SMART Scholarship 2027 in USA (Full Tuition + $30,000–$46,000 Annual Stipend)

Overview

The SMART Scholarship for 2027 is the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of War (DoW). It supports students pursuing bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees in approved science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. High school seniors and incoming college freshmen planning a bachelor's degree in fall 2027 can also apply. Applicants request one to five years of degree funding, starting in August 2027.

What you get

The scholarship pays full tuition and an annual stipend of $30,000 to $46,000, depending on degree level. Scholars also receive health and book allowances and mentorship. Awards longer than 1.5 years include summer internships at a DoW facility.

In return, awardees work as civilian employees at their DoW Sponsoring Facility after graduation, committing one year of service for every year of SMART-sponsored degree funding.

Who can apply

The scholarship is open to citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom who are at least 18 by January 1, 2028 and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must be studying, or planning to study in fall 2027, at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university in an approved STEM discipline. They must be able to obtain and keep a security clearance and be willing to complete internships and the one-for-one service commitment. Permanent residents and people with future military service commitments, such as ROTC, are not eligible.

How to apply

Applicants check eligibility and then complete a registration page, after which an email explains how to set up an account and start the application. The online application covers personal information, experiences, proposed award details and a personal statement. A resume and the most recent unofficial transcript are uploaded, or the latest high school transcript for seniors and freshmen. At least two and up to three references are needed, and SMART must receive all reference forms before the deadline, since late ones are not accepted.

The application must be submitted with the submit button, and an unfinished application can be saved. A reopened submitted application must be resubmitted. SAT, ACT and GRE scores are not required.

Key dates

The deadline is December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.