Dreaming of a career in science, technology, engineering, or math but worried about how to pay for it? One of the biggest hurdles STEM students face today isn’t the complexity of their coursework; it’s the rising cost of education.
Tuition fees, lab costs, and tech equipment can add up quickly. Unfortunately, many bright minds give up their dreams simply because they can’t afford to continue. That’s where scholarships for STEM students bridge the gap.
There are numerous STEM scholarships, including science scholarships for budding researchers, as well as technology and engineering scholarships. Plus, math scholarships for students who think in terms of code, circuits, and calculations.
Keep reading this article to know the top opportunities out there, what you’ll need to qualify, and how to increase your chances of winning them. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped to fund that future you’ve been working so hard for.
What Are STEM Scholarships and Why Do They Matter?
STEM scholarships are financial awards given to students who major in (or intend to major in) science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This money covers tuition, fees, living expenses, and other academic expenses.
These awards are open to both graduate and undergraduate students. While each scholarship program has unique eligibility requirements, the ultimate prerequisite is that you must major in a STEM discipline.
You may receive either a one-time STEM award or a renewed one. However, to be eligible for renewed STEM awards, you must maintain a certain GPA (Grade Point Average).
Key Reasons Why Scholarships for STEM Students Matter
Today's world revolves around science, technology, engineering, and maths. These are the pillars of industries solving global challenges: climate change, medical breakthroughs, etc. Thus, STEM scholarships are undeniably essential for the following reasons:
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It Saves Cost
Getting a STEM degree isn't cheap. From lab fees to tuition, textbooks, and certifications, the costs can add up quickly. But with scholarships for STEM students, you can easily cover your bills.
Additionally, these awards give you access to opportunities you ordinarily might have struggled to get. This way, you can focus on studying and research instead of racking up debts.
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Gives You Recognition and Access to Opportunities
Beyond money, science scholarships also offer recognition. As a student, winning a scholarship is a confidence booster, upgrades your resume, and gives you leverage on grad school applications.
Some even include exclusive networking opportunities, internships, or mentorships with leaders in STEM fields.
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Empowers Underrepresented Students
STEM scholarships for students from underrepresented groups act as career boosters. They diversify the future workforce by creating opportunities for minorities, women, first-generation college students, and low-income students to grow in these fields.
Read also: Top 10 Most Recent Fully Funded Scholarships and Graduate Opportunities
Types of STEM Scholarships For Students
From merit-based to need-based and field-specific options, there’s an opportunity for everyone. And understanding the different types can help you narrow down to what suits you best. Let’s break them down so you know exactly where to start.
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Need-based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are for students with financial needs. The government, along with certain universities, organizations, or corporations, provides this type of scholarship. However, there's no specific income level that determines whether you qualify for it.
And different organizations define “financial need” differently. So, you'd want to check with your scholarship provider to understand their eligibility criteria.
2. Merit-based Scholarships
As the name implies, merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievements. This type of scholarship is competitive as it isn't offered by all colleges or schools.
Applying for merit-based scholarships typically requires you to complete the school’s application form. Meanwhile, some colleges will ask you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify.
3. Career- or Field-specific Scholarships
Career- or field-specific scholarships focus on students interested in a particular career or industry. These STEM scholarships could be split into:
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Science scholarships for students interested in science-inclined majors
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Technology scholarships for students seeking careers in tech
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Engineering scholarships for students looking to major in engineering
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Math scholarships for students pursuing a career in mathematics or math-related fields
4. Demographic-specific Scholarships
Demography-specific scholarships are primarily for students within a specific group. They are typically determined by factors like gender, ethnicity, disability status, and so on. These scholarships support:
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Women
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Veterans
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Minorities
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LGBTQ+ students
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Students with disabilities
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First-generation college students
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Students from marginalized or underrepresented groups
This makes higher education more inclusive and easily accessible to these individuals.
Top STEM Scholarships to Watch Out For
Some scholarships are just too good to miss. These are the big-name or high-value awards that open serious doors. So, if you’re aiming high, you’ll want these on your radar. We’ve rounded up the top STEM scholarships worth applying for this year.
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Google STEM Scholarship
The Google STEM Scholarship is designed for students pursuing computer science, engineering, and tech-related fields. It centers on underrepresented and marginalized groups like women, Latino, and Black students.
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Beneficiaries are given $10,000 annually
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It’s available to full-time graduate or undergraduate students within the STEM field
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Beyond financial support, recipients receive mentorship opportunities with professionals at Google
2. Microsoft STEM Scholarship
The Microsoft STEM scholarship focuses on various STEM subjects and particularly supports underrepresented students in STEM.
