Astronaut Scholarship
Merit scholarships of up to $15,000 plus mentoring and professional development for exceptional STEM undergraduates nominated by participating U.S. universities.
- Award
- Up to $15,000
- Deadline
- University nominations due March 30, 2026
- Best for
- Exceptional undergraduate STEM researchers
- Geographic eligibility
- Participating United States universities
- Number of awards
- More than 70 scholarships annually
- Total program funding
- Not published
- Membership
- No membership; university nomination required
- Application cycle
- Annual university nomination cycle
FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.
View official applicationAbout this opportunity
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation recognizes outstanding undergraduate STEM students at participating universities. It combines a significant merit scholarship with astronaut-connected mentoring, research visibility, professional development, and a national scholar network.
Who can apply
Students must be nominated by an affiliated participating university, generally be enrolled full-time for both supported semesters, demonstrate substantial work outside the classroom in a STEM field, and satisfy the foundation’s academic and research standards. Direct self-applications are not accepted.
What the award may cover
The award provides up to $15,000 plus a paid trip to the Innovators Symposium & Gala, mentoring, professional development, networking, and lifelong scholar engagement.
How to apply
Contact the participating university’s faculty or ASF liaison and ask to be considered for nomination. Nominees assist with eligibility confirmation, recommendations, a personal statement, transcripts, and a résumé or CV.
- Verify the current deadline and every eligibility requirement.
- Confirm how funds are paid and when they must be used.
- Prepare transcripts, certificates, logbook totals, references, and essays early.
- Save the confirmation and a complete copy of your submission.
Selection and application notes
Planning tip: This is a broad STEM merit scholarship, not a flight-training award. Begin with the university liaison because students cannot submit directly to ASF.