Physics Scholarships for College

Expert Answers to the Most Asked Physics Scholarship Questions

Physics Scholarships for College Students

Physics majors explore the fundamental laws that govern nature — from quantum mechanics and relativity to thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and cosmology. Because physics is foundational to science, engineering, and technology, many institutions and scientific organizations offer scholarships, fellowships, and research grants to support students pursuing physics degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

These awards help reduce tuition costs, fund research projects, and provide mentorship and career development for students working toward careers in academia, engineering, data science, medicine, aerospace, renewable energy, and more. Whether a student is interested in particle physics, astrophysics, condensed matter, materials science, or theoretical physics, there are scholarships tailored to nearly every specialization.

Are There Scholarships for Physics Majors?

Yes. Physics majors have access to a large variety of scholarships, including:

• Merit-based awards recognizing academic excellence in STEM.
• Research-based scholarships supporting students conducting scientific inquiry.
• Field-specific scholarships for areas like astrophysics, nuclear physics, optics, or education.
• Diversity scholarships for women, minorities, first-generation students, and underrepresented groups in STEM.
• Government-funded scholarships through agencies like NASA, the NSF, and the Department of Defense.

Physics is considered a “high-need” field, so many organizations offer generous financial aid to encourage more students to enter the discipline.

What Is the Barry Goldwater Scholarship?

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is one of the most prestigious undergraduate STEM awards in the United States. It supports students who show strong potential for careers in research science, including physics, astronomy, engineering physics, and related fields.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Enrollment as a sophomore or junior at an accredited college.
• A declared major in physics or a closely related discipline.
• Strong research experience — often demonstrated through lab work, publications, or conference presentations.
• A clear intent to pursue a PhD in physics or another research-intensive field.

The scholarship provides up to $7,500 per year, and Goldwater Scholars often move on to PhD programs at top universities and careers in academia, aerospace, national laboratories, or scientific research firms.

What Is the Society of Physics Students (SPS) Scholarship?

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) Scholarship is designed to help undergraduate students who are active in their SPS chapter and dedicated to the physics community.

Key details include:

• Scholarship amounts from $2,000 to $5,000.
• Eligibility requires active SPS membership.
• Applicants typically submit an essay, transcripts, and faculty recommendations.
• Recipients often participate in SPS research opportunities, outreach programs, or national conferences.

This scholarship is excellent for students engaged in academic leadership or physics-related service projects.

Are There Scholarships for Women in Physics?

Yes. Several organizations offer scholarships to support women entering physics and related STEM fields — fields where women remain significantly underrepresented.

Examples include:

• Maria Goeppert Mayer Award: Honors outstanding early-career female physicists and supports their continued research.
• APS Women in Physics Scholarships: Provides financial support for women pursuing undergraduate or graduate physics degrees.
• Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Supports women in STEM, including physics and computer science.
• Women in Physics Group (WiP) Departmental Awards: Offered by many universities to encourage gender equity.

These programs help increase representation, provide mentorship, and support women in physics-related research roles.

What Is the NASA Space Grant?

The NASA Space Grant is part of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. These awards support students pursuing degrees in STEM fields related to NASA’s mission, including physics, astrophysics, planetary science, and aerospace engineering.

Eligibility criteria often include:

• U.S. citizenship.
• Enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in physics or STEM.
• Interest or participation in space-related research or engineering projects.
• Strong academic and research performance.

Grants vary by state but may include tuition funding, paid research positions, or hands-on NASA project involvement.

Physics Scholarships for High School Students

High school students who excel in physics or want to pursue a physics degree can qualify for competitive national awards.

Examples include:

• Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Provides substantial awards to students who complete significant physics research or innovation.
• Regeneron Science Talent Search: Awards top high school researchers in physics and other STEM areas.
• American Regions Math League / Physics Bowl Awards: Recognizes achievement in physics competitions.
• MIT THINK Scholars Program: Supports student-led research projects in physics.

These programs help build strong academic portfolios for college admissions and scholarship applications.

What Is the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Scholarship?

The AAPT Scholarship is designed for students pursuing careers in physics education, particularly at the high school or college level.

Eligibility includes:

• Majoring in physics, science education, or a similar field.
• Demonstrating academic excellence and enthusiasm for teaching physics.
• Submitting an essay about your goals in STEM education.
• Providing letters of recommendation from faculty or teaching mentors.

Awards range from $1,000 to $3,000, and recipients often continue into teaching fellowships or educator training programs.

Are There Corporate Scholarships for Physics Majors?

Yes. Many corporations that rely on scientific research, aerospace engineering, and advanced technology offer scholarships for physics students.

Examples include:

• Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship: Provides $10,000 annually to students pursuing physics, engineering, or computer science.
• Honeywell STEM Scholarship: Supports students excelling in physics or mathematics.
• Boeing Scholarships: Funding for students pursuing careers in aerospace engineering or applied physics.
• Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Encourages women in STEM fields including physics.

Corporate scholarships often include mentorship, internship placements, or career placement assistance.

University-Specific Scholarships for Physics Majors

Many universities offer their own competitive awards, especially those with strong physics departments or research labs.

Examples include:

• University of Chicago Enrico Fermi Scholarship: Named after the Nobel Prize–winning physicist, supporting exceptional undergraduates.
• MIT Physics Fellowship: Provides financial aid for students conducting undergraduate or graduate physics research.
• Stanford Graduate Fellowships in Physics: Full funding for PhD students studying theoretical or experimental physics.
• Caltech Merit Scholarships: For outstanding students in physics or astrophysics programs.

Students should also check for departmental awards in quantum physics, astrophysics, nuclear physics, and materials science.

Physics Scholarships for Minorities

Many organizations promote diversity in STEM by offering scholarships to underrepresented minority groups pursuing physics.

Examples include:

• Sloan Minority PhD Program: Supports underrepresented students in graduate-level physics programs.
• NSBP (National Society of Black Physicists) Scholarships: Awards for undergraduate and graduate Black physics students.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): For Hispanic students in physics and engineering majors.
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES): Supports Indigenous students in STEM fields including physics.

These programs help build a more inclusive scientific community.

Astrophysics and Astronomy Scholarships

Students interested specifically in astrophysics, space science, or astronomy can apply for specialized awards such as:

• AAS (American Astronomical Society) Scholarships: Supports students conducting astronomy or astrophysics research.
• NASA Astrophysics Student Research Program: Provides funding for undergraduates and graduates conducting space science research.
• Dr. Nancy Grace Roman Scholarship: Encourages women and minorities in astrophysics.

These programs are ideal for students pursuing careers in cosmology, planetary science, or observational astronomy.

Fully Funded Physics Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students in physics often receive fully funded opportunities covering tuition and providing living stipends.

Notable programs include:

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP): Supports master’s and PhD students in physics and related fields.
• DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship: Fully funded PhD support for students working in computational physics.
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG): Provides full tuition and a generous stipend for STEM PhD students.

These programs prepare students for research careers in academia, national labs, and industry.

How to Apply for Physics Scholarships

To apply for physics scholarships and grants, students should:

• Submit Research Proposals: Many awards prioritize students with strong research backgrounds.
• Write a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your passion for physics, research experience, and career goals.
• Collect Strong Recommendation Letters: Professors and research advisors can speak to your potential as a scientist.
• Prepare a CV or Research Résumé: Include lab experience, publications, competitions, and scientific conferences.
• Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Broad applications significantly increase your overall funding opportunities.
• Meet Deadlines Early: Many physics scholarships require extensive documentation and faculty nomination.