SMART Scholarship 2026

Scholarships are awarded for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years of funding, depending on degree requirements. SMART is a one-for-one commitment; for every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working for a year with the DoD as a civilian employee. 

Eligibility Criteria for the SMART Scholarship 2025:

• Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom
• Be 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2026
• Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Be currently pursuing, or intend to pursue in fall 2025, a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a SMART STEM discipline*
• 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 and 5 years of degree funding. Degree funding will start in August 2026
• 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 Defense

Benefits of SMART Scholarship 2025:

• Full tuition and education-related expenditures (meal plans, housing, and parking are not covered).
• Stipend paid at a rate of $30,000 to $46,000 per year based on degree level (may be prorated depending on award term).
• Summer research internships range from 8 to 12 weeks
• Health Insurance allowance of up to $2,500 each academic year.
• A miscellaneous allowance of up to $1,000 every academic year.
• Experienced mentorship at Sponsoring Facilities and placement at a DoD facility upon degree completion.

Application Process:

Interested applicants must apply through the university scholarship website to be considered for the scholarship.