Fellowships for Math, Science and Engineering Graduates
Available Fellowships by Granting Agency
Department of Defense (DoD)
SMART Scholarship
Established by the Department of Defense, the SMART Scholarships support graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Scholars are sponsored by a branch of the military, receive full tuition coverage, stipends, paid summer internships, and accept employment with the DoD after receiving their degree.
Hertz Foundation
The Hertz Fellowship
This fellowship is available for college seniors, first-year graduate students, or students in a gap year intending to apply to graduate school. Students must be working towards or intending to pursue a PhD in applied sciences, mathematics, or engineering, and be committed to working towards understanding or solving issues currently facing society. The fellowship offers up to five years of funding with financial assistance valued up to $250,000. Hertz Fellows will also have access to individualized mentors, career development opportunities, and networking events.
Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers
IISE Scholarships and Fellowships
These awards are offered for undergraduate (second year and above) and graduate study in a variety of areas relating to industrial engineering. The student's "scholastic ability, character, leadership, and potential service to the industrial engineering profession" are all taken into consideration. Criteria vary depending on the award; awards are valued up to $4,000.
Nominations open September 1st and are due by November 15th; contact Dr. Tom Moore for assistance with the nomination process.
Knowles Teacher Initiative
Teaching Fellows Program
Candidates must have either a bachelor’s or advanced degree in science, engineering, or mathematics and should be committed to teaching high school science and/or mathematics in U.S. schools. The fellowship supports awardees professionally and financially for up to 5 years through a teacher preparation program to eligibility for tenure. During the initial year, fellows typically participate in a recognized teacher credentialing program.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Student Programs
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers internships related to national security science for undergraduate and graduate students. Recent graduates can apply for summer, part-time, and full-time appointments. It is designed to provide work experience related to the student’s chosen field of study. Appointments are made in technical and administrative fields.
There are various deadlines for different programs offered here.
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate
NDSEG Fellowship Program
The Department of Defense funds 3-year graduate fellowships in science and engineering disciplines of military importance for individuals who are pursuing doctoral degrees in a range of fields.
National Physical Sciences Consortium (NPSC)
Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD)
GFSD is a partnership between industry, government, and higher education institutions that provides fellowships for graduate study. This opportunity is open to all U.S. citizens. Fellowships are renewable annually and typically provide between 3-6 years of support. This program includes paid summer internships with the industrial sponsor.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
NSF supports research-based graduate study at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Fellows are “expected to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations” in their respective fields.
Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP)
The Graduate Research Fellowship provides 3 years of support for students who are in the early stages of graduate study. (Seniors may apply, but first-year graduate students are typically more successful.) Candidates may be engaged in interdisciplinary studies, mathematical sciences, computer and information sciences and engineering, geosciences, life sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. Deadlines range from October 27-30th depending on what field you are in.
Economics Program
The Economics Program supports research designed to improve the understanding of the processes and institutions of the U.S. economy and of the world system of which it is a part. This program also strengthens both empirical and theoretical economic analysis as well as the methods for rigorous research on economic behavior. It supports research in almost every area of economics, including econometrics, economic history, environmental economics, finance, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and public finance. Graduating seniors may apply, but first-year graduate students tend to be more competitive.
Full proposals are accepted any time of the year.
Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship
The Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship provides the opportunity for doctoral students to intern at federal national laboratories and research facilities. This first-hand experience of using mathematics in a nonacademic setting is perfect for students who are interested in understanding the real-world application of advanced mathematical and statistical techniques.
Applications are due annually on January 31st.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
The SIFP offers in-resident opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral students to conduct independent research or collaborate with the Smithsonian staff on projects that align with the Institute's interests. Students with experiences in these fields are encouraged to apply: ecology, environmental science, anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, astronomy, earth sciences, evolutionary & systematic biology, history of science and technology, art history, materials research, molecular biology, sociology, and more.
- Graduate Student Fellowship: ten-week fellowship to conduct independent research. Stipend of $10,000.
- Predoctoral Fellowship: for students to conduct dissertation research. Stipend of $45,000 per year in addition to research allowances.
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: for students conducting research after obtaining a PhD. Stipend of $57,000 per year in addition to research allowances.
Applicants should submit a research proposal and explain why the Smithsonian Institute is the ideal place to conduct said research. Fellows are expected to spend most of their tenure in-residence at the Institute.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Pathways Programs
Undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students are offered internships and job opportunities through the DOE Pathways Programs. Successful completion of an internship while in school may set students up for full-time employment after graduation. This program is also a great way to discover what it's like to be in a federal agency work environment.
Deadlines and specific eligibility requirements differ depending on the opportunity.
DOE STEM
The DOE STEM program aims to build pathways for students to enter the STEM workforce by providing training, education, and engagement opportunities. Opportunities include internships, scholarships, fellowships, graduate research, and more.