Physical 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.

Women who have completed work toward a Ph.D. and need to return to physics research after a career interruption may apply for this one-year fellowship of up to $45,000 from the American Physical Society. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens or legal residents and provide written proof of institutional affiliation at a U.S. or Canadian institution during the grant period. Applying requires 1 to 3 recommendation letters and a letter of institutional support. Allowed expenses include dependent care, salary, travel, equipment, and tuition and fees.

The DOE NNSA Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship provides a $45,000 yearly stipend, payment of full tuition and required fees at any accredited U.S. university, a $2,000 annual academic allowance, and a 12-week research practicum at a DOE NNSA national laboratory. The fellowship is renewable for up to four years. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are entering, or have completed no more than two years of, full-time doctoral study in engineering or science fields related to stewardship science: high energy density physics, nuclear science, or materials under extreme conditions. Fellows must be full-time Ph.D. students and cannot hold another federal fellowship concurrently. Applications open in late October and are due in mid-January (the most recent deadline was January 13, 2026), with reference letters and transcripts due shortly after.

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.

PhD students at U.S. universities may be nominated by a doctoral faculty member for the IBM PhD Fellowship. Nominees must be enrolled full time, remain in the same program for the award period, and be within about two years of graduation. Awards for U.S. universities are $40,000, paid to the university rather than directly to the student. IBM selects nominees based on research excellence, alignment with IBM focus areas, and faculty endorsements; awardees are strongly encouraged to pursue an IBM internship. Students cannot self-nominate. Faculty submit nominations through IBM's invitation-only fellowship awards portal when the nomination window is open.

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.

The Rensselaer Medal is a premier merit scholarship for promising secondary school juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. Participating high schools nominate one outstanding junior each spring; Rensselaer evaluates nominations and notifies medalists over the summer. Medalists who apply, are accepted, and enroll receive guaranteed funding for four years of undergraduate study, or five years for the Bachelor of Architecture program. No separate scholarship application is required beyond admission. Rensselaer provides only the highest single merit award when a student qualifies for multiple institutional scholarships.

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.