Astronaut Scholarship Program for STEM Study in the USA for Bachelor

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Countries: the United States
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for a STEM degree in one of the participating universities or institutions.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the given criteria for the Astronaut Scholarship:
• An applicant must be a citizen of the United States, either native-born or naturalized, and
• An applicant must be at least a sophomore applying for their junior year or a junior applying to receive a scholarship for their senior year.
• An applicant must be enrolled in one of the participating universities in the Scholarship Program.
• Additionally, nominated students must be enrolled for both semesters as full-time students for the ASF-supported academic year.
• Applicants must seek 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.
• A faculty member must nominate each applicant for the scholarship.
• 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 (verified by birth certificate, US passport, or naturalization papers)
• Must have completed two years 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 full-time study for a scholarship that will begin in the third year.)
• 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
• They 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 products.

Offered Benefits

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards more than 60 scholarships valued at $15,000 to each selected scholar. 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 Weekend,
• Life-long engagement with the astronauts, Astronaut Scholar alumni, and the Foundation.

Application Process

• How to Apply: To be considered for the Astronaut Scholarship, applicants must know that the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation only accepts nominations from its affiliated and participating  universities or institutions ( University Partners).
• Supporting Documents: 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,
• Provide a copy of academic transcripts,
• Provide a C.V. or resume.
• Admission Requirements: If a student is interested in being nominated, they should contact a member of their university’s faculty regarding consideration. Students may also contact the  university liaison for more details regarding the internal process.
• Language Requirement: English language skills are required.