SMART Scholarship 2027 for STEM Students in USA [Fully Funded]

Applications are now open for the SMART Scholarship 2027 for STEM Students, offering a fully funded scholarship in the USA to eligible students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The scholarship covers tuition fees, provides an annual stipend and offers paid internship opportunities.

Funded by the U.S. Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense), the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program supports students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. Successful applicants receive financial support in exchange for a commitment to work in a sponsoring government facility after graduation.

SUMMARY:

• Scholarship Provider: U.S. Department of War
• Host Institutions: Accredited U.S. Universities
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded, Scholarship-for-Service
• Scholarship Worth: Full Tuition + $30,000–$46,000 Annual Stipend
• Number of Awards: Not Stated
• Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
• Eligible Countries: USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and UK
• Study Destination: United States

---

Check Also: Top 20 Science Scholarships for International Students

SMART Scholarship 2027 | Programme Overview

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is a merit-based initiative designed to develop skilled professionals in STEM disciplines.

The programme provides between one and five years of financial support, beginning in August 2027. Scholars also benefit from professional mentorship, practical work experience and opportunities for civilian employment with the sponsoring government department.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SMART Scholarship 2027, applicants must:

• Be citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the United Kingdom.
• Be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2028.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be pursuing or planning to pursue an eligible bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree in Fall 2027.
• Attend or plan to attend a regionally accredited U.S. university.
• Be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
• Request between one and five years of scholarship funding.
• Agree to fulfil the post-graduation service commitment.

Eligible high school seniors and incoming undergraduate students may also apply.

Note: This scholarship is not open to all international students. Nigerian applicants, for example, must also hold citizenship of one of the five eligible countries to qualify. Some sponsoring facilities may have additional citizenship requirements.

Also Check: British Council Women in STEM Scholarships 2026 to Study in the UK (Fully Funded)

Eligible STEM Disciplines

The scholarship supports approved STEM fields, including:

• Aerospace, Civil, Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical, Materials, Nuclear and Software Engineering
• Computer Science, Data Science and Information Sciences
• Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
• Biological Sciences and Geosciences
• Oceanography and Operations Research
• Cognitive, Neural and Behavioral Sciences

Applicants should confirm that their specific degree programme is included among the approved SMART disciplines.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful SMART Scholars receive:

• Full tuition fees at an eligible U.S. institution.
• Annual stipend of approximately $30,000–$46,000, depending on the award and degree level.
• Book and health allowances.
• Paid summer internships for applicable multi-year awards.
• Professional mentorship and career development opportunities.
• Civilian employment opportunities with the sponsoring government department after graduation.

Funding is available for one to five years, depending on the degree level and approved scholarship duration.

Scholarship Service Commitment

The SMART Scholarship requires recipients to complete one year of civilian employment for every year of scholarship funding received.

Scholars must also obtain and maintain the security clearance required by their sponsoring facility. Applicants should carefully consider these obligations before accepting an award.

Also Check: MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 to Study in USA and Canada

Application Procedures

How to Apply: Interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official SMART Scholarship application website.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and approved STEM disciplines.
3. Create an account on the online application portal.
4. Complete the application with the required personal, academic and career information.
5. Upload the necessary supporting documents.
6. Ensure that referees submit their reference forms before the deadline.
7. Review and submit the completed application.

Applicants who reopen their submitted applications to make changes must submit them again before the deadline.

Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Academic transcripts and GPA information.
• Updated résumé or CV.
• Educational history and degree details.
• Personal statement and application responses.
• Required reference forms.
• Citizenship information.

Additional requirements may be specified in the online application portal.

Application Deadline

December 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

All application materials, including reference forms, must be submitted before the deadline.

Visit the Official Website for Further Details.

EXPLORE MORE SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS >>