STEM scholarships

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AACAP Mentorship Grants for Medical Students

Due: 6/27/26 No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
$1,200
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4 days left!

Thomas M. Stetson Scholarship

Due: 6/30/26
$2,000
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4 days left!

Kinetix "The Future of IT" Scholarship Program

Due: 6/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
$1,000
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Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship Fund

Due: 6/30/26
$1,000
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Aidan Connolly Memorial Scholarship

Due: 6/30/26 No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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SUNY ESF College Foundation Scholarships

Due: 6/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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4 days left!

Zach Myers Memorial Firefighter Scholarship

Due: 6/30/26 No min. GPA Required
$1,000
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4 days left!

Annual AMN/HCC Scholarship Essay Contest

Due: 6/30/26 No min. GPA Required
$3,000
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4 days left!

Sue Marsh Weller Memorial Scholarship Fund

Due: 6/30/26
$1,000
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Key takeaways about STEM scholarships

  • STEM scholarships help students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math pay for college.
  • Awards range from merit-based to need-based, with opportunities for women, minorities, first-generation students, and specific STEM majors.
  • Many scholarships are recurring—meaning you can apply every year you’re in college.
  • You can boost your chances by applying early, applying often, and exploring both national and local opportunities.
  • You can easily apply for our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship—it takes 2 minutes or less.

The demand for STEM talent continues to grow, and so does the financial support available to future innovators. Whether you’re heading into engineering, computer science, healthcare, or environmental science, STEM scholarships can help you lower the cost of your education—often without needing to repay a single dollar.

This guide breaks down what scholarships are available for STEM students, how to qualify, and where to find the top scholarships for STEM students in 2026 and beyond.

What Are STEM Scholarships?

STEM scholarships are financial awards for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math. These awards may be funded by companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or colleges looking to support the next generation of STEM professionals.

These scholarships often target:

  • High-achieving students
  • Students from underrepresented communities
  • Women in STEM
  • First-generation college students
  • Students pursuing high-need majors (like cybersecurity or biomedical engineering)

Why scholarships matter for STEM students

STEM degrees are valuable—but they can also be costly. Scholarships can help you:

  • Reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs
  • Avoid taking on additional student loans
  • Access internships, mentorships, and networking programs
  • Gain recognition that can strengthen your resume

Plus, many STEM scholarships come with additional perks like research funding, summer programs, or guaranteed interviews.

How to qualify for STEM scholarships

Each scholarship has different requirements, but common criteria include:

  • Declaring or planning to pursue a STEM major
  • Meeting a minimum GPA
  • Submitting essays or project samples
  • Demonstrating financial need (for some awards)
  • Participating in STEM related extracurriculars, competitions, or community programs

Pro tip: Even if a scholarship seems competitive, apply anyway—many have fewer applicants than you think.

Scholly Scholarships

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Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

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Top scholarships for STEM students

These verified scholarships include awards for high school seniors, college students, and underrepresented groups.

  1. Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
    A quick way to potentially win free money for school—open to all students pursuing any field, including STEM.
  2. National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships
    Supports students pursuing degrees in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology fields.
  3. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
    Offers millions in scholarships each year for women entering engineering or computer science.
  4. Google Lime Scholarship
    Designed for students with disabilities pursuing a degree in computer science.
  5. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Scholarships
    Provides awards for engineering students and future innovators.
  6. STEM Teacher Scholarship Programs
    For students planning to become STEM educators, especially in high-need school districts.

You can apply to multiple scholarships at once—many students fund their education through a combination of awards.

How to apply for STEM scholarships

Most STEM scholarship applications will require:

  1. A personal statement or essay
  2. Letters of recommendation
  3. Transcripts or proof of GPA
  4. A declared STEM major
  5. Optional materials like portfolios, project summaries, or competition results

To stay organized, tools like Scholly Scholarships and Scout College Search can help you discover scholarships and schools matched to your interests and eligibility.

Additional resources for STEM students

Scholarships by major
Find awards tailored to your field—engineering, computer science, biology, math, and more—on our scholarships by major page.

Scholarships for high school seniors
Planning to pursue a STEM degree? Start early with our scholarships for high school seniors guide to discover STEM-friendly awards and upcoming deadlines.

Scholarships for college students
Already enrolled in a STEM program? Explore our scholarships for college students resource for funding opportunities at every college level.

Scholarships for first-generation students
First in your family to attend college and majoring in STEM? Browse first-generation student scholarships designed to support your academic journey.

Scholarships for adults
Returning to school or transitioning into a STEM career? Scholarships for adult learners can help cover tuition, lab fees, and certifications in high-demand STEM fields.

Scholarships for women
Women in STEM can access targeted awards, mentorship, and networking through our Scholarships for women hub—created to help close the gender gap in science and technology.

LGBTQ+ scholarships
Find inclusive funding opportunities and supportive communities advancing diversity in STEM on our LGBTQ+ Scholarships page.

Scholarships by state
Increase your chances with local and state-based STEM awards by searching our Scholarships by state directory.

Pro tip: Apply to scholarships across multiple categories. For example, a first-generation woman majoring in engineering may qualify for several different awards.

Frequently asked questions

These tips can help as you get ready to apply for STEM scholarships.

What are STEM scholarships?

STEM scholarships are financial awards for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded based on specific backgrounds, interests, or career goals.

Who qualifies for STEM scholarships?

Eligibility varies by scholarship, but many STEM scholarships are available to high school seniors, undergraduate students, graduate students, and adult learners enrolled in STEM-related programs. Some awards target women, minorities, veterans, or first-generation college students.

What majors are considered STEM majors for scholarships?

Common STEM majors include computer science, engineering, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, information technology, data science, cybersecurity, and other science- and technology-focused fields.

How can I increase my chances of winning a STEM scholarship?

Students can improve their chances by applying early, maintaining strong grades, participating in STEM-related activities, gaining leadership experience, and tailoring scholarship essays to each opportunity's requirements.

Are there STEM scholarships specifically for women?

Yes. Many organizations offer scholarships designed to support women pursuing careers in STEM fields, helping address gender gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions.

Can high school students apply for STEM scholarships?

Yes. Many STEM scholarships are available to high school juniors and seniors planning to pursue a STEM degree in college. Some awards can be applied for before students are officially enrolled in a STEM program.

Do STEM scholarships need to be repaid?

No. Scholarships are considered gift aid and generally do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable way to reduce college costs and student loan borrowing.

Are there STEM scholarships for minority students?

Yes. Many STEM scholarship programs support underrepresented groups, including Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other minority students pursuing STEM degrees.

When should I start applying for STEM scholarships?

Students should begin searching and applying as early as possible—ideally during high school and continuing throughout college. Many STEM scholarships have annual deadlines and accept applications year-round.

Where can I find STEM scholarships for college?

Students can find STEM scholarships through scholarship search platforms, colleges and universities, professional associations, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government-funded programs focused on STEM education.

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

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