University of Virginia Scholarship 2026 For international students

Are you searching for ways to study at the University of Virginia without the financial burden?

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers a wide range of scholarships that make world-class education more accessible. With options for need-based aid, merit-based awards, and specialized scholarships, UVA helps students from all backgrounds pursue academic excellence without overwhelming debt.

Types of Scholarships at the University of Virginia

UVA provides numerous scholarship opportunities tailored to various student profiles. From high academic achievers to students with financial need, there are several routes to funding your education at UVA.

• Jefferson Scholars Program for top academic performers
• UVA Blue Ridge Scholarship for Virginia residents
• University Achievement Awards for underrepresented groups
• Walentas Scholars for first-generation college students
• QuestBridge National College Match Scholarships
• In-state and out-of-state merit-based scholarships
• Financial aid through AccessUVA
• Athletic scholarships across multiple sports
• ROTC Scholarships for military-affiliated students
• Departmental awards from individual UVA schools

Apply also: University of Oregon Scholarship

Jefferson Scholars Program

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation offers one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships at UVA. It’s a merit-based program aimed at attracting exceptional students from across the globe.

• Covers full cost of attendance for four years
• Includes tuition, fees, room and board
• Provides additional enrichment funds for study abroad and internships
• Requires school nomination; students cannot apply directly
• Around 36-40 recipients selected annually
• Includes a rigorous selection process with regional and final interviews
• Open to both in-state and out-of-state students
• Designed to cultivate leadership, scholarship, and citizenship
• Participation includes leadership development and mentoring
• Winners often join a lifelong network of high achievers

Apply also: Western New Mexico University Scholarship

UVA Blue Ridge Scholarship

This scholarship supports students from Virginia who demonstrate financial need. It encourages in-state residents to pursue higher education at UVA without the burden of student loans.

• Available only to Virginia residents
• Primarily based on financial need
• No separate application required; awarded through admissions process
• Renewable for four years if academic standards are met
• Often paired with AccessUVA support
• Helps cover tuition and fees
• Designed to reduce student loan dependence
• Award amounts vary based on individual need
• Integrated into financial aid packages
• Recipients must complete FAFSA and CSS Profile

Apply also: Washington State University Scholarship

University Achievement Awards

This program recognizes students who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to UVA. It’s part of the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive and representative academic community.

• Awarded to first-year students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Combines merit and need-based considerations
• No separate application required
• Award notifications are sent with admission decisions
• Supports UVA’s diversity goals
• Covers partial tuition costs
• Renewable for up to four years
• Encourages students to engage in leadership and service
• Selection considers academic record, extracurriculars, and background
• Available to both Virginia and non-Virginia residents

Apply also: University of West Florida Scholarship

Walentas Scholars Program

Focused on supporting first-generation college students, the Walentas Scholars Program provides robust support to ensure academic success and personal growth at UVA.

• Open to students who are the first in their family to attend college
• Full cost of attendance covered
• Includes mentorship and leadership development opportunities
• Offers study abroad and enrichment funding
• Requires nomination and selective interview process
• Available to Virginia residents
• Emphasizes community service and character
• Awarded based on merit and potential
• Encourages lifelong alumni engagement
• Part of UVA’s mission to expand educational access

Apply also: University of Wyoming Scholarship

QuestBridge National College Match

Through its partnership with QuestBridge, UVA supports low-income high-achieving students across the U.S. by offering full scholarships as part of the National College Match program.

• Covers full four-year scholarship including tuition, fees, room, and board
• Designed for high-achieving, low-income students
• Requires separate QuestBridge application
• Must rank UVA as a top-choice partner school
• Application deadline is typically in late September
• Highly competitive national selection
• Helps eliminate financial barriers for top students
• Recipients often participate in UVA enrichment programs
• Includes early admission offer through the Match
• Renewable for four years with satisfactory academic performance

Apply also: University of Southern Indiana Scholarship

AccessUVA Financial Aid Program

AccessUVA is UVA’s commitment to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without relying heavily on student loans. It provides both grants and work-study opportunities.

• Automatically considered upon submission of FAFSA and CSS Profile
• Aims to minimize student loan debt
• Provides a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study
• Available to all undergraduate students
• Based on demonstrated financial need
• Awarded as part of the financial aid package
• Renewable each year with updated financial information
• Supports students from all economic backgrounds
• Helps create equitable access to UVA education
• Emphasizes affordability and financial transparency

Apply also: University of Southern California Scholarship

Athletic Scholarships at UVA

UVA offers athletic scholarships to student-athletes across a wide range of sports. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic ability and potential to contribute to UVA’s varsity teams.

• Available for NCAA Division I sports
• Includes full and partial scholarships
• Covers tuition, fees, room, and board
• Awarded at the coach’s discretion
• Requires outstanding athletic performance
• Recipients must maintain academic eligibility
• Includes sports such as basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and swimming
• Often includes access to specialized training facilities
• Offers balance of academics and athletics
• Recruitment typically starts in high school

Apply also: Yale University Scholarship

ROTC Scholarships at UVA

For students pursuing military careers, UVA offers ROTC scholarships through the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These cover tuition and offer leadership training while enrolled.

• Available for all three ROTC branches
• Full tuition or room and board covered
• Includes monthly living stipend and book allowance
• Requires enrollment in ROTC courses and training
• Competitive national application process
• Encourages leadership development
• Provides pathway to military service upon graduation
• Offers specialized academic advising
• Scholarships range from 2 to 4 years
• Open to all majors

Apply also: University of Massachusetts Scholarship

Departmental Scholarships

Many schools within UVA offer specific scholarships to students pursuing degrees in their disciplines. These are often merit-based and come with academic expectations.

• Offered by schools like Engineering, Architecture, Nursing, and Commerce
• Based on academic performance and departmental involvement
• May require separate application or essay
• Typically awarded to upper-level students
• Range in value from $500 to several thousand dollars
• Help recognize academic excellence
• Sometimes paired with research or internship opportunities
• Notified through department email or portal
• Renewable in some cases
• Helps support continued academic growth

Apply also: Harvard University Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The University of Virginia offers a wide range of scholarships that reduce financial stress and open doors to a world-class education. Whether you’re a high achiever, a student in need, or somewhere in between, UVA likely has an award for you.