Scholarship Awarding University:
Type of degree:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Scholarship Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship will close on the 6th of December 2024 (5pm EST).
Scholarship Summary:
The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and guaranteed civilian employment with the US Department of Defense (DoD) upon degree completion. SMART Scholars are among the most talented and innovative minds in STEM with a mission to support the United States and protect national security. Scholars have the opportunity to be leading agents in their field and pursue their passions.
Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
To be eligible, all awardees must be;
i. Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom
ii. Be 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2026
iii. Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
iv. Be currently pursuing, or intend to pursue in fall 2025, a degree in a SMART STEM discipline listed here,
v. Be requesting between 1-5 years of degree funding. Degree funding will start in August 2025
vi. Complete summer internships
vii. Accept a one-for-one post graduation service commitment as a civilian employee of the Department of Defense
viii. Produce a fall 2024 transcript from a regionally accredited U.S. college, OR intend to pursue a graduate degree in fall 2025.
Active duty military members who wish to apply for the SMART Scholarship must be separated or on terminal leave on or before August 1, 2025 to be eligible. Reserve and National Guard members are eligible to apply. Current ROTC participants with a future service commitment are not eligible to apply.
Value of Scholarship:
The SMART scholarship covers the following costs;
i. Full tuition and education related educational expenses (meal plans, housing, and parking not included)
ii. Stipend paid at a rate of $30,000 - $46,000 a year depending on degree level (may be prorated depending on award length)
iii. Summer research internships ranging from 8 to 12 weeks
iv. Health Insurance allowance of up to $2,500 per academic year
v. Miscellaneous allowance of up to $1,000 per academic year
vi. An experienced mentor at one of the Sponsoring Facilities
vii. Employment placement at a DoD facility upon degree completion.
Scholarships are awarded for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years of funding, depending on degree requirements.
Scholarship Application Guide:
To apply,
Scholarship Application Guide:
To apply,
i. Follow the instructions as stated on the SMART application instructions page and submit all requested documents. All supporting materials, including references, must be received by the stated deadline.
ii. Semi-finalists are notified in early spring and award recipients are notified in the late spring (typically in April).
Scholarship Website:
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the SMART Scholarship Page.
Scholarship Website:
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the SMART Scholarship Page.