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Although amounts vary, it may cover tuition and other expenses
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The scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students with a solid academic track record
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Recipients are usually qualified for entry-level job opportunities or internships with Microsoft
Microsoft also offers the Microsoft Women in STEM scholarship, exclusively targeted at women in STEM fields.
3. NASA STEM Scholarship
Aimed at inspiring future Innovators, NASA stands out for providing scholarship opportunities for students in physics, planetary science, or aerospace engineering.
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Winners get $9,000 per academic year, plus internships at NASA facilities
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Open to undergrad students majoring in computer science, aeronautics, or mechanical engineering
4. Scholarships for Women in Engineering
Many scholarships provide engineering scholarships for women to bridge the gender gap in engineering. They advocate for gender diversity in STEM, and their goal is to empower women to pursue male-dominated careers.
Some of them include:
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Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Provides many scholarships for female undergrad and grad engineering students.
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AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships: Focused on women interested in competitive STEM fields, like software or aerospace engineering.
Common Eligibility Requirements For STEM Scholarships
Knowing what most programs expect (before you apply) is a smart move. Do you need a certain GPA? A specific major? Maybe community service? STEM scholarship requirements can vary, but many share similar criteria. Let’s walk through the common boxes you’ll need to check.
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STEM scholarships often require students to have a solid academic record, typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Students must demonstrate success in previous STEM-related coursework, including science or math classes.
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Depending on the scholarship, you may be required to reside in a particular state or attend a certain university.
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You must present letters of recommendation and endorsements from mentors, teachers, or extracurricular activities. This gives you leverage over other students.
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Some STEM scholarships are designed for students with financial need.
Other requirements include:
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Transcripts showing your academic records
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Financial aid forms like FAFSA
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Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT
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Personal statements
Note: Ensure you check the score requirements for the specific scholarship you are applying for. Also, do well to retake any tests you need to improve on. By doing so, you increase your chances of securing the award.
Check out: Undergraduate vs Graduate Scholarships: Key Differences and Where to Find Them
Tips for Applying and Standing Out
Getting the scholarship is beyond meeting the minimum requirements. You’ve got to stand out on paper and in person. These tips will help you outshine the competition.
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Gather all the documents you need to apply for the funding. This includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc., for a complete application.
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Regarding your recommendation letter, ask your employer, teacher, or mentor early. This ensures they have enough time to write it.
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When writing your scholarship essay, follow the prompt and answer the essay question thoroughly while writing from your experience. A well-written essay can be reused for different scholarship applications.
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Emphasize your strengths and achievements in your application.
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Express your financial need and what you’ll use the scholarship funds for if you won it. Tell the committee how it will help you.
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If you need to interview for a scholarship, then dress to impress your interviewers. Preferably, wear a professional outfit and do your research before going. Learn about how the scholarship was created and why. Also, highlight why it’s meaningful to you, and don't forget to say thank you at the end of the interview.
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Track the deadlines for each scholarship you are applying to. If you miss a deadline, the due date might not be extended.
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Try to apply for scholarships every year throughout your college education. As you gain more experience, advance in your studies, and attempt new extracurricular activities, you increase your chances of landing more scholarships.
FAQs
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What is the meaning of a STEM scholarship?
A STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) scholarship offers you money to major in any STEM subject at the university.
2. What is STEM Scholars?
STEM Scholars is a four-year career preparation college program. Every year, it recruits twenty freshman students in the Philadelphia area. Its objective is to reach students from communities that are historically under-recognized in STEM.
3. Is Harvard a STEM school?
Harvard University offers programs in STEM fields along with other comprehensive academic programs.
4. Which country gives the easiest scholarship?
Schools in Australia or Asia typically have various scholarships and more open conditions. However, destinations like the UK, Germany, and Sweden offer more scholarship opportunities when it isn’t too difficult to apply.
5. Is Stanford a STEM school?
While Stanford offers STEM programs, it has different learning opportunities. These include preschool activities, podcasts, virtual field trips and tours, and professional development for all career stages.
Conclusion
Pursuing a STEM degree is no small feat, but funding it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With so many scholarships for STEM students available today, there’s a real opportunity to ease the financial burden and focus on building your future.
So, take the time to explore your options, understand the requirements, and apply with confidence. With the right strategy and persistence, you could land the support you need to bring your STEM dreams to life.
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