SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

Eligibility

• 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 for the current application cycle.
• Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be currently pursuing or intend to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in an eligible SMART STEM discipline.
• Attend or plan to attend an eligible regionally accredited United States college or university.
• Be able to complete the required SMART summer internship or work experience when applicable.
• Be willing and able to accept post-graduation civilian employment with the sponsoring federal facility.
• Be able to meet applicable security, suitability, and employment requirements associated with the sponsoring facility.

Requirements

• Complete the online SMART Scholarship application.
• Submit academic transcripts.
• Upload a current resume.
• Complete the SMART personal statement.
• Provide information about academic, research, employment, leadership, and other relevant experiences.
• Provide at least two completed references.
• Select an eligible STEM discipline and provide proposed degree and education information.
• Accept the required service commitment if selected.

How to Apply

1. 1Review SMART eligibility requirements and confirm that your degree falls within an approved STEM discipline.
2. 2Create or log in to the SMART Scholarship application portal.
3. 3Complete the applicant profile and proposed-award sections.
4. 4Upload a current resume.
5. 5Upload all required academic transcripts.
6. 6Complete the personal statement and experience sections.
7. 7Enter at least two references and give them enough time to submit their materials independently.
8. 8Review sponsoring-facility and career information carefully because the scholarship includes a post-graduation service obligation.
9. 9Submit your portion of the application by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 4, 2026.
10. 10Confirm that all required references and supporting materials are also received by the deadline.
11. 11If selected, complete required award documentation, sponsoring-facility coordination, and other onboarding requirements.
12. 12Complete required summer internships or work periods during the award when applicable.
13. 13After earning the funded degree, begin full-time federal civilian employment with the sponsoring facility and complete the required service commitment.