Scholarship Awarding University:
Type of degree:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Scholarship Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship will close on the
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, 2027
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 2026, 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 2026
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 2025 transcript from a regionally accredited U.S. college, OR intend to pursue a graduate degree in fall 2026.
Active duty military members who wish to apply for the SMART Scholarship must be separated or on terminal leave on or before August 1, 2026 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. Applicants need to complete the to ensure eligibility and receive access to the Application Portal.
- Upon registration, applicants will be sent an email with information on how to login and start the application.
- Once an account is created, applicants will be directed to the SMART Application
ii. January - March: Applications will be evaluated and after the selection of candidates, sponsoring facilities will conduct interviews.
iii. April: SMART Scholarship Awardee Notifications
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.