Physics Scholarships
Inertia. Absolute zero. Critical mass. Scalar quantity. If these terms appear frequently in your homework and exams – and the answers you give garner A’s from your teachers – you could have a promising career in physics ahead of you. But before you consider changing your name to Albert or Isaac, ask yourself this: Do you have the funds to pay for the schooling that will get you there?
Physics scholarships (and scholarships in the related fields of math, computer science, engineering and technology) are readily available to majors displaying drive, ingenuity and academic success. Good thing, since most careers in this field require graduate degrees (here are the top schools for them, according to U.S. News and World Report) and lots of research. Fellowships and internships are both excellent ways for students to gain valuable experience in their desired concentrations and earn stipends at the same time.
As for additional financial aid, there’s plenty out there. Harvard’s Department of Physics guarantees full financial support for all graduate students if they “remain in good standing and complete assigned duties in a satisfactory manner” and American University, Washington State and Ohio State all offer university-based physics scholarships. There are external funding options, too, like the ones awarded by the National Society of Black Physicists and the Art of Problem Solving. See below for some of the physics scholarships in the Scholarships.com database but for more, complete a free scholarship search.
Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund
Application Deadlines:
March 01, Annually
Applicants for the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarships must:
- Be a graduating senior from a public high school in the county of King, Pierce or Snohomish in the state of Washington in the year of appointment
- Be a United States citizen
- Plan to attend a college in the state of Washington on a full-time basis
Application forms are only available through the high schools in the counties [...] More
ExCEL Computing Scholarships
Application Deadlines:
February 01, Annually
Awards are $5,000 per year (and for graduate students also nine credits of tuition remission, valued at over $7,000). Note that this award can be combined with other financial aid granted by Loyola, which is typically substantial at the undergraduate level.
Eligible degree programs are: B.S. in bioinformatics, communications networks and security, computer science, computer science and [...] More
Oregon Space Grant Undergraduate Scholar Program
Application Deadlines:
May 23, Annually
Each year the Oregon Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to provide undergraduates from our member colleges and universities the opportunity to apply for scholarship awards that support their academic goals and recognize their achievements.
The OSGC Undergraduate Scholarship Programs support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of fostering and encouraging [...] More
Catching The Dream MESBEC Program
Application Deadlines:
Varies
Formerly known as the Native American Scholarship Fund, Catching the Dream (CTD) was chartered in 1986 to help provide Indian tribes, Indian communities and tribal organizations with professionally trained and educated Native Americans.
The MESBEC program is the oldest of CTD's programs providing scholarships for high-potential Native American students in Math, Engineering, Science, Business, [...] More
National GEM Consortium - GEM Fellowships
Application Deadlines:
November 15, Annually
GEM provides three fellowship programs: MS Engineering, Ph.D. Engineering and Ph.D. Science.
These fellowship opportunities are for students pursuing a master's degree or doctorate in science, engineering or a closely related field. Applicants are required to submit transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
For more information, please visit our [...] More
SEG Foundation General Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
March 02, Annually
In 1956, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists began a program of encouraging the establishment of scholarship funds by companies and individuals engaged or interested in the field of geophysics. Currently, more than 75 scholarship funds provide awards for approximately 150 students, helping SEG connect, inspire and propel the people and science of geophysics.
To be eligible for [...] More
Woods Hole Undergraduate Fellowships for Minorities
Application Deadlines:
February 15, Annually
Minority Fellowships are awarded to undergraduate students who have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate study at a U.S. college or university and are interested in the marine sciences, oceanographic engineering, or marine policy.
Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents in order to apply.
Under-represented groups included for consideration in this particular program [...] More
Minnesota Space Grant Consortium Scholarships and Fellowships
Application Deadlines:
Varies
Scholarships are for U.S. citizens who are enrolled full-time at one of the Affiliate Member MnSGC schools. Applicants must be majoring in science, math, or engineering fields with an interest in working for NASA.
A GPA of 3.5 is standard, but may vary with each school. Applicants must contact faculty representatives at their school for more information.
The MnSGC is part of the national [...] More
Pennsylvania SciTech Scholarships
Application Deadlines:
Varies
SciTech Scholarships provide up to $3,000 per year for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. To be eligible, a student must:
- have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for postsecondary study at the time of application for this program
- be at least a sophomore who is enrolled as a full-time student pursuing a bachelor's degree in an approved science or [...] More
Northrop Grumman HENAAC Scholarships
Application Deadlines:
April 30, Annually
Since its inception ten years ago, the HENAAC Scholars Program has experienced tremendous growth. In 2008, through the generous support of our program sponsors, we passed the one million dollar amount in scholarship dollars awarded. In 2010, for the first time we awarded scholarships to more than 100 STEM students. HENAAC scholarship honorees continue to pave the way for future generations of [...] More
Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science SOARS Program
Application Deadlines:
February 01, Annually
SOARS encourages applications from individuals who are members of a group that is historically under-represented in the atmospheric and related sciences, including students who are Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latino, female, first generation college students, and students with disabilities. SOARS welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [...] More
M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship for Women in Physics
Application Deadlines:
June 01, Annually
The M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship for Women in Physics consists of an award of up to $45,000 to enable women to return to physics research careers after having had to interrupt those careers for family reasons. The applicant must currently be a legal resident or resident alien of the United States or Canada. She must be currently in Canada or the United States and must have an affiliation with [...] More
ACIL Academic Scholarships
Application Deadlines:
April 03, Annually
The ACIL Scholarship Alliance, a division of the Independent Laboratories Institute, helps to ensure future generations of skilled employees for the laboratory testing community. Finding and keeping qualified technical personnel is a constant challenge for our industry. To encourage future generations of skilled employees, the ACIL Scholarship Alliance annually offers academic scholarships up to [...] More
AIAA Foundation Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Awards
Application Deadlines:
January 31, Annually
The AIAA Foundation Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Awards have been established by the AIAA Evolution of Flight Campaign and the AIAA Foundation in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The Awards recognize the Wright brother’s aeronautical achievements and contributions to the evolution of flight.
