Top STEM Scholarships and Grants Students Should Apply For

In a world increasingly driven by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, pursuing a STEM degree is both exciting and financially demanding. Fortunately, a wide range of STEM scholarships and grants are available to help students fund their education, reduce debt, and unlock opportunities for career growth. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college or a current undergraduate or graduate learner, scholarship funding can make all the difference.

This comprehensive guide highlights top STEM scholarships and grants students should apply for in 2025, explains what makes each award competitive, and provides tips on how to increase your chances of winning. Whether you’re studying computer science, engineering, mathematics, or biomedical sciences, this guide will help you find funding opportunities tailored to your goals.

Why STEM Scholarships Matter in Today’s World

College tuition continues to rise globally, and STEM fields — although offering strong future earning potential — often require long hours, rigorous coursework, and costly lab fees. A STEM scholarship not only helps reduce financial stress but also:

Encourages underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers
Provides access to internships, research opportunities, and mentorship
Improves graduation rates and academic performance
Enhances resumes with scholarship recognition

Latest research from the National Science Foundation (NSF) confirms that financial support significantly increases retention in STEM majors, especially among women and first-generation college students.¹

How to Approach STEM Scholarships Successfully

Before diving into the list, here are important considerations for maximizing your scholarship potential:

1. Start Early

Many STEM scholarships are awarded based on long-term performance, essays, and leadership qualities. Beginning research in junior year of high school gives you a competitive advantage.

2. Tailor Your Applications

Generic scholarship essays rarely win. Customize your essays to highlight your passion for STEM, career goals, community impact, and why you deserve the award.

3. Apply to Many, Not Just One

Scholarships vary in eligibility criteria. The more you apply for, the better your chances.

4. Maintain Strong Academics

Most STEM scholarships require good GPAs, often 3.0 or higher. High performance in math and science courses increases your competitiveness.

Top STEM Scholarships for High School Students

1. National Merit STEM Scholarships

Awarded based on PSAT/NMSQT performance, National Merit STEM Scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement. Finalists often receive scholarships from corporate partners specifically targeted at STEM majors, including engineering and computer science.

Key Benefits:

Renewable awards
Recognition on college applications
Access to mentorship networks

2. Regeneron Science Talent Search

The Regeneron STS is a highly prestigious STEM scholarship that awards substantial funding to high school seniors who demonstrate scientific creativity through research projects.

Why It’s Special:

Emphasis on original research
Winners gain substantial national recognition

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

For extraordinarily gifted young scholars under 18, the Davidson Fellowship awards significant scholarships for merit in STEM fields based on completed projects or research.

Award Amounts:
Up to $50,000

Top Undergraduate STEM Scholarships

4. SMART Scholarship by DoD

Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship funds undergraduate and graduate students in STEM disciplines, with a unique twist — scholarship recipients work for the U.S. Department of Defense after graduation.

What You Get:

Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Summer internships
Guaranteed job placement

5. Google-Generation Scholarship

Google awards students pursuing computer science and related fields. This competitive scholarship supports diversity and inclusion in tech.

Benefits:

Financial support
Networking opportunities
Access to Google’s mentorship programs

6. Microsoft Tuition Scholarship

Microsoft funds students in computer science, computer engineering, or related STEM disciplines. Strong extracurricular and leadership qualities boost competitiveness.

STEM Scholarships for Women and Underrepresented Groups

Efforts to close the gender and diversity gaps in STEM have led to targeted financial support:

7. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

SWE awards numerous scholarships to women pursuing engineering and computing degrees. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, leadership, and service.

Impact:
More than $4 million awarded annually

8. AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship

This fellowship supports women pursuing graduate studies in STEM fields where women are underrepresented, such as engineering and computer science.

9. Black Engineers of America (BEYA) STEM Scholarship

BEYA supports Black students studying engineering and technology fields. Awards often include conferences and professional development opportunities.

STEM Grants and Need-Based Scholarships

Scholarships are not the only source of non-repayable aid. Many grants provide substantial support without the need for repayment.

10. Pell Grants (U.S.)

While not exclusively for STEM, Pell Grants provide federal financial aid to undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. Many STEM majors qualify and supplement their scholarship funding with Pell.

11. SMART Grant

For high-achieving U.S. undergraduates majoring in critical STEM fields. Although smaller than some scholarships, this grant helps cover tuition costs without job requirements.

Research and Fellowship Grants

For students engaged in scientific research, competitions and grant programs provide early funding and recognition.

12. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

One of the most prestigious research grants for STEM graduate students, the NSF GRFP supports up to three years of graduate study. It emphasizes intellectual merit and broader impact.

Benefits:

Annual stipend
Cost-of-education allowance
Research flexibility

13. Hertz Foundation Fellowship

For PhD students in applied sciences and engineering, the Hertz Fellowship supports innovation with generous financial stipends and freedom to pursue original research.

International STEM Scholarships

Not all great STEM scholarships are limited by country of origin. Several global opportunities support international students.

14. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This scholarship supports academically talented yet financially disadvantaged students from Africa pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including STEM fields.

Benefits:

Tuition funding
Leadership development
Mentorship and internships

15. Rhodes Scholarship for STEM Leaders

Though traditionally associated with the humanities, Rhodes supports students with outstanding intellectual achievements, including those in STEM fields, to pursue graduate study at the University of Oxford.

STEM Scholarships for Career Transition and Non-Traditional Students

Not all STEM learners follow a direct high school to university path. Scholarships exist for non-traditional, transfer, and returning students.

16. Udall Scholarship

Designed for students committed to environmental STEM fields, especially those with a dedication to public service or Native American heritage.

How to Stand Out in STEM Scholarship Applications

Winning a STEM scholarship is competitive. Here’s how to strengthen your application:

1. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Share your story: what motivates you to pursue STEM? Include research experiences, community impact, and future goals.

2. Showcase Leadership and Initiative

Scholarship committees look for students who have led projects, clubs, or outreach activities.

3. Highlight Research or Projects

Personal STEM projects, research papers, or internships demonstrate passion and initiative.

4. Get Strong Recommendations

Request letters from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your work ethic and STEM potential.

5. Meet All Deadlines & Requirements

Carefully track deadlines, required essays, and submission formats. Missing one document can disqualify an application.

Scholarship Tools & Platforms Worth Using

Fastweb – Comprehensive scholarship search engine
Scholarships.com – Filters opportunities by major and location
College Board Scholarship Search – Includes STEM funding lists
Chegg Scholarships – Search based on GPA and field
ProudScholar – Financial aid navigation for students

Using these tools weekly increases scholarship hits.

What the Latest Research Says About STEM Funding

According to a 2024 report by the National Science Board, financial barriers remain one of the largest inhibitors to students completing STEM degrees.² Scholarships and grants not only boost enrollment but also improve retention — especially for women, minorities, and low-income students.

A 2025 study published by the Journal of STEM Education highlights that:

Students with financial support are 60% more likely to graduate in STEM majors
Scholarships increase access to research opportunities
Scholarship recipients are more likely to pursue graduate education in STEM fields

This data confirms that STEM scholarship funding is not just financial — it’s transformational.

Conclusion: Why You Should Apply to Every STEM Scholarship You Qualify For

Pursuing a STEM degree opens doors to innovation, high-earning careers, and global leadership opportunities — but it also comes with financial challenges. The good news? A wide ecosystem of STEM scholarships and grants exists precisely to help motivated students achieve their academic dreams.

From merit-based awards for high school achievers to research fellowships for graduate scientists, there is funding available at every stage of your academic journey.

Start early, apply widely, customize your essays, and never underestimate the power of scholarships to transform not just your education — but your future.