Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship is a prestigious program that supports outstanding doctoral students across the United States. This fellowship is designed for individuals conducting significant research in the fields of history, politics, public policy, and related disciplines. Administered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia, this program provides scholars with essential resources to complete their dissertations while engaging in intellectual collaboration.

About the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation aims to cultivate academic excellence by funding promising Ph.D. candidates. The National Fellowship particularly supports researchers whose work enhances our understanding of American governance, public affairs, and historical developments. By providing financial assistance, mentorship, and a scholarly network, this fellowship allows students to focus on their dissertation research and contribute to their fields.

Scholarship Overview

• Level of Study: Ph.D.

• Institution: Jefferson Scholars Foundation

• Study Location: USA

• Eligible Fields:

  • Business

  • Politics

• Duration: Three academic years

• Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Fellowship Benefits

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship provides the following benefits:

• An annual stipend of $25,000 to support research and living expenses.

• Access to an office space, inter-library loan services, internet access, and library stack privileges at the institution.

• The opportunity to present research in the Hagley Library seminar series.

• Discounted scholar accommodations at Hagley Library.

Types of Fellowships Offered

The program offers multiple tracks, each catering to different research areas:

1. National Fellowship – Supports doctoral students researching U.S. governance, public policy, and American history.

2. Jefferson Fellowship – Focuses on leadership and academic excellence in history, politics, and policy-related studies.

3. Shannon Fellowship – Specifically for scholars researching U.S. foreign relations, international affairs, or diplomatic history.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be proficient in English.

• Be from any country worldwide.

• Be Ph.D. candidates who plan to complete their dissertation by the end of the fellowship year. (This is not a postdoctoral fellowship.)

• Participate in two academic conferences—one in autumn and one in spring—hosted by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation and the University of Virginia.

• Engage actively with the interdisciplinary scholarly community at the foundation.

Residency Requirements:

• Fellows are encouraged but not required to reside at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.

• The Jefferson Scholars/Hagley Library Dissertation Fellowship requires residence at Hagley Library throughout the academic year.

• Non-resident fellows receive a $1,500 stipend instead of reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses for conferences.

Application Process

To apply for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship, candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Applicant Information Sheet

2. Project Description (1,200 words) – Outline the dissertation/book, its thesis, significance to scholarship, and motivation for choosing the topic.

3. Op-ed or Blog Post (750 words) – A published or sample article applying research findings to a contemporary public policy issue.

4. Bibliography (3 pages)

5. Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)

6. Writing Sample (Maximum 40 pages) – Can be a dissertation chapter (with a one-page introduction) or a published/accepted journal article.

This fellowship provides a valuable platform for scholars in business and politics, offering funding, mentorship, and access to academic networks to support their research and career development.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2025 fellowship cycle is expected to be in 1 February 2025.

Why Apply for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship?

This fellowship is an invaluable opportunity for scholars pursuing research in public policy, governance, and U.S. history. The financial support, mentorship, and scholarly network provide fellows with the resources needed to complete their dissertations and launch successful academic or policy-related careers.

By joining this elite community of scholars, fellows gain access to exceptional professional development opportunities, ensuring their research makes a lasting impact on public affairs and historical scholarship.

If you are a doctoral student researching American governance, policy, or history, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship could be the perfect stepping stone for your academic and professional journey.