ASHRAE Graduate Student Grant-in-Aid
Offered by ASHRAE
About This Scholarship
ASHRAE's Graduate Student Grant-in-Aid funds full-time graduate students whose thesis or research falls within heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and building-performance technology. It is one of the largest single awards in the HVACR field and is aimed at students who plan to bring their research into the industry.
The grant is worth up to $20,000, paid in two halves: $10,000 once enrollment is confirmed and another $10,000 after the student reports on attending one of the next three ASHRAE Society meetings. Recipients can also earn an optional $3,000 honorarium for presenting a peer-reviewed paper based on the funded research. ASHRAE typically makes 10 to 25 awards a year.
The application is a joint effort. The student writes the academic and research sections, and the faculty advisor completes an assessment and submits the full packet to ASHRAE. Student membership is encouraged but not required.
Eligibility
- Full-time graduate student for the full academic year following the award
- Thesis or research topic must relate to ASHRAE technology (HVAC, refrigeration, building environment)
- Must have a supervising faculty advisor who completes part of the application
- Open to students in all ASHRAE regions worldwide
- Past Grant-in-Aid recipients may not reapply
- ASHRAE membership is not required (student membership is encouraged)
How To Apply
- Download the Grant-in-Aid application form from the ASHRAE program page
- Complete pages 1-3 (academic history, transcript, and research description) and give the form to your faculty advisor
- Your advisor completes page 4 (institution details and assessment)
- The advisor emails the complete packet, including an official transcript, to ASHRAE before 8:00 a.m. EST on March 1, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an ASHRAE member to apply?
No. ASHRAE strongly encourages applicants to join as student members, but membership is not a requirement for the Grant-in-Aid.
How is the $20,000 paid out?
Half is paid once enrollment is confirmed. The second $10,000 is paid after you attend one of the next three ASHRAE Society meetings and submit a report. If you don't attend, ASHRAE keeps that portion.
Can I apply again if I won before?
No. Previous Grant-in-Aid recipients are not eligible to reapply.