Barry Goldwater Scholarship
Offered by Barry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award for future research scientists in the United States. Established by Congress as a living memorial to Senator Barry Goldwater, it provides up to $7,500 per academic year toward tuition, fees, books, and housing for college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Sophomores can receive up to two years of support, juniors up to one.
The money understates the award's value. Goldwater Scholars join a community of more than 11,600 alumni and are flagged as strong candidates for the nation's top graduate fellowships; for students aiming at a PhD, the title itself opens doors. Careers in medicine or engineering qualify only when research is central to the career goal, and the foundation does not support clinical practice, engineering design work, or social/behavioral psychology research.
Every applicant must be nominated through their institution's Campus Representative, and campus internal deadlines come weeks before the national cutoff. The practical takeaway: students should contact their campus rep early in the fall, because by the time the national deadline on the last Friday in January arrives, the campus selection process is already over.
Eligibility
- Current sophomore or junior (defined by semesters remaining) at an accredited 2-year or 4-year U.S. institution, enrolled full time
- Intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics, or engineering (medicine or engineering only if research is central to your goals)
- College GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident (permanent residents must include a Green Card copy)
- Must be nominated by your institution's Campus Representative
How To Apply
- Check your eligibility and find your Campus Representative using the locator on goldwaterscholarship.gov
- Contact your campus rep early in the fall; campus internal deadlines run September through January, well before the national deadline
- Complete the application, including the research essay describing your scientific work and goals
- Your institution submits nominations by the national deadline, the last Friday in January (January 29, 2027) at 5:00 p.m. Central Time; scholars are announced the last Friday in March
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly without a nomination?
No. Every Goldwater applicant is nominated through their campus representative, and your institution's internal selection happens first, so start the conversation early in the fall semester.
How much support can I receive?
Up to $7,500 per academic year, after other support is considered, toward tuition, mandatory fees, books, and housing and meals. Sophomores may receive up to two years of support (up to $15,000 total); juniors up to one year.
Does pre-med qualify?
Only if research is central to your career goals. The foundation supports translational research but not careers aimed at clinical practice, and it likewise excludes engineering design work and social or behavioral psychology research.