The Walentas Scholarship 2027 offers exceptional first-generation students the opportunity to pursue four years of fully funded undergraduate education at the University of Virginia (UVA) in the United States.
Administered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, the scholarship recognises students who demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to their communities.
The award covers the full cost of attendance for eight semesters, including tuition, accommodation, meals, books and miscellaneous expenses.
Recipients also benefit from international travel opportunities, career development, mentorship, research collaboration and a dedicated support programme for first-generation college students.
The nomination deadline is 1 December 2026, for both school counsellors and nominated students.
Important eligibility condition: Only schools located in the United States can currently nominate students for the Walentas Scholarship. Non-US citizens studying at eligible US schools may be considered, but students attending secondary schools outside the United States cannot be nominated for Walentas.
Related: Discover more fully funded undergraduate scholarships on OHUB.
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SCHOLARSHIP LIST INLINE
About this opportunity
The Walentas Scholarship is a merit-based undergraduate scholarship offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
It is specifically designed for first-generation students who have demonstrated outstanding potential as scholars, leaders and engaged citizens.
The scholarship is available exclusively to students who enrol at the University of Virginia.
It cannot be transferred to another college or university.
The programme combines comprehensive financial support with enrichment opportunities and resources intended to help students succeed academically, professionally and personally.
Unlike scholarships awarded primarily on the basis of financial need, Walentas selection focuses on demonstrated excellence and potential.
Financial need is not used in the Foundation's selection process.
Walentas Scholarship 2027 Overview
Scholarship: Walentas Scholarship
Host country: United States
University: University of Virginia
Scholarship administrator: Jefferson Scholars Foundation
Related: Discover more fully funded undergraduate scholarships on OHUB.
Financial Benefits
1. Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarship covers tuition expenses for the standard four-year undergraduate period at UVA.
Recipients must enrol at the University of Virginia to use the award.
2. Accommodation Coverage
The scholarship includes room expenses as part of the full cost of attendance.
Scholars can choose whether to live alongside other scholars or within different university residential communities.
3. Meal Expenses
The award includes board, helping recipients meet their food and dining expenses during the academic year.
4. Books and Educational Expenses
The scholarship includes books and miscellaneous expenses within its cost-of-attendance coverage.
5. Four Years of Support
The scholarship is designed to cover eight semesters of full-time undergraduate enrolment.
6. International Travel Opportunities
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation provides enrichment opportunities that may include international travel.
The exact travel arrangements depend on the programme and approved activities.
7. Career Development and Networking
Scholars can access career-development activities and the Foundation's professional network.
8. Research Collaboration
The programme provides opportunities for research collaboration with Jefferson Fellows.
9. Leadership Development
Recipients may participate in leadership and citizenship development activities.
10. Alumni Connections
Scholars gain access to the Foundation's community of scholars, fellows, alumni and volunteers.
11. Exploratory Fund and Speaker Series
The Foundation offers additional enrichment activities, including exploratory funding opportunities and educational events.
12. Dedicated First-Generation Support
Walentas Scholars participate in a Scholar Summit before their first year at UVA.
The summit is designed to support the transition to university life and encourage community building.
Walentas Scholars also receive support from a dedicated programme director and Foundation staff.
What's covered
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flight/travel costs
Documents Required
The scholarship nomination involves submissions by both school officials and nominated students.
Documents Submitted by the School Counsellor
Nominee's basic personal information
Scholastic information about the school
One recommendation letter
Academic transcript
School profile
Information and Documents Submitted by the Student
Contact information
Extracurricular activities
Awards and achievements
Personal statement essay
Leadership essay
Are SAT, ACT, AP or IB Scores Required for Scholarship Selection?
The Foundation states that SAT, ACT, AP and IB scores are not considered for the 2026–2027 scholarship selection process.
However, UVA's undergraduate admission requirements are separate.
Applicants should check the university's current admission policies and required materials before submitting their UVA application.
