Goldwater Scholarship

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Program Purpose: 

The Goldwater Scholarship was created to foster excellence in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering and to encourage outstanding students to pursue advanced degrees and careers in these fields.

Program Description and Benefits: 

In awarding 300 scholarships annually, the Foundation considers applicants' career objectives and extent of their commitment and potential to make a significant contribution to their fields. Successful applicants will intend to pursue a research-track terminal graduate degree – that is, the Ph.D. Scholarships cover up to $7,500 annually for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Sophomores with two remaining years undergraduate study are eligible for 2 years of support. Juniors with one remaining year of undergraduate study are eligible for 1 year of support. Scholars may opt to study abroad, but Goldwater funding will be based on their US institution's budget.

Supported Fields: 

Eligible fields include, but are not limited to: aerospace engineering, applied science, aquatic resource management, astronomy, astrophysics, biochemistry, biology, botany, chemical engineering, chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, geology, mathematics, microbiology, natural source management, mechanical engineering, microbiology, molecular genetics, neurobiology, nuclear engineering, physics, quantum mechanics, zoology.

Applicant Profile: 

Strong candidates are likely to have competed for and been awarded research or internship experiences, although "individuality" and "intellectual intensity" in a field may be demonstrated in other ways – through independent investigation of theory or issue related to the fields of interest, for example.

Applicants must make a compelling case that they intend to pursue a research career in mathematics, natural sciences or engineering. Applicants must indicate their intention to pursue a doctoral degree in one of these disciplines.

Eligibility: 

Sophomore or junior studying mathematics, natural sciences or engineering with a GPA of at least 'B' and in the upper fourth of his or her class. However, most scholars have a GPA above 3.9. Community college transfer students are eligible to apply.

Citizenship: 

US citizens or permanent residents, as well as those holding a US resident visa and who sign an affidavit indicating their intent to become a US citizen.

Program Deadline: 

The national deadline, usually in January, does not directly apply to students, who must apply for nomination through the University by the campus deadline.

University Deadline: 

November 1 annually. If this date falls on a weekend, then Noon on the following Monday.

How To Apply: 

This program requires institutional nomination. Students may not apply directly to the foundation or program. Instead, applicants must apply through the University by the campus deadline. Please note that University nomination is not guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to work with the Fellowships Office well in advance of the campus deadline to perfect their application essays and other materials.