Optica Women Scholars
Offered by Optica Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Optica Women Scholars program, run by the foundation of the global optics and photonics society Optica, selects 20 women each year for a $10,000 award. The money is a merit and need-based grant, and each scholar also receives a one-year Optica student membership plus a mentor matched through the society's mentoring platform.
Undergraduates qualify if they major in optics, physics, chemistry, math or engineering and can show an interest in optics and photonics. Master's students need a major or concentration in optics or photonics backed by their research and coursework. The program is open to students at universities worldwide, and recent classes have included students in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Israel.
Applicants submit a resume, a personal statement of up to 500 words on their goals and optics experience, a budget of expected academic costs and other funding, transcripts from the last two to three years and two recommendation letters. The review counts academic potential such as GPA, publications and prior awards, and it excludes career breaks for caregiving or parental leave from timelines.
Eligibility
- Self-identify as a woman
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or master's student at a university (any country)
- Undergraduates: major in optics, physics, chemistry, math or engineering with a demonstrated interest in optics and photonics
- Master's students: major or concentration in optics or photonics shown through research and coursework
- Demonstrated academic potential (GPA, publications, references or other awards)
How To Apply
- Prepare a CV or resume and a personal statement of 500 words or less on your goals and optics experience
- Build a budget of anticipated academic expenses and other funding sources
- Gather transcripts from the last two to three years and two recommendation letters
- Submit everything through apply.optica.org between October 30 and December 6, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Optica Women Scholars award?
Each of the 20 scholars receives $10,000 plus a one-year Optica student membership and access to a mentor.
Can PhD students apply?
No. The program is for undergraduate and master's students. Optica runs a separate Amplify scholarship for PhD students.
Do I have to study in the United States?
No. Students at universities in any country can apply, and past recipients have come from several countries.