Biology & Life Sciences Scholarships

World's largest pre-college science and engineering competition for high school students in grades 9–12. Finalists qualify by winning a top prize at a Society-affiliated local, regional, or state science fair, then compete at the annual ISEF finals. More than $7 million in grand and special awards is distributed annually, including a $100,000 top prize and category awards from $600 to $6,000 plus dozens of sponsor special awards.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing a PhD in the applied physical, biological, or engineering sciences, mathematics, or engineering may apply for the Hertz Graduate Fellowship. Candidates should show exceptional creativity and a commitment to solving major societal problems. Fellows receive up to five years of fellowship funding, plus mentorship and career support. The application includes references and multi-round interviews for selected candidates.

Doctoral students enrolled in good standing at an accredited U.S. or international university may apply for the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) to conduct dissertation research in the NIH Intramural Research Program while remaining enrolled at their degree-granting institution. Eligible degrees include PhD, DPhil, PharmD, DrPH, PsyD, MD/PhD, and DVM/PhD. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible international students (including J-1 pathways) may participate through individual or institutional partnerships. While at NIH, GPP students are paid on the NIH predoctoral IRTA stipend table based on research experience after the bachelor's degree. Annual stipends range from $46,100 for a first-year predoctoral fellow with up to one year of experience to $59,300 in later years. NIH also provides health insurance supplements, a $1,500 relocation benefit for new fellows, and professional development, advising, and well-being resources. There is no fixed application deadline; students arrive year round once they secure an NIH principal investigator willing to host their dissertation research and obtain permission from their university graduate program. Individual partnership applicants contact PIs directly and apply through the NIH Application Center. Institutional partnership students apply through specific university partner programs. GPP lets doctoral students combine university coursework with mentored intramural research at NIH institutes and centers across multiple campuses.

Medical students enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools may apply for a year of full-time cardiovascular biomedical research at a U.S. laboratory, usually away from their home institution. Second- and third-year students are typical; fourth-year students need graduation deferment approval. MD/PhD students are ineligible. Fellows receive a $45,000 annual stipend plus allowances up to $5,000 for travel, moving, health insurance, and conference presentation. Competitions run annually with a January deadline; the 2027-28 application opens August 2026 at SarnoffFellowship.com with deadline January 6, 2027. The Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation selects fellows nationally to develop physician-scientists in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research.

U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. dual citizens who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in a DoD-relevant science or engineering discipline at a U.S. institution may apply for the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship. Baccalaureate, master's, and early-stage PhD candidates are eligible. The three-year fellowship covers full tuition and required fees (excluding room and board), a $3,600 monthly stipend ($43,200 annually), and health insurance support up to $1,600. The program typically awards between 150 and 350 fellowships each year. Apply through the NDSEG program portal during the annual cycle. Research areas must align with DoD service Broad Agency Announcements and related strategy documents.

Fellowship program supporting Indigenous American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander graduate students pursuing STEM master's or doctoral degrees at Montana State University. SIGP strengthens recruitment, retention, and graduation of Indigenous students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through scholarships, professional development, and community support. Awards range from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on program and funding level. MSU partners with the Montana University System on this Sloan Foundation grant. Interested Indigenous STEM graduate applicants should contact the Graduate School to discuss eligibility and application steps.

New Ph.D. students accepted into Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program may compete for this scholarship. One Ph.D. core student and one M.D./Ph.D. student are selected annually. Indicate interest when you apply to the Biomedical Sciences program. Recipients receive a $35,000 yearly stipend plus tuition and health insurance. Coverage lasts three years for Ph.D. core students and one year for M.D./Ph.D. students. Candidates apply and are accepted as classified degree-seeking students in the program. M.D./Ph.D. students may apply at the start of Ph.D. years with a biochemistry faculty mentor. The scholarship honors Abdul Waheed and supports competitive trainees in biomedical sciences.

The Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, presented annually since 1933, honors outstanding high school juniors who demonstrate excellence in science and mathematics. Participating high schools may nominate one qualified junior each year through the University of Rochester High School Awards Program. Nominees receive an application fee waiver and, if admitted to Rochester's College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering, may be selected to receive a merit scholarship ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 per year. The award recognizes rigor in STEM coursework and positive contributions to school and community, but nomination does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.

Tennessee residents from qualifying Middle Tennessee counties who plan to pursue a business, education, or STEM degree full-time at a four-year, nonprofit college or university may apply. Scholarship amounts vary based on financial need and may be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment. High school seniors need a minimum ACT score of 21 and GPA of 2.5. Award checks are made payable only to the college or university. Submit the online application between September 15 and December 15 with proof of financial need via a 1040 tax return, transcripts, and required documents.

STEM-educated individuals seeking admission to an ABA-accredited U.S. law school who have an interest in advancing racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the patent law profession may apply. You must hold a college degree in a field qualifying for U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registration, plan to apply to or have applied to but not yet enrolled in law school, and demonstrate commitment to a patent law career. Selected Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholars receive up to a $30,000 law school tuition grant plus admissions mentoring and career support during law school. Submit a completed application with transcripts, resume, personal statement, law school admission plans, and optional letters of recommendation and FAFSA by January 31 for assured tuition-grant consideration.