If you are studying science, technology, engineering, or math, you have access to some of the most generous scholarship programs in the country. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft fund awards because they need STEM talent. Government agencies like the NSF and Department of Defense invest in students because national competitiveness depends on it. The result is a deep pool of money available to STEM students at every level.
This guide covers the strongest STEM scholarships for 2026, organized by category so you can find the ones that fit your situation.
Federal and Government STEM Scholarships
The federal government is one of the biggest backers of STEM education. These awards tend to be generous and come with benefits beyond tuition.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
The NSF GRFP is one of the most prestigious awards in graduate-level STEM. It provides a $37,000 annual stipend for three years, plus a tuition and fees waiver paid directly to your institution. The fellowship supports students in the early stages of their graduate careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.
What makes the NSF GRFP stand out is its portability. You can take it to any accredited institution in the United States, which gives you real leverage when choosing a graduate program. The application emphasizes your research plan and broader impacts, so strong writing matters as much as your GPA.
Who should apply: Graduate students (or advanced undergrads planning to enter grad school) in STEM research fields.
SMART Scholarship (Department of Defense)
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation scholarship is a full ride with a job waiting at the end. SMART covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and a guaranteed civilian position with the Department of Defense after graduation. The stipend ranges from $25,000 to $38,000 per year depending on your degree level.
The catch is a service commitment. For every year of funding, you owe one year of employment with a DoD facility. For many students, that is not a catch at all. It is a launching pad into a stable, well-paying career in defense research.
Who should apply: Undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields that align with DoD needs, including physics, engineering, cybersecurity, and mathematics.
Barry Goldwater Scholarship
The Goldwater is the premier undergraduate scholarship for students pursuing research careers in STEM. It awards up to $7,500 per year to cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Sophomores and juniors are eligible, and winners often go on to receive NSF fellowships and other major awards.
The application requires a research essay and strong faculty recommendations. Your campus likely has a Goldwater faculty representative who can help you put together a competitive application.
Who should apply: STEM sophomores and juniors with strong research experience and plans for graduate study.
Corporate and Industry STEM Scholarships
Tech companies and other corporations fund STEM scholarships as a way to build their future workforce. These awards often come with internship opportunities and mentorship.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Amazon offers $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year for four years) to students planning to major in computer science. The award also includes a paid internship at Amazon after your freshman year, which is a significant career advantage on its own.
Applicants need to be high school seniors planning to study computer science at a four-year university. Amazon looks for students from underserved communities and those who have demonstrated leadership.
Who should apply: High school seniors planning to major in computer science, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
Microsoft offers full tuition scholarships to students pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related STEM fields. The scholarship targets students entering their sophomore year or later, and recipients can reapply each year.
Beyond the money, the scholarship connects you with Microsoft mentors and opens doors to internship opportunities. The application process evaluates academic achievement, leadership, and passion for technology.
Who should apply: Undergraduate students in computer science or computer engineering programs.
Intel Scholars Program
Intel funds scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 across various STEM disciplines. The program partners with organizations like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society to reach a wide range of students.
Intel scholarships often come bundled with networking events, mentorship, and exposure to career opportunities within the company.
Who should apply: Undergraduate students in various STEM fields, with specific programs targeting underrepresented communities.
Engineering-Specific Scholarships
If you are studying engineering, you have access to scholarships through professional engineering societies. These organizations support students throughout their academic careers and into professional life.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
SWE distributes over $1 million in scholarships annually, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $16,000. The scholarships are open to women at all levels of engineering education, from incoming freshmen to graduate students.
SWE uses a single application for multiple scholarships, which means one application can qualify you for dozens of awards. That efficiency makes it one of the best returns on your time as an applicant.
Who should apply: Women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering or engineering technology.
Astronaut Scholarship
Funded by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, this award provides $15,000 to outstanding STEM juniors and seniors. The scholarship is merit-based and highly competitive, with only about 60 awards given each year.
