Application deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program supports students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with full funding and a guaranteed career path. After graduation, SMART scholars begin civilian careers with the Department of War, working as nonmilitary government employees on national security challenges in their fields. The program has supported STEM students for more than 20 years.

What the scholarship provides

• Full tuition at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university
• Annual stipend of $30,000 to $46,000
• Paid summer internships at Department of War facilities
• Mentorship, training, and research funding opportunities
• Civilian employment with the Department of War after graduation

This is a service commitment, not only a scholarship

SMART carries a one-for-one post-graduation service commitment: scholars owe one year of civilian employment with the Department of War for each year of funding received. Applicants request between one and five years of funding, beginning August 2027. Consider this obligation carefully before applying, and discuss it with your advisor if it affects your research or career plans.

Scholars whose award runs longer than 1.5 years must also complete summer internships at Department of War facilities during their studies.

Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
• Must be pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
• Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be studying in one of the 22 SMART STEM disciplines, which include computer science and engineering, mathematics, and physics.
  • The full list is on the program website.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

How to apply

Apply at smartscholarship.org. The site also hosts videos and program materials explaining the scholarship and application process.

About this listing

This opportunity is offered by an external organization. Georgia Tech is sharing it as a service to graduate students and is not the sponsor, administrator, or funder of this award. Georgia Tech does not review applications, select recipients, or make funding decisions for this program, and posting it here is not an endorsement of the sponsor.

Eligibility requirements, deadlines, award amounts, and application procedures are set by the sponsoring organization and may change without notice. The sponsor's official website is the authoritative source. Please verify all details there before applying, and direct questions about the application, eligibility, or award decisions to the sponsor.