The Darden Jefferson Fellowship is the most prestigious and generous fellowship that Darden offers.

Sponsored by the Darden School of Business and the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars Foundation, the fellowship is awarded solely on the basis of merit and focuses on leadership, citizenship and scholarship. This is consistent with Thomas Jefferson’s belief in a natural aristocracy of scholars and leaders who would share their talents with the wider world for the common good.

The program, launched in 2006, is funded by an endowment raised through private benefactors. The goal is to raise at least $20 million in commitments to allow awards for approximately 15 to 20 Darden Jefferson Fellowships. 

Recipients of the Darden Jefferson Fellowship receive full tuition and a living stipend of approximately $20,000 (renewable for two years) and research and travel funds up to $4,800.

The endowed fund was made possible by early gifts from John Macfarlane (MBA '79) and his wife Dudley, the Melville Foundation and Barclay McFadden (MBA '76).

Visit  Jefferson Fellowships  to learn more about Darden Jefferson Fellowships, which carry the name of their donor, and the application process. 

DARDEN JEFFERSON FELLOWS ARE

OUTSTANDING SCHOLARS, OUTSTANDING CITIZENS

AND OUTSTANDING LEADERS.