The SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship-for-Service Program 2026, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), offers a life-changing opportunity for students passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This program is uniquely designed to support talented students by providing full tuition, generous stipends, mentorship, internships, and guaranteed employment with the DoD upon graduation.

The SMART Program is one of the most prestigious STEM-focused scholarship programs in the United States, enabling students to gain academic funding while simultaneously building a strong career foundation in the federal defense sector. Applications are open for students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at regionally accredited U.S. universities who wish to transform their passion for STEM into meaningful public service.

About U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

The U.S. Department of Defense is one of the largest government organizations in the world, responsible for ensuring the security and defense of the United States. It operates cutting-edge research laboratories, engineering centers, and defense facilities where innovation thrives. The DoD is deeply invested in cultivating the next generation of STEM professionals, and through the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, it empowers students to receive top-tier education while contributing directly to national security missions.

Graduates from the SMART Program often work in premier DoD facilities across the country, gaining unparalleled professional experience while driving technological advancement and innovation.

SMART Scholarship 2026 Overview 

Field	Details
Scholarship Name	SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program 2026
Host Organization	U.S. Department of Defense
Study Levels	Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Eligible Disciplines	22 STEM Disciplines (listed below)
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Internship, Job Offer)
Eligible Nationalities	U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand
Minimum GPA Requirement	3.0/4.0
Application Start Date	01 August 2025
Application Deadline	05 December 2025
Degree Start Date	August 2026
Service Commitment	One-for-one service as civilian DoD employee

STEM Disciplines Eligible under SMART

• Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Data Science and Analytics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geosciences
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Information Sciences
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Oceanography
• Operations Research
• Physics
• Software Engineering

Benefits of SMART Scholarship 2026

• Full tuition coverage for any accredited U.S. university
• Annual stipend between $30,000–$46,000 depending on degree level
• Book and health allowance provided
• Summer internships at Department of Defense facilities
• One-on-one mentorship from DoD professionals
• Guaranteed civilian employment with the DoD upon graduation
• Access to cutting-edge research labs and real-world defense projects
• Networking opportunities with top STEM professionals
• Career security and professional growth within federal service
• About 500 scholarships awarded annually across all STEM disciplines

Eligibility Criteria for SMART Scholarship 2026

Applicants must meet all the following conditions:

1. Be a citizen of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
2. Be 18 years or older as of January 1, 2027.
3. Have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Be currently pursuing (or planning to pursue in Fall 2026) an undergraduate or graduate degree in an eligible SMART STEM discipline.
5. Be requesting 1 to 5 years of degree funding starting from August 2026.
6. Be able to produce a Fall 2025 transcript from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university (for current students).
7. High school seniors (rising freshmen) are eligible to apply.
8. Agree to complete summer internships at DoD facilities during the program.
9. Agree to accept post-graduation civilian service with the DoD equal to the duration of the scholarship support received.
10. Must not be enrolled in non-technical majors (management, arts, humanities are not eligible).

Application Process 

• Visit the SMART Scholarship Website and read all details carefully.
• Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and are enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible STEM discipline.
• Collect required documents: transcripts, proof of citizenship, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
• Create an account on the SMART Application Portal.
• Fill out all sections of the online application, including academic records, program of study, and essays.
• Upload all required documents before submission.
• Submit the completed application before 05 December 2025.
• Await email confirmation and further instructions from the SMART Program office.

Comparison of SMART Scholarship vs Other STEM Scholarships

Feature	SMART Scholarship	Fulbright U.S. Student Program	National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Funding Coverage	Full tuition + stipend + allowances	Tuition + stipend	Stipend + tuition allowance
Internship	Mandatory DoD summer internships	Optional	Optional research-based internships
Post-Study Job Offer	Guaranteed DoD civilian job	No guaranteed job	No guaranteed job
Number of Awards	~500 annually	~1,900 annually	~2,000 annually
Eligible Nationalities	US, UK, AUS, CAN, NZ	US only	US only
STEM Discipline Restriction	22 specific STEM fields only	All fields	STEM-focused
Application Deadline	05 December 2025	Varies (usually Oct)	Usually October

FAQs about SMART Scholarship 2026

1. Q1: What is the SMART Scholarship Program?
   It is a DoD-funded program that offers full tuition, stipends, internships, and guaranteed post-graduation employment to STEM students.
2. Q2: Who can apply for the SMART Scholarship 2026?
   Students who are citizens of the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, or New Zealand and enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible STEM field.
3. Q3: Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
   Yes, applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Q4: Which degree levels are supported?
   Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees from accredited U.S. universities are supported.
5. Q5: Are high school seniors eligible to apply?
   Yes, rising freshmen (high school seniors) are eligible if they plan to start college in Fall 2026.
6. Q6: Does the program cover international tuition?
   No, the program only funds study at regionally accredited U.S. universities.
7. Q7: What is the service commitment after graduation?
   Recipients must work as civilian employees with the DoD for the same number of years as they received funding.
8. Q8: How many awards are given each year?
   About 500 scholarships are awarded each year across the 22 STEM disciplines.
9. Q9: What kind of internships does th university offer?
   Students complete summer internships at DoD facilities, working on defense-related research and innovation projects.
10. Q10: What is the application deadline?
    Applications close on 05 December 2025.

If you are passionate about STEM and want to secure a fully funded education while stepping into a meaningful career, the SMART Scholarship 2026 is your pathway to success. Explore more global scholarships, fellowships, and internships to find the perfect match for your academic and career goals. Subscribe to our updates so you never miss an opportunity like this again! APPLY NOW. Please visit SMART Scholarship Website for further details.