SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

Funded by
Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation

The SMART scholarship program for service is a scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students currently pursuing a degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines.

The scholarship offers a reward of $25,000–$38,000 to 300 recipients to assist them with their tuition and school-related expenses.

SMART sponsors undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study in 21 academic disciplines critical to national security and DoD’s future by providing full tuition, summer internships, a generous stipend, and guaranteed employment at a DoD laboratory or agency. In return, scholars commit to a one-for-one employment commitment at their department of defense (DoD) sponsoring facility after obtaining their degree.

Scholarship Summary

The SMART scholarship program for service is a scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students currently pursuing a degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines.

The scholarship offers a reward of $25,000–$38,000 to 300 recipients to assist them with their tuition and school-related expenses.

SMART sponsors undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study in 21 academic disciplines critical to national security and DoD’s future by providing full tuition, summer internships, a generous stipend, and guaranteed employment at a DoD laboratory or agency. In return, scholars commit to a one-for-one employment commitment at their department of defense (DoD) sponsoring facility after obtaining their degree.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Eligible Grade: Undergraduate – Doctorate
  • Maximum Age: Any
  • Required GPA: 3.0
  • Geographic Eligibility: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States
  • Gender: Any
  • Race/Ethnicity: Any

Key Information of SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

Study Details

Area of Study

  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Astronautical Engineering
  • Aviation
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biosciences
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Geosciences
  • Healthcare
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Ocean/Coastal Engineering
  • Oceanography
  • Operations Research
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Country of Study

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Specific Schools

Any

Application Requirements

Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.

  • Grade transcript

SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program Timeline

August 1, 2023

Application Open Date

Application opens for submission of entries

December 14, 2023

Submission Deadline

Entries will no longer be accepted from this date.

February/March 2024

Award Announcement Date

Scholarship winners will be announced and contacted within this date.

How to ace the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

1

Complete all fields on the registration portal

Complete the registration on the application portal to ensure eligibility and receive access. Fill all fields accurately.

2

Complete all tasks on the application portal

Ensure to complete every task in the portal before submission; you can track your progress with the progress bar at the top of the page.

3

Demonstrate relevance of your goals to DoD

Make sure you explain why you intend to be a SMART scholar and how your goals will further the mission of the Department of Defense (DoD).

4

Stick to the specification of the personal statement

Your personal statement must be between 3,500 and 7,000 characters, including spaces, and endeavor to answer the initial prompt.

How the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is Judged

Entries will be judged on the quality of the grade transcript and personal statement.

Why We Love the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

1

The program offers health insurance and allowance

The scholarship offers a health insurance allowance of up to $1,200 per academic year as well as a miscellaneous allowance of up to $1,000 per academic year.

2

The scholarships funds cover full tuition fee

The award covers full tuition and education-related expenses like books.

3

The scholarship offers a mentorship platform

Scholars get to have an experienced mentor at one of the Sponsoring Facilities as well as employment placement at a DoD facility upon completion of the degree.

5 Facts About the SMART Scholarship Program for Service

01.

The program focuses on defense-related disciplines

The program focuses on students pursuing disciplines that are very critical to national security functions of the Department of Defense (DoD).

02.

The scholarship funding is for a period of one to five years

Depending on degree requirements, scholarships are awarded for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years of funding.

03.

The program offers an opportunity to acquire STEM education

The program provides SMART Scholars with the tools required to pursue their STEM education and begin their career in a prestigious civilian position with the Department of Defense (DoD).

04.

The program provides workforce for the department of defense

The SMART Scholarship for Service Program enhances the Department of Defense civilian workforce with innovative engineers, scientists, and researchers across the United States.

05.

The scholarship program is funded by the department of defense

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Scholarship for Service Program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD).