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SMART Scholarship Program

Offered by U.S. Department of Defense

Reviewed by Lisa FreedlandLast updated Aug 23, 2023
Multiple awards worth

$30,000 - $46,000

Grade level

College & Graduate Students

Application deadline:

December 1, 2023

Scholarship Overview

Are you a current postsecondary student pursuing a STEM degree? If so, consider applying for the SMART Scholarship Program! The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying one of SMART’s ~24 approved STEM disciplines. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and offers STEM students educational and workforce opportunities. Their mission is to “inspire, cultivate, and develop” STEM students to develop their future careers. In addition to having their full tuition expenses paid and the opportunity to partake in research internships, recipients are awarded a stipend worth between $30,000 and $46,000 a year. However, bear in mind that winners must also commit to post-graduation employment with the Department of Defense.

If you are passionate about a career in STEM and are looking for a way to fund your education, we encourage you to apply!  

Eligibility information

The scholarship is open to students over 18 years old who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an approved STEM discipline. Applicants must be willing to accept post-graduation employment with the DoD and be available for a summer internship. Applicants must also meet the below eligibility requirements.

Grade Level

College & Graduate Students

Citizenship

US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA

3.0

Academic Interest

Environmental Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science/Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering, Library and Information Sciences, Biology, Neurobiology, Math, Physical Sciences, Earth Science, Oceanography, Materials Science, Cybersecurity, Chemistry

Application information

To apply for this scholarship, students must submit an online application and the below application materials.

Essay

Academic transcript

Letter of Recommendation

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Scholarship FAQ

Who should I contact with any questions about this scholarship?

For any questions regarding this scholarship application, please contact U.S. Department of Defense at sma[email protected].

Is this scholarship open to international or DACA students?

No, this scholarship is only open to U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Where can I find help writing my scholarship essay?

For help writing the essay component of this scholarship application, check out our guides How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay and How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples).
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