Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), is more than a scholarship. SMART is a unique education and workforce development opportunity for aspiring leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, health and book allowances, mentorship, and conduct summer internships at a DoD facility. All scholarship applicants should be pursuing, or intend to pursue, a degree in one of the SMART STEM disciplines. Your first step to an impactful civilian career with the Department of Defense is reviewing the eligibility requirements for the SMART Scholarship Program.

Scholarship Eligibility

• Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom
• Be 18 years of age or older by the specified date
• Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Be currently pursuing, or intend to pursue in fall 2026, 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 1-5 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 Defense

*High school seniors and incoming college freshmen who will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the upcoming fall semester are eligible to apply.

**Security clearances are initiated by a scholar’s Sponsoring Facility after award.