SMART Scholarship 2027 in USA

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Scholarship-for-Service Program, commonly known as SMART, is a STEM education and workforce development programme funded by the U.S. Department of War. It supports students pursuing approved science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees while preparing them for civilian careers within participating Department facilities.

SMART supports students at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level, including eligible high school seniors and incoming college freshmen who intend to begin a bachelor’s degree in autumn 2027. Scholars must study at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university and pursue one of SMART’s approved STEM disciplines.

The programme combines academic funding with professional experience. Scholars may receive between one and five years of funding depending on their degree level. Multi-year scholars complete required summer internships at their Department of War Sponsoring Facility, where they gain practical experience and work with professional mentors.

After completing their funded degree, scholars begin a full-time civilian service commitment with their Sponsoring Facility. Generally, one academic year of SMART funding creates one year of required civilian service. This employment obligation is a central part of the programme and should be carefully considered before applying.

Applicants for the 2026 application cycle leading to funding beginning in 2027 must meet the current SMART eligibility conditions:

• Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand or United Kingdom at the time of application.
• Be at least 18 years old by 1 January 2028.
• Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be currently pursuing or planning to pursue an eligible degree by autumn 2027.
• Study or plan to study at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
• Pursue a degree in one of SMART’s approved STEM disciplines.
• Request between one and five years of eligible degree funding beginning in August 2027.
• Be able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required by the Sponsoring Facility.
• Complete required summer internships for awards longer than 1.5 years.
• Accept the required post-graduation civilian employment commitment with the Department of War.
• High school seniors and incoming college freshmen may apply if they will pursue an eligible bachelor’s degree in autumn 2027.

SMART scholars may receive:

• Full tuition at an eligible regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• Approved mandatory educational fees.
• Annual stipend of $30,000–$46,000 depending on degree level.
• Annual book/miscellaneous supplies allowance.
• Health insurance allowance for eligible recruitment scholars.
• Summer internships for applicable multi-year awards.
• Professional mentoring from an experienced STEM professional.
• Practical experience at a Department of War Sponsoring Facility.
• Internship support payments where programme conditions apply.
• Full-time civilian employment with the Sponsoring Facility after graduation.

The current SMART application includes the following core materials and sections:

• Updated résumé or CV in PDF format.
• Most recent unofficial academic transcript in PDF format.
• Personal statement addressing the required SMART prompts.
• At least two completed reference forms.
• Applicants may provide up to three references.
• Academic background information.
• Proposed degree and award information.
• Education and professional experience information.
• Selection of preferred SMART Sponsoring Facilities and reasons for those choices.
• Additional information requested through the online application.

SMART describes its scholarships as merit-based. Sponsoring Facilities identify candidates whose qualifications and experience align with available STEM workforce opportunities.

Selection may therefore consider:

• Academic background and ability to meet the minimum programme GPA.
• Relevance of the applicant’s STEM discipline.
• Qualifications and experiences relevant to available Sponsoring Facility opportunities.
• Quality and relevance of the personal statement.
• Educational and professional goals.
• Information provided through the applicant’s experience sections.
• Reference evaluations.
• Alignment with the applicant’s selected Sponsoring Facilities.
• Ability to meet programme requirements, including internships, security clearance and post-graduation service.

• Receive substantial financial support while completing an eligible STEM degree.
• Gain practical STEM experience through Department of War facilities.
• Work with experienced scientific and engineering mentors.
• Combine university study with professional summer internships.
• Build experience in research, engineering, technology and other priority STEM areas.
• Develop connections within a large network of government research and technical facilities.
• Enter a defined civilian STEM career pathway after graduation.
• Gain professional experience directly connected to your academic discipline.