The AIAA Foundation Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Awards provide [...] More
APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women
Application Deadlines:
February 01, Annually
The American Physical Society and IBM co-sponsor a research internship program for undergraduate women. The goal is to encourage women students to pursue graduate studies in science and engineering.
The internships are salaried positions typically 10 weeks long at one of three IBM research locations (San Jose, CA, Austin, TX, or Yorktown Heights, NY), and give the opportunity to work closely [...] More
APS Scholarship for Minority Undergraduate Physics Majors
Application Deadlines:
February 07, Annually
The American Physical Society Scholarship for Minority Undergraduate Students Physics Majors consists of $2,000 per year for new recipients and $3,000 per year for renewal recipients to be used for tuition, room & board and educational materials.
The goal of this minority scholarship is to increase the number of under-represented minorities obtaining degrees in physics. It provides funding and [...] More
AMS Graduate Fellowships
Application Deadlines:
January 16, Annually
The AMS Graduate Fellowships are sponsored by industry leaders and government agencies and are designed to attract promising young scientists to prepare for careers in the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic fields.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be entering their first year of graduate school in the upcoming fall semester and provide evidence of acceptance as a [...] More
Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund
Application Deadlines:
February 20, Annually
The Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund will award five scholarships of $5,000 to qualified incoming freshmen enrolled at four-year colleges or universities. Each scholarship is renewable for a total of four years on the basis of satisfactory academic performance in a full-time undergraduate program. Awards are for undergraduate study only.
Background:
- Number of awards: 5
- [...] More
East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students (EAPSI)
Application Deadlines:
November 25, Annually
The East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes (EAPSI) provide U.S. graduate students in science and engineering: 1) first-hand research experiences in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore or Taiwan; 2) an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and 3) an orientation to the society, culture and language. The primary [...] More
ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program is a scholarship program which provides select student leaders with a fully-funded scholarship towards the completion of a Master's or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, housing and books. Additionally, a monthly living stipend is provided for the duration of the scholarship program. This scholarship is funded by ExxonMobil and [...] More
EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Application Deadlines:
January 30, Annually
The goal of the EPP Undergraduate Scholars Program is to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in targeted academic fields integral to NOAA's mission. This program targets students who have completed their sophomore year, attending minority serving institutions (MSIs), and have recently declared, or about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic, or [...] More
Ripon College Knop Science Scholars Program
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The Knop Scholars Program was established through a $2.2 million bequest from Harry W. Knop Jr., a 1942 graduate of Ripon College, who discovered an appreciation for the universe and its workings in physics and mathematics. In addition to recognizing and supporting students who plan to major in the field of natural science or mathematics, the Knop Scholars Program supports student and adviser [...] More
Minnesota Space Grant Consortium
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The Minnesota Space Grant Consortium scholarship program is available to U.S. Citizens who are full-time students registered at MnSGC Affiliate Member Institutions (listed below).
Students majoring in science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering are eligible (Pre-Med is discouraged, but some Biology Majors may apply). Students may download forms from the website, but need to contact [...] More
SAPA Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
May 15, Annually
The SAPA Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association (SAPA) in 1999. Over the past years, SAPA has become a major pharmaceutical professional organization with 4,000 members and three chapters in the Northeast and West Coast.
The Foundation is supported by the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association [...] More
Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research program has been providing undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences for more than 80 years. By encouraging close working relationships between students and faculty, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning.
The program awards grants of $1,000 or less to students from all areas of [...] More
West Virginia Engineering Science and Technology Scholarship Program
Application Deadlines:
March 01, Annually
The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Techonology Scholarship is designed to enable and ecourage academically talented individuals to pursue careers in the fields of engineering, science and technology in West Virginia.
Scholarships, not to exceed $3,000 per academic year, are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and interest in the fields of engineering, science and [...] More
WIFLE Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
April 17, Annually
The WIFLE Foundation (WIFLE) is an organization whose goal is to achieve gender equity within federal law enforcement through the recruitment, retention and promotion of qualified women in law enforcement, and to develop an information-sharing and support network for all women in law enforcement. In July 2006, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics announced that as of [...] More
Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
September 30, Annually
The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship provides awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for undergraduate and graduate minority students in technical disciplines that include:
- Chemistry
- Information Management
- Computing & Software Systems
- Material Science
- Printing Management Science
- Laser Optics
- Physics
- Material Science
- Engineering (Chemical, Computer, Electrical, [...] More
National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship
Application Deadlines:
December 12, Annually
This program seeks to identify individuals whose scientific and engineering credentials will support study through doctoral degrees. The prevailing goal is to provide the United States with talented, doctorally trained American men and women who will lead state-of-the-art research projects in disciplines having the greatest payoff to national security requirements. This program is highly [...] More