors
- Build lasting academic and policy-focused research networks
- Develop professional skills beyond traditional doctoral training
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers research-related expenses, academic programming, and required residential activities.
Can international PhD students apply for the fellowship?
Yes. Applicants of all nationalities, including non-U.S. citizens, are welcome to apply.
Is this fellowship open to postdoctoral researchers?
No. The fellowship is strictly for current PhD candidates and does not accept postdoctoral applicants.