Scholarship

AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

Award Varies by award ($500–$10,000)
Deadline Jan 31, 2027

Scholarships ($500–$10,000) for AIAA student members pursuing science or engineering degrees leading to a career in aerospace. Requires AIAA membership, at least one completed semester, and minimum 3.3 GPA; enrolled at accredited U.S. institution.

Eligibility

Grade levels
College undergraduate
Minimum GPA
3.3
Fields of study
Engineering, Science
Essay
Required

Special eligibility to verify

  • AIAA student membership required: Applicants must be AIAA student members pursuing an eligible aerospace-related path.

Application requirements

  • Submit the online application by 31 January: Applications are accepted 15 October to 31 January and must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 31 January. All materials must be in by the deadline for the application to count as complete; AIAA makes no exceptions.
  • Upload your college transcripts as one PDF: Transcripts from ALL colleges attended, through the most recent Fall term, combined into a single PDF. Unofficial transcripts are accepted, but official ones are requested if you are offered an award. AIAA does not accept high school transcripts.
  • Write the 500-1,000 word career-objectives essay: Specify your career objectives and outline the academic program required to achieve them. Essays must be your own original work; any plagiarized portion disqualifies the application.
  • Answer the award-specific writing prompt: Only if applying for a Technical Committee or Section-sponsored award. AIAA does not publish these prompts outside the application.
  • Arrange two professional letters of recommendation: Any combination of academic or career references (advisors, supervisors, bosses, cohort leaders); relatives may not submit them. Submitted through the online system. AIAA's two pages disagree on the letter deadline: the application-requirements page says 13 February, the eligibility page says 14 February. Treat 13 February as the safe date.
  • Prepare a resume or CV: Highlight professional experience, extracurricular activities, and awards or certifications.

Verified Jun 25, 2026 · View official source