LoginsPlease note
The application process is being updated
The Foundation is moving to a new scholarship application process. The guidance on this site still describes the previous process and has not yet been updated. Updated information will be published here soon.
The Goldwater Scholarship supports college sophomores and juniors who plan to build research careers in the natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics. If that describes you, this page walks you through what the scholarship provides, whether you are eligible, and how the application process works.
What the scholarship provides
The award
Up to $7,500 per academic year toward tuition, mandatory fees, books, and housing and meals — after other support you receive is considered. Sophomores may receive up to two years of support (four semesters); juniors may receive up to one year (two semesters) — or until graduation, if that comes sooner.
Just as valuable is what the award signals: Goldwater Scholars join a community of more than 11,600 alumni and are strong candidates for the nation’s top graduate fellowships.
Mark the dates: nominations are due the last Friday in January at 5:00 p.m. Central Time — and your campus deadline comes weeks earlier. Connect with your Campus Representative early in the fall, and see all key dates.
How it works
Every Goldwater Scholarship applicant is nominated through their campus rep (CR). Here is an overview of the process.
Are you eligible?
To be considered, you must meet all four criteria:
Class standing
You are a currently or previously matriculated sophomore or junior at an accredited 2-year or 4-year U.S. institution and will be a full-time matriculated student during the academic terms when receiving scholarship support. Goldwater defines sophomores and juniors by the semesters remaining until your graduation — see Definition of Terms.
Career plans
You intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics, or engineering. Careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, and engineering qualify only if research is central to your career goals.
GPA
You have a college grade-point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Citizenship
You are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau (or any other U.S. territory or possession) — or you are a permanent resident of the United States. Permanent residents must include a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
The Foundation does not support students whose career interests are clinical practice in medicine (translational research is supported), design work in engineering, or social/behavioral research in psychology (neuroscience research is supported). If you are unsure where your interests fall, ask your Campus Representative — do not count yourself out without that conversation.
Ready to start?
Find your Campus Representative, then learn how nomination works.