Suitably qualified students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at an eligible US university beginning in August 2027 are invited to receive fully funded financial aid through the SMART Scholarship 2027 to Study in USA for the entire duration of study.
The SMART Scholarship 2027 is funded by the US Department of War (DoW) to STEM Students from eligible countries who are studying a bachelors, masters or PhD degree program at an accredited US university. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship program provides merit-based Bachelors Scholarships, Masters Scholarships and PhD Scholarships to students pursuing STEM degrees.
SMART scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, summer internships, and after graduation, gain civilian employment with the Department of War. Applications are open annually from August 1 to the first Friday in December. Take the first step toward advancing your education and jumpstart your careers.
The SMART Scholarship builds future leaders in STEM and is the largest education and workforce development initiative under the Department of War STEM Program. Scholarship recipients receive hands-on experience at one of over 150 Department of War facilities during their internships and apply this knowledge as early career professionals. Department of War facilities are at the forefront of innovation in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomy, space, 5G, and other technology areas.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom
- Be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2028.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be pursuing or planning to pursue an eligible bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree in Fall 2027.
- Attend or plan to attend a regionally accredited U.S. university.
- Be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
- Request between one and five years of scholarship funding.
- Agree to fulfil the post-graduation service commitment.
Note: This scholarship is not open to all international students. Nigerian applicants, for example, must also hold citizenship of one of the five eligible countries to qualify. Some sponsoring facilities may have additional citizenship requirements.
Eligible STEM Disciplines
- Aerospace, Civil, Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical, Materials, Nuclear and Software Engineering
- Computer Science, Data Science and Information Sciences
- Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
- Biological Sciences and Geosciences
- Oceanography and Operations Research
- Cognitive, Neural and Behavioral Sciences
Applicants should confirm that their specific degree programme is included among the approved SMART disciplines.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees at an eligible U.S. institution.
- Annual stipend of approximately $30,000–$46,000, depending on the award and degree level.
- Book and health allowances.
- Paid summer internships for applicable multi-year awards.
- Professional mentorship and career development opportunities.
- Civilian employment opportunities with the sponsoring government department after graduation.
Note: Funding is available for one to five years, depending on the degree level and approved scholarship duration.
Scholarship Service Commitment
- The SMART Scholarship requires recipients to complete one year of civilian employment for every year of scholarship funding received.
- Scholars must also obtain and maintain the security clearance required by their sponsoring facility. Applicants should carefully consider these obligations before accepting an award.
Method of Application
Visit the official application portal to submit your application for the SMART Scholarship 2027 to Study in USA.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and GPA information.
- Updated résumé or CV.
- Educational history and degree details.
- Personal statement and application responses.
- Required reference forms.
- Citizenship information.
Additional requirements may be specified in the online application portal.
Application Deadline: December 4, 2026.
For More Information: Visit the Scholarship Website.
