The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in these fields. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The Online Goldwater Application contains several components, including one questionnaire, one research essay, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (if applicable).
Scholarship Details
- Highly competitive national scholarship program
- Supports undergraduates pursuing research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering
- Nomination required by a campus with an official Goldwater Campus Representative
- Schools may nominate up to four students annually, with additional slots for transfer students and U.S. Veterans
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a currently or previously matriculated sophomore or junior at an accredited 2- or 4-year U.S. academic institution
- Must be enrolled full-time during the terms when receiving scholarship support
- Must intend to pursue a research career in a field supported by the National Science Foundation (natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, computer science, geosciences, life sciences, materials research, physics, astronomy, psychology, etc.)
- Students pursuing medicine or veterinary medicine are eligible only if research is central to their career goals
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (recent recipients typically have GPAs above 3.15)
- Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident (permanent residents must provide a photocopy of their Green Card)
Application Process
- Identify whether your school has a designated Goldwater Campus Representative (required for nomination)
- Submit materials for campus review, which may include essays, research statements, transcripts, and recommendation letters
- Campus Representative selects up to four nominees (five if one is a transfer student or U.S. Veteran, six if both are included)
- Campus Representative submits nominations to the Goldwater Foundation by the national deadline
- Await review and notification of selection by the Foundation
A student may not be nominated by more than one institution in a competition cycle. A four-year school may nominate a 5th student if one or more of the nominated students is a transfer student or U.S. Veteran. They may nominate up to six students if they have both a transfer student and a U.S. Veteran. No direct student applications or nominations by campuses without a Goldwater Campus Representative will be considered.
