SUPPORTING THE BRIGHTEST SCHOLARS IN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS
ASTRONAUT SCHOLARSHIP
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best science, technology, engineering and math college students.
About the Scholarship Program
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awarded its first seven scholarships in 1986. Each founding Mercury 7 astronaut sponsored a $1,000 scholarship and they then began to fundraise to support future scholarships. Each astronaut would donate proceeds from their speaking engagements and shared the ASF mission wherever they went to raise awareness of both the mission and the scholarship program.
Today, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards more than 70 scholarships valued up to $15,000 to each selected scholar. Scholarship programming includes an Astronaut Scholar conference, mentorship, professional development, networking and recognition. This is the beginning of a life-changing experience for Astronaut Scholars that launches students to positively change and influence society through innovation.
Eligibility
An applicant for the Astronaut Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native born or naturalized, and must be at least a sophomore applying for their junior year, or a junior applying to receive a scholarship for their senior year. They must be enrolled in one of the participating universities in the Scholarship Program. Additionally, nominated students should be enrolled for both semesters as a full-time student for the ASF-supported academic year.
Applicants must be seeking a STEM degree with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship. However, those intending to perform biomedical research are eligible.
Nomination Criteria
Must be nominated by faculty at an ASF affiliated university or institution (University Partners)
Must be nominated for consideration by a professor or faculty member who knows the student well enough to identify a special drive or talent that foreshadows a creative career leading to the advancement of scientific knowledge and technology
Must be a STEM major going into junior or senior year (STEM Designated Degrees)
Note: Special consideration is NOT given to aeronautical/astronautical engineering students or those intending to pursue careers as astronauts.
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must have completed one year of full-time study at an ASF affiliated university or institution and demonstrated exemplary academic performance, as noted in transcripts (Note: Students may be nominated during their second year of college for a scholarship that will begin in their third year of study. Transfer students must have completed at least one semester of full-time study at their ASF-affiliated university.)
Should be a full-time student during both semesters of the ASF supported academic year to receive the full scholarship, which is up to $15,000
Must have conducted a considerable amount of work outside the classroom in their chosen field of study. This may include laboratory research, cooperative education, internships, relevant military experience, entrepreneurial endeavors, and/or documented independent work resulting in technical papers, patents, or similar work product
Note on Scholarship Renewals: Current Astronaut Scholars who have not completed their undergraduate degree should be re-nominated if they continue to demonstrate exceptional performance and will be enrolled full-time for the entire academic year covered by the renewal award. Students who will not be enrolled for the full year are generally not eligible but may be considered under exceptional circumstances with the approval of the Scholarship Committee Chair. Renewal candidates compete alongside new nominees. Each university must still submit two nominations per available scholarship slot. A maximum of two awards per student is permitted unless an exception is approved by the Scholarship Committee Chair.
Application Process
Students nominated for the scholarship will need to assist the nominating faculty member with the following:
Ensure eligibility requirements are met,
Provide two letters of recommendation,
Provide a personal statement (one page maximum),
Provide a copy of academic transcripts,
Provide a C.V. or resume.
The deadline for liaisons to submit nominations for the 2026 Astronaut Scholarship is March 30, 2026.
Award
If a student is awarded the Astronaut Scholarship the recipient will receive:
A scholarship up to $15,000 (full amount awarded unless scholar is “over-awarded” based on federal guidelines),
A paid trip to ASF’s Innovators Symposium & Gala,
Life-long engagement with the astronauts, Astronaut Scholar alumni, and the Foundation.
Note: The ASF Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right to not award a scholarship at every university if it is deemed that the submitted candidates have not met the criteria or standard.
FAQs
Can I apply for the Astronaut Scholarship directly to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation?
No. A faculty member must nominate each applicant for the scholarship.
Does financial need have bearing on being selected as an Astronaut Scholar?
No. This scholarship is merit-based.
Can I speak with a faculty member at my university to ask if they would consider nominating me?
Yes. They can look at all the criteria and determine if they feel you are an appropriate candidate for the scholarship.
If selected, can I transfer the award to another university/school?
An awarded scholarship may not be transferred to another degree program or institution.
Are graduate level students eligible for the award?
The scholarship is primarily intended for undergraduate study. Students enrolled in combined Bachelor’s/Master’s degree programs may apply funds toward graduate-level courses.
Is student financial need considered when selecting awardees?
Student financial need is not a criterion for consideration of this merit-based scholarship award; but may be considered given equally qualified nominees.
Are Medical Students eligible for the scholarship program and award?
ASF follows the National Science Foundation’s GRFP guidance for medical-related fields of study. Scholarships will not be awarded to students pursuing:
- Pre-medical or clinical studies
- Clinical medical or patient-oriented research
- Health services, health policy, disease prevention, or diagnosis and treatment
Students focusing on bioengineering or biomedical research that apply science and engineering principles to medicine are eligible. Students pursuing an MD/PhD with a strong research emphasis are also eligible.
What is considered when the nominations are evaluated for award consideration/selection?
When selecting students to receive this award, the members of the selection panel may consider the following criteria:
Nominee’s display of creativity and ability to move into unknown territory,
Nominee’s potential, ability, and drive to do research, develop new ideas, pursue inventions, and pursue innovative technologies,
Nominee’s exhibition of motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in their field of academics and/or research,
Nominee’s conveyance of intellectual daring and a genuine desire to positively change the world around them, from both, or either, within the classroom or in their community,
Nominee is recognized as a leader through their activities on campus or in the community.
Astronaut Scholars
For More Information
For more information about the Scholarship Program, contact us at
+1 407-362-7900 or programs@astronautscholarship.org.
