Scholarships for engineers

Engineering programs are known for being academically rigorous–and financially demanding. From tuition and lab fees to textbooks and living expenses, the cost can add up quickly. Scholarships can make a significant difference, offering financial support that doesn’t need to be repaid. 

There’s a wide range of scholarships available specifically for engineering students, whether you’re majoring in mechanical, civil, electrical, or another discipline. Some are based on academic merit, while others focus on financial need, background, or career interests.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the most common types of scholarships for engineering students, plus examples of programs that can help support you through college or graduate school. 

Who can apply for engineering scholarships?

Most engineering scholarships are open to current or incoming students enrolled in accredited engineering programs. Eligibility often depends on factors like academic performance, financial need, specific engineering majors, and involvement in extracurricular or research activities.

Undergraduate engineering students

Many engineering scholarships for college students are aimed at undergraduates working toward a bachelor’s degree. Applicants typically need to:

• Be enrolled full-time in an accredited engineering program
• Have a declared major such as mechanical, computer, civil, or electrical engineering
• Meet GPA or academic performance requirements
• Demonstrate financial need (for need-based scholarships)

Graduate engineering students

Some engineering scholarships are designed for master’s and Ph.D. candidates pursuing advanced research. These may be offered through professional associations, research institutions, or university departments. Applicants may be required to:

• Be enrolled in an accredited graduate-level engineering program
• Submit research proposals or faculty recommendations
• Maintain strong academic standing

High school seniors entering engineering programs

Several national scholarships accept applications from high school seniors planning to pursue engineering in college. These awards often require:

• Acceptance into an accredited engineering program
• High academic achievement and standardized test scores
• Involvement in STEM-related extracurricular or competitions

Regardless of your academic level or specialty, there are scholarships for engineering students designed to support a wide range of goals and backgrounds.

Types of engineering scholarships

Engineering scholarships come in many forms, and understanding the differences can help students find the right opportunities based on their qualifications and goals. Some awards are broad and open to all engineering majors, while others are tailored to specific disciplines like mechanical and electrical engineering. Below are the most common types of scholarships for engineering students:

Merit-based scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership experience, or involvement in extracurricular activities. They are typically competitive and may require essays, letters of recommendation, or proof of academic standing. 

Merit-based engineering scholarships for college students are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and may be offered by:

• Universities and engineering departments
• Private foundations
• Professional organizations such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) or the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

Need-based scholarships

Need-based scholarships support students who demonstrate financial need. These awards typically require FAFSA information or other financial documentation and are commonly offered by schools and nonprofit organizations.

Discipline-specific scholarships

Many scholarships are tied to a specific field of engineering. These are ideals for students who have already chosen a major:

• Scholarships for mechanical engineering students may come from groups like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or SAE International
• Scholarships for electrical engineering majors are often available through the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) and similar organizations
• Other specialities (civil, chemical, aerospace, computer, etc.) also have targeted funding

Graduate engineering scholarships and fellowships

Graduate students can apply for research-based scholarships, grants, teaching assistantships, or industry-sponsored fellowships. These opportunities often support thesis or dissertation work and may include stipends.

Diversity and inclusion scholarships

Many organizations offer scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, including:

• Women in engineering
• Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous students
• First-generation college students
• LGBTQ+ students

These programs are designed to increase diversity within the engineering profession.

Top scholarships for engineering students

There are hundreds of scholarship programs available for engineering majors, ranging from broad national awards to discipline-specific funding. Below are some well-known scholarships for engineering students, grouped by focus area.

General engineering scholarships

These scholarships are open to students pursuing any engineering discipline:

• SMART Scholarship (Department of Defense): For undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including all branches of engineering. Offers full tuition, a stipend, and a guaranteed job after graduation.
• Society of Women Engineers Scholarships: Awards for women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering. Multiple scholarships are available with varying eligibility criteria. 
• National Society of Professional Engineers Scholarships: Offers several awards to engineering students based on merit, need, and professional interest.

Scholarships for mechanical engineering students

These programs are specifically designed for students majoring in mechanical engineering:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Scholarships: Dozens of awards for ASME student members studying mechanical engineering.
• SAE International Scholarships: Offers financial support to students planning a career in mobility engineering, including mechanical and automotive engineering.

Scholarships for electrical engineering students

Targeted funding for those majoring in electrical, electronics, or computer engineering:

• IEEE Power & Energy Society Scholarship Plus Initiative: Awards to undergraduate students studying electrical engineering with a focus on power and energy.
• AFCEA STEM Major Scholarships: For students in electrical engineering, cybersecurity, and other technical fields. Open to undergraduates and some graduate students.

Other discipline-specific opportunities

• American Society of Civil Engineers Scholarships: Awards for civil engineering undergraduates and fellowships for graduate students.
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers Scholarships: Offers scholarships for chemical engineering students, including awards focused on leadership and diversity.
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Scholarships: Scholarships and graduate awards for students studying aerospace engineering.
• Vicki and George Muellner Scholarship for Aerospace Engineering: A competitive scholarship through AIAA for students in aerospace engineering.
• Club for the Future Resilient Student Scholarship: An AIAA-administered scholarship for students entering STEM or aerospace programs who have overcome challenges in their academic journey.

How to find and apply for engineering scholarships

Finding the right engineering scholarship for college students takes time, research, and organization–but the payoff can be well worth the effort. Whether you’re looking for general funding or scholarships tied to specific disciplines, here are some of the most effective ways to search and apply.

Where to look for scholarships

Start your search with reliable sources that regularly update available opportunities:

• University Financial Aid Offices: Most schools maintain a list of internal and external scholarships.
• Professional Associations: Groups like ASME, IEEE, NSPE, and SWE often offer scholarships to members or engineering majors in their field.
• Scholarship Search Engines: Tools like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and CareerOneStop let you filter by major, location, and eligibility.
• Local Foundations and Employers: Some community organizations and engineering firms offer scholarships to students in their region or future field.

Tips for a strong application

Once you’ve found scholarships that match your qualifications, increase your qualifications, increase your chances of success by following these best practices:

• Follow Instructions Closely: Each scholarship may have different requirements for eligibility, documentation, or submission format.
• Tailor Your Materials: Customize your essays and resume to align with the mission or focus of the scholarship provider.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize engineering-related coursework, projects, internships, or extracurricular activities.
• Request Strong Recommendations: Choose references who can speak to your academic potential, leadership, or technical skills.
• Track Deadlines: Use a spreadsheet or calendar to stay on top of due dates and submission requirements.

The process of applying for scholarships can be competitive, but with careful preparation and persistence, you can secure funding that supports your education and long-term goals.

Scholarships are just one step toward your engineering career

Scholarships can make a meaningful difference in your journey as an engineering student–helping you reduce financial pressure and focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and preparing for your future.

At PPI, we’re here to support you at every stage of your engineering journey. Whether you’re just starting your education or preparing for professional licensure, we offer trusted tools and resources to help you move forward. From comprehensive FE and PE exam prep to study guides, practice problems, and strategic planning tips, our materials are designed to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. With decades of experience helping engineers succeed, PPI is committed to guiding the next generation of professionals toward long-term success.