Nominations come through your university, so you will need to check whether your school participates. The foundation was created by the original Mercury 7 astronauts, and past recipients include leaders in science, medicine, and engineering.
Who should apply: STEM juniors and seniors at participating universities with strong academic and research records.
Computer Science Scholarships
Computer science students are in especially high demand, and several major scholarships target this field specifically.
Generation Google Scholarship
Google awards $10,000 scholarships to students from underrepresented groups who are pursuing degrees in computer science or a closely related field. The scholarship is open to students enrolled at accredited universities in the United States and Canada.
Google looks for academic strength, leadership, and a demonstrated passion for computer science and technology. Past recipients often connect with Google employees and explore internship paths.
Who should apply: Undergraduate or graduate students from underrepresented groups in computer science.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship (Computer Science Focus)
As noted above, the Amazon Future Engineer program specifically targets computer science majors with $40,000 in funding plus an internship. If CS is your path, this is one of the most valuable single awards you can pursue as a high school senior.
Scholarships for Underrepresented Groups in STEM
Several organizations exist specifically to increase diversity in STEM fields. These scholarships support students from communities that have historically been underrepresented in science and engineering.
National GEM Consortium Fellowship
The GEM Fellowship provides full tuition and a living stipend for underrepresented minority students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in engineering and science. GEM partners with major employers, so fellows also receive paid internship placements.
This is one of the most comprehensive graduate fellowships available. The combination of full funding and industry connections makes GEM a standout option for minority students entering STEM graduate programs.
Who should apply: Underrepresented minority students pursuing graduate degrees in engineering or science.
NSBE Scholarships (National Society of Black Engineers)
NSBE offers multiple scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 for Black students in engineering and other STEM fields. Awards are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
NSBE membership provides access to career fairs, mentorship, and one of the largest networks of Black engineers in the country. The scholarship application is part of a broader ecosystem of professional development.
Who should apply: Black students pursuing degrees in engineering or STEM fields.
SHPE Scholarships (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers)
SHPE awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to Hispanic students in STEM. The organization supports students from high school through graduate school and into their professional careers.
SHPE also hosts one of the largest Hispanic STEM conferences in the country, which is a valuable networking and recruiting opportunity.
Who should apply: Hispanic students pursuing degrees in STEM fields.
AISES Scholarships (American Indian Science and Engineering Society)
AISES provides scholarships from $1,000 to $10,000 for Indigenous students in STEM. The organization supports American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, First Nations, and other Indigenous students.
AISES scholarships are part of a broader support system that includes a national conference, professional development resources, and a community of Indigenous STEM professionals.
Who should apply: Indigenous students pursuing degrees in STEM fields.
STEM Research Competitions
Some of the largest STEM awards come through research competitions, particularly for high school students. These programs reward original scientific research and can provide life-changing funding.
Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors in the United States. The top award is $250,000, with 40 finalists each receiving at least $25,000. In total, the competition distributes more than $3.1 million annually.
To compete, you submit an original research project along with your academic record. The competition values independent thinking, creativity, and scientific rigor. Past alumni include Nobel laureates and Fields Medal winners.
Who should apply: High school seniors who have completed original STEM research projects.
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Formerly associated with Siemens and Intel, ISEF is now part of the Regeneron family of competitions. It is the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, with approximately 1,800 students from more than 80 countries competing for millions of dollars in prizes.
Students qualify through regional and state science fairs. Top prizes include substantial cash awards and scholarships.
Who should apply: High school students who excel in regional science fair competitions.
Tips for STEM Scholarship Applicants
Applying for STEM scholarships is a skill you can develop. Here are strategies that will help you stand out.
Start early and stay organized. Many STEM scholarships have fall deadlines for the following academic year. Create a spreadsheet tracking deadlines, requirements, and submission status. Missing a deadline by one day means missing the opportunity entirely.
Highlight your research experience. STEM scholarships place a premium on research. If you have worked in a lab, contributed to a published paper, or completed an independent project, make sure that experience is front and center in your application.
