SMART Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation
Program Overview
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a merit-based scholarship and workforce-development initiative funded by the U.S. Department of War. It supports bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by combining financial support with paid internships and post-graduation civilian employment. The program is intended to advance recipients' education while directly connecting them to Department of War research and operational needs. Applicants should confirm they meet eligibility and discipline requirements before applying.
Description: SMART provides tuition support, stipends, mentorship, internship placements at Department of War facilities, and a pathway to civilian employment after graduation. The award is competitive and intended for students committed to serving as civilian employees upon completion of their degree commitment.
- Merit-based scholarships for STEM undergraduates and graduates
- Combines financial support with practical internships and career placement
- Requires post-graduation civilian service with the Department of War
Eligible Disciplines
The program covers a broad range of STEM disciplines that align with Department of War priorities. Disciplines are general categories; specific majors may fall under one or more categories and should be verified against the SMART discipline list when applying. Applicants must be pursuing, or intend to pursue, a degree in one of the eligible fields to qualify.
Description: Eligible fields include traditional engineering and science areas as well as interdisciplinary and emerging domains relevant to national defense research and operations.
- Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Data Science and Analytics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geosciences
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Oceanography
- Operations Research
- Physics
- Software Engineering
- Wide coverage of engineering, physical, and life sciences
- Check specific majors against the SMART discipline list
- Interdisciplinary fields may also qualify
Scholarship Eligibility
Eligibility is based on citizenship, academic standing, program enrollment, and the ability to meet security and service requirements. The program accepts applicants at multiple academic levels, including incoming college freshmen and high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must demonstrate academic merit and the intent to pursue an eligible STEM degree at a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet citizenship, age, GPA, enrollment, accreditation, security clearance, funding-duration, internship, and post-graduation service requirements as specified by the program.
- Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom
- 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2028
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Currently pursuing, or intending 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
- Requesting between 1–5 years of degree funding
- 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.
- Multiple academic entry points, including incoming freshmen
- Security clearance and service commitment are mandatory
- Minimum academic and enrollment standards must be maintained
Award Details
The SMART award covers tuition and fees and provides additional financial and professional support to recipients. Awards include annual stipends, mentorship, and allowances intended to reduce financial barriers while students complete their degrees. Recipients also participate in paid summer internships at Department of War facilities to gain applied experience prior to civilian employment.
Award Value: Typical award components include full tuition and fees, annual stipends, health and book allowances, mentorship, and paid summer internships; recipients transition to Department of War civilian employment after graduation as part of the service obligation.
- Full tuition and fees coverage
- Annual stipends plus health and book allowances
- Paid summer internships with Department of War facilities
- Mentorship and career placement leading to civilian employment
Application Timeline
The SMART application cycle is annual and follows a fixed submission window each year. Prospective applicants should prepare materials well before the opening date to ensure complete and competitive submissions. Award funding and program start dates are defined within the application guidance and may specify when funding begins for a given cohort.
Application Timeline: Applications open annually on August 1 and close on the first Friday in December; applicants must confirm specific cohort funding start dates and requested funding duration when applying.
- Application window: August 1 to the first Friday in December (annual)
- Prepare transcripts, clearance documentation, and program materials in advance
- Confirm funding start dates and requested years of support in the application