Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program Opening Soon
Offered by Mensa Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program awards more than $200,000 in scholarships annually, and — unlike what the sponsor's name suggests — Mensa membership is not required to apply. The program is open to students enrolling in a degree program at an accredited institution of higher learning for the academic year following the award, and there is no application fee.
What sets this program apart is its judging: awards are based entirely on an essay of no more than 550 words explaining the applicant's career, academic, or vocational goals and how they plan to achieve them. Grades, test scores, and financial need are not part of the evaluation, which makes it a strong fit for students whose story is better than their transcript.
Individual named awards generally range from roughly $600 to $2,500, including specialty scholarships for veterans, LGBT students, and STEM majors. Applications are submitted through the Foundation's AwardSpring portal, with the 2026-27 window opening September 15, 2026 and recipients announced in June 2027.
Eligibility
- Open to Mensa members and non-members alike — no membership required
- Must be enrolled (or enrolling) in a degree program at an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning for the academic year following the award
- Must submit an essay of no more than 550 words on career, academic, and/or vocational goals
- Proof of enrollment is required if selected; no application fee
How To Apply
- Apply through the Mensa Foundation's AwardSpring scholarship portal (mensafoundation.awardspring.com) between September 15 and the posted closing date.
- Write and submit the 550-word-maximum essay describing your goals and your plan to achieve them — the essay is the sole basis for judging.
- If awarded, provide proof of enrollment at an accredited institution for the award year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Mensa member to apply?
No. The Mensa Foundation's scholarships are open to members and non-members alike, and there is no application fee or IQ requirement.
How are winners chosen?
Awards are judged solely on the applicant's essay of no more than 550 words describing career, academic, or vocational goals and the plan to achieve them. Grades and financial need are not considered.