Get strong faculty recommendations. A generic letter will not cut it. Ask professors who know your work well and can speak specifically about your abilities and potential. Give them plenty of lead time and share your resume and personal statement so they can write a targeted letter.
Tailor your essays to each scholarship. A scholarship from the Department of Defense wants to hear about different things than one from Google. Read each program’s mission and values, then align your story with what they are looking for.
Apply broadly. Do not limit yourself to one or two scholarships. Apply to every program where you meet the basic eligibility requirements. Smaller awards add up, and the practice of applying makes you better at it over time.
Show your impact beyond the lab. Many STEM scholarships ask about leadership and community involvement. Tutoring other students, organizing a coding club, or volunteering with a STEM outreach program all demonstrate that you care about more than just your own success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack multiple STEM scholarships?
Yes, in most cases you can hold multiple scholarships at once. However, some awards have restrictions. Federal programs and certain institutional scholarships may reduce your award if your total aid exceeds the cost of attendance. Always check the terms of each scholarship and talk to your financial aid office about how stacking affects your overall package.
Do I need research experience to win a STEM scholarship?
Not all STEM scholarships require research experience, but many of the most competitive ones do. Corporate scholarships like the Amazon Future Engineer award focus more on leadership and potential. Government fellowships like the NSF GRFP place heavy weight on your research plan. If you are early in your academic career, look for programs that match where you are now.
Are STEM scholarships only for engineering and computer science majors?
No. STEM covers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. That includes biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, data science, mathematics, and many other fields. Some scholarships are field-specific, but many are open to any STEM discipline.
When should I start applying for STEM scholarships?
Start as early as your junior year of high school. Many of the biggest awards, like the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship and the Regeneron Science Talent Search, target high school seniors. In college, new opportunities open up each year, so keep applying throughout your undergraduate and graduate careers.
Are these scholarships taxable?
Scholarship money used for qualified education expenses like tuition, fees, and required books is generally tax-free. However, amounts used for room and board or other living expenses may be taxable. Stipends from fellowships like the NSF GRFP are typically considered taxable income. Consult a tax professional or check IRS Publication 970 for details.
Do international students qualify for these scholarships?
Most of the scholarships listed here are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The Generation Google Scholarship extends to Canadian students as well. International students should look into university-specific scholarships, private foundations, and programs offered by their home countries.
What GPA do I need for STEM scholarships?
There is no single GPA requirement across all STEM scholarships. Many competitive programs look for a 3.5 or higher, but some focus more on research experience, leadership, and potential than on grades alone. A strong application can sometimes overcome a GPA that is not perfect, especially if you can demonstrate growth and meaningful contributions to your field.
How do I find STEM scholarships that fit my specific situation?
Start with the professional societies in your field. Organizations like SWE, NSBE, SHPE, and AISES maintain updated scholarship databases for their communities. Your university’s financial aid office and department advisors are also valuable resources. Online scholarship databases can help you filter by field, background, and academic level.
Bottom Line
STEM students have more scholarship money available to them than almost any other group of college students. The key is knowing where to look and putting in the effort to apply. Whether you are a high school senior just starting your college search or a graduate student funding your research, there is likely a scholarship on this list that fits your profile.
Do not leave money on the table. Start with the programs that match your field, your background, and your academic level, then work outward from there. Every application you submit is a chance to reduce or eliminate the cost of your education.
CollegeLens can help you find scholarships that match your profile. Sign up for free and let us help you navigate the financial aid process.
The CollegeLens Team
STEM Scholarship Tracker Fields:
- Scholarship name
- Category (federal, corporate, society, competition)
- Degree level (HS, undergrad, grad)
- Field focus (CS, engineering, general STEM, etc.)
- Award amount and duration
- Eligibility notes
- Deadline
- Application components (essays, rec letters, transcript, portfolio)
- Submission status (not started / in progress / submitted / result)