SMART Scholarships

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a unique opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students to advance their education and jumpstart their careers. SMART provides merit-based scholarships to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees. SMART scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, summer internships, and after graduation, civilian employment. Applications are open annually from August 1 to the first Friday in December.

Scholarship Eligibility

Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom
Be 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2028
Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Be currently pursuing, or intend to pursue, education in Fall 2027
Planning to attend, or enrolled in, a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance**
Be requesting between 1-5 years of degree funding (funding begins August 2027)
Complete summer internships for awards greater than 1.5 years
Accept a one-for-one post graduation service commitment as a civilian employee of the Department of War

*High school seniors and incoming college freshmen who will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fall 2027 are eligible to apply.

SMART Scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, mentorship, health and book allowances, and conduct summer internships at a DoW facility before embarking on a DoW civilian career after graduation. The first step to a rewarding STEM career is reviewing the eligibility requirements, starting with the SMART STEM disciplines. These disciplines are general categories – specific majors or fields of study may fall under one or more disciplines on this list. All scholarship applicants should be pursuing, or intend to pursue, a degree in one of these disciplines.