SMART Scholarship-for-Service (US Department of Defense)

About this scholarship

The SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, is a combined education-and-employment award for students pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines. It is exceptionally generous: recipients receive full tuition and education costs, a substantial annual cash stipend, summer internships, a health-insurance allowance, and — uniquely — a guaranteed, full-time civilian job with the Department of Defense after graduation. In exchange, scholars commit to a period of post-graduation employment with the DoD, generally one year of service for each year of funding received. The program supports students at the undergraduate through doctoral levels in eligible STEM fields. To be eligible you must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old, be pursuing (or planning to pursue) a degree in an eligible STEM discipline at an accredited U.S. institution, be in good academic standing, and be willing to accept the post-graduation DoD employment commitment. Applications generally open in August and close around December 1, and selection considers academic record, the fit of the applicant's field with DoD needs, and a clear interest in serving.

Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old
• Be pursuing (or planning) a degree in an eligible STEM discipline at a US institution
• Be in good academic standing
• Be willing to accept post-graduation employment with the Department of Defense
• Apply through the SMART system (typically August–December 1)