SMART Scholarship 2027 in USA | Fully Funded

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program 2027 is offering fully funded opportunities to students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines at accredited universities in the United States.

The program provides full tuition, an annual stipend of $30,000 to $46,000 depending on degree level, health and book allowances, mentorship, and internship opportunities.

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. In exchange for the scholarship, recipients commit to working as civilian employees of the Department of Defense after completing their degrees.

Degree funding is available for one to five years, beginning in August 2027.

SMART Scholarship 2027 Summary

• Host Country: United States of America
• Program: SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
• Funded By: U.S. Department of Defense
• Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
• Eligible Countries: United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom
• Study Institution: Regionally accredited U.S. colleges and universities
• Funding Duration: 1–5 years
• Annual Stipend: $30,000–$46,000
• Tuition: Fully funded
• Application Deadline: December 4, 2026

About the SMART Scholarship

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program supports students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM fields that are relevant to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Recipients receive financial support throughout their approved degree program while gaining opportunities to develop professional experience through internships and mentorship.

Students whose awards last longer than 1.5 years may participate in summer internships at Department of Defense facilities. After graduation, scholars fulfill a civilian employment commitment with the Department of Defense.

The program is therefore both a scholarship and a pathway into a STEM career within the U.S. Department of Defense.

SMART Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that may include:

• Full tuition coverage.
• Annual stipend ranging from $30,000 to $46,000, depending on degree level.
• Health insurance allowance.
• Book allowance.
• Mentorship from STEM professionals.
• Summer internship opportunities at Department of Defense facilities for awards longer than 1.5 years.
• Guaranteed post-graduation employment with the Department of Defense, subject to applicable requirements.
• Funding for between one and five years of study.

The combination of tuition support, living assistance, professional development, and employment opportunities makes the SMART Scholarship one of the major STEM funding programs available to eligible students.

SMART Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the 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 currently studying or planning to study in Fall 2027.
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
• Be pursuing or planning to pursue an approved STEM discipline.
• Be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
• Request between one and five years of degree funding beginning in August 2027.
• Be willing to complete summer internships when required for awards longer than 1.5 years.
• Be willing to accept a post-graduation civilian employment commitment with the Department of Defense.
• High school seniors and incoming college freshmen intending to begin a bachelor’s degree in Fall 2027 may also apply.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible for the SMART Scholarship:

• Permanent residents who do not hold citizenship of an eligible country.
• Applicants who have future military service commitments, including commitments associated with programs such as ROTC.
• Applicants pursuing degrees outside the approved STEM disciplines.
• Applicants who cannot obtain or maintain the security clearance required for their position.

How to Apply for SMART Scholarship 2027

Applicants should follow these steps to submit their applications:

1. Review the SMART Scholarship eligibility requirements and confirm that your intended degree and STEM discipline qualify.
2. Visit the official SMART Scholarship website and complete the registration process.
3. After registration, follow the instructions sent by email to create your account and access the application portal.
4. Complete all sections of the online application, including your personal information, academic and professional experiences, proposed award details, and personal statement.
5. Upload your resume and most recent unofficial transcript.
6. High school seniors and incoming freshmen should upload their most recent or final high school transcript.
7. Provide at least two references, with up to three references permitted.
8. Monitor the application checklist and progress bar to ensure that all required sections have been completed.
9. Ensure that all required reference forms are submitted before the deadline.
10. Review your application carefully and click Submit Application before the deadline.

Simply completing the application is not enough. Applicants must formally submit the application through the portal before the deadline.

Applicants can save an incomplete application and return to it later. If changes are made after submitting an application, the application must be submitted again before the deadline.