Karsh-Dillard Scholarship - Eligibility, Award & 2026

The Karsh-Dillard Scholarship is a prestigious full-tuition scholarship awarded annually by the University of Virginia School of Law (UVA Law) to a small number of incoming JD students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise and leadership potential. Karsh-Dillard Scholars receive an award that covers full tuition and mandatory fees for all three years of law school, contingent on maintaining good academic standing.

Beyond financial support, Karsh-Dillard Scholars receive direct mentoring from UVA Law faculty members throughout their time at the Law School and join an elite cohort of merit scholars. The scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on the strength of the law school application; there is no separate application required — every admitted JD applicant is automatically considered.

Karsh-Dillard Scholarship Eligibility

• Admitted JD students entering UVA School of Law
• Demonstrated academic excellence (LSAT and undergraduate GPA in the top range of admitted students)
• Leadership experience and strong personal character
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students are all eligible

How to Apply for the Karsh-Dillard Scholarship

There is no separate application. All applicants admitted to the UVA School of Law JD program are automatically considered for the Karsh-Dillard Scholarship and other merit awards. To be considered, simply submit a complete application to UVA Law through LSAC by the regular deadline. Recipients are notified at the time of admission.

To qualify for the Karsh-Dillard Scholarship at UVA Law, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be admitted to the JD program at the University of Virginia School of Law
• Have outstanding undergraduate academic credentials (GPA and LSAT in the top tier of the admitted class)
• Demonstrate leadership, character, and personal achievement
• Submit a complete UVA Law application via LSAC by the regular deadline
• No separate scholarship application is required