Eligibility Criteria
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation identifies several important eligibility conditions.
1. First-Generation College Student
Walentas applicants must be first-generation, college-bound students.
Under the Foundation's definition, a student generally qualifies if neither parent nor primary guardian has earned a bachelor's degree or its international equivalent.
A parent who earned an associate degree or certificate does not automatically make the student ineligible.
2. Current Graduating High School Student
Nominees must be members of their current high school's graduating class and must not already have received their secondary-school diploma.
3. School Nomination
Students cannot apply independently for the Walentas Scholarship.
They must be nominated by their secondary school.
4. School Must Be Located in the United States
The official FAQ states that all schools within the United States are eligible to nominate students for Walentas.
Schools outside the United States cannot currently nominate students for this particular scholarship.
5. No Previous Nomination
Students must not have been previously nominated for a Jefferson or Walentas Scholarship.
6. Strong Academic Performance
Applicants should demonstrate excellent academic results and strong potential for future achievement.
7. Leadership Potential
The programme seeks students who demonstrate leadership in their school, community or home.
8. Engaged Citizenship
Applicants should demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities.
9. Admission to the University of Virginia
Scholarship selection and undergraduate admission are separate processes.
A student must apply to UVA and ultimately gain admission to receive the scholarship.
10. Citizenship
US citizenship is not required.
International students who attend eligible schools in the United States may be nominated if they meet the other requirements.
Related: Explore more undergraduate scholarships for international students on OHUB.
How to Apply
Important: There is no direct student self-application for this scholarship.
Students must first be nominated by their high school.
Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Website
Read the Jefferson and Walentas Scholarship FAQs.
Review the eligibility requirements, nomination procedure and selection timeline.
Step 2: Confirm That Your School Is Eligible
The Walentas nomination process is currently available through schools located in the United States.
Students attending schools outside the United States should explore the separate Jefferson Scholarship process.
Step 3: Speak With Your School Counsellor
Inform your school counsellor that you are interested in the Walentas Scholarship.
Ask whether your school is participating and whether you can be considered for nomination.
Step 4: Confirm First-Generation Eligibility
Review the Foundation's definition of a first-generation student.
Ensure that you meet the relevant parent or guardian education criteria.
Step 5: Obtain School Nomination
Your school must select you as its nominee.
Being interested in the scholarship does not automatically qualify you to enter the competition.
Step 6: Prepare Your Personal Statement
Write an authentic essay reflecting your experiences, motivations and personal development.
Follow the essay instructions in the nomination portal.
Step 7: Prepare Your Leadership Essay
Describe meaningful leadership experiences and the impact of your actions.
Focus on specific examples rather than general claims.
Step 8: Prepare Your Activities and Awards
Provide accurate information about your extracurricular activities, community involvement and achievements.
Step 9: Coordinate With Your Counsellor
Your school official must submit the required nomination information, recommendation letter, transcript and school profile.
Step 10: Complete Your Student Nomination Materials
Submit your personal information, activities, awards and essays through the scholarship nomination system.
Step 11: Submit Everything by 1 December 2026
Both school-official and student materials must be submitted by the official deadline.
Step 12: Apply Separately to UVA
Submit an undergraduate admission application to the University of Virginia.
The scholarship nomination is not a substitute for applying to the university.
You may apply through the university's available Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision admission routes.
Step 13: Participate in Regional Selection if Invited
Shortlisted nominees may be invited to regional interviews.
These may be conducted virtually or in person.
Step 14: Attend Final Selection Interviews
Finalists participate in a separate final selection process.
The Foundation confirms that final selection interviews in late February 2027 will be virtual.
Step 15: Await the Scholarship Decision
Selected recipients must gain admission to UVA and complete the Foundation's acceptance process.
The published programme timeline indicates that recipients must decide whether to accept their scholarship by mid-April.
Related: Find more fully funded bachelor's scholarships on OHUB.