About the opportunity
The SMART Scholarship Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in designated STEM fields. Funded by the Department of War (DoW), the program aims to support the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and technologists. Recipients receive comprehensive financial support during their studies, followed by guaranteed employment with a sponsoring facility within the DoW upon graduation, enabling them to apply their academic expertise to critical national security challenges.
Salary and benefits
- Full tuition and educational expenses covered at any accredited U.S. college or university
- Annual stipend ranging from $30,000 to $46,000 depending on degree level (subject to change)
- Health insurance allowance
- Miscellaneous book allowance
- Paid summer internships ranging from 8 to 12 weeks at a DoW facility
- Guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of War upon graduation
Who can apply?
- Must be a citizen of the United States at the time of application
- Must be 18 years of age or older as of the scholarship award date
- Must be pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree in an approved STEM discipline
- Must be enrolled or willing to enroll at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Must be able to participate in summer internships at DoW facilities
- Must be willing to accept post-graduation employment with the Department of War
Required documents
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Transcripts from current and previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
When to apply
- Applications typically open annually in August
- The application deadline generally falls in December of each cycle
How to apply
- Visit the official SMART Scholarship portal to create an applicant account
- Complete the online application form and provide all required profile details
- Upload academic transcripts, recommendations, and supporting documentation
- Submit the complete application prior to the published deadline
Additional information
- Service commitment requires recipients to work as a civilian employee with the Department of War for one year for each year of scholarship support received.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- U.S. citizens pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in a STEM field who are interested in national security.
- Students looking for comprehensive financial support, including tuition, stipends, and health insurance.
- Individuals willing to commit to post-graduation civilian employment with the Department of War.
What should you think carefully about?
- There is a mandatory service commitment: one year of civilian employment for every year of scholarship support received.
- The program requires participation in summer internships at DoW facilities, which may limit summer flexibility.
- Applicants must be prepared for a rigorous application process that includes background and profile assessments.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
The SMART Scholarship is a direct pipeline to a career in national security. It is perfect for students who want to eliminate the financial burden of their STEM education while securing a guaranteed, meaningful job upon graduation.
Our take
This is an excellent opportunity for STEM students who are certain about a career path in the public sector. It is less suitable for those who prefer the flexibility to pursue private-sector employment immediately after graduation.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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