Program Snapshot
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship is a highly competitive program for exceptional PhD candidates working on dissertations tied to American politics, public policy, foreign policy, and global affairs. Delivered in partnership with the University of Virginia, the fellowship is structured to help scholars finalize dissertation research, strengthen publication readiness, and build meaningful academic connections.
Level of Study
- For PhD candidates only (doctoral level)
- Not a postdoctoral fellowship
Academic Areas Supported
Interdisciplinary research is encouraged across areas such as History, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Political Economy, Sociology, Communications & Media Studies, International Relations, American Politics, Foreign Policy, and America and the World. Research must address policy-relevant questions and contemporary U.S. or global political challenges.
What the Fellowship Covers
Support and resources include:
- Dedicated research funding for scholarly networking activities
- Paid costs related to workshops, conferences, reading groups, symposia, and manuscript development sessions
- Guidance and mentorship from senior scholars aligned with the fellow’s research field
- Mandatory residential on-campus visits (up to two weeks)
- Participation in the fall dissertation development conference and spring research workshop (with junior and senior scholars)
- A university press editor workshop aimed at improving publication outcomes
- Engagement with the Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s interdisciplinary academic community
Who Can Apply
- Applicants of any nationality are eligible
- Non-U.S. citizens are explicitly eligible
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, candidates must:
- Currently be enrolled as a PhD candidate
- Be near dissertation completion or provide a realistic two-year dissertation completion plan
- Show strong academic performance and high-quality research
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Offer a research agenda that contributes fresh perspectives to policy-facing scholarship
- Participate in required residential visits and fellowship conferences
- Commit to building and engaging in a scholarly research network
How to Apply
Applicants submit an online application with these components:
- Applicant information sheet
- 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) showing public engagement
- Professional development statement (up to 500 words)
- Bibliography (maximum 3 pages)
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Writing sample (up to 40 pages)
- Two recommendation letters (one from the dissertation advisor)
Letters submission option: via the application system or by email to nationalfellows@jeffersonscholars.org.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 2 February
- Final letters deadline: 9 February
- Review begins only after all required materials are received
- Deadlines may vary; the source advises checking the official website for confirmation
