Top STEM Scholarships

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.

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.