SMART Scholarship (Department of Defense)
Scholarship Overview: Full tuition for current STEM major college students who will begin career in a prestigious civilian position with the Department of Defense
Application Available: August 1, 2026
Deadline Date: December 6, 2026
Scholarship Details:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a citizen of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or U.K.
- Be 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2028
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Be currently pursuing, or will pursue, education in Fall 2027
- Will attend, or enrolled in, a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
- Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Will request between 1-5 years of degree funding (funding begins August 2027)
- 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 War
Application Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Transcripts
- DoD Employee Supervisor Letter
Application Requirements: Letter(s) of Recommendation, Minimum GPA
Award Amount: Varies
Award Details:
Covers full tuition and eligible education-related expenses, plus a $30,000–$46,000 annual stipend and additional allowances. Funding is available for one to five years. Recipients must complete one year of civilian employment with the Department of Defense for each year of funding received.
Website/URL: https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart
Scholarship Manager Information:
Contact Email: smart@smartscholarship.org
Additional Contact & Submission Information:
Submit application by deadline.
Filters:
Eligibility: Minimum GPA/Class Rank, U.S Citizen/Permanent Resident, Veteran/Active Duty/1st Responder (Personal/Relative)
Areas of Study: Biological, Biomedical Studies, & Pre-Med Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Engineering, Fire Sciences, Security, Military, & Intelligence, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Behavioral, & Cognitive Science
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Senior, College Student
Location Specific: National
Institution Type: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs)