SVC Foundation Academic Scholarship Last Chance

About This Scholarship

The Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation awards Academic Scholarships of generally up to $5,000 to students studying fields related to vacuum coating — the thin-film technology behind everything from semiconductor fabrication to optical lenses and solar panels. Three or more awards are expected each year, and the money covers tuition, books, fees, and even travel to relevant industry conferences.

The eligible pool is wider than most engineering scholarships: students at accredited technical, vocational, two-year, undergraduate, and graduate schools all qualify, as long as they are enrolled full time during the award semesters. Preference goes to engineering, physics, materials science, and related majors, but the defining requirement is a connection between your studies and vacuum coating or thin-film technology.

Because the field is niche, the applicant pool is small compared with general STEM awards — a real edge for students in materials science, surface engineering, optics, or semiconductor processing who can articulate that connection. The application is a form plus a recommendation, both linked from the foundation's scholarships page, due October 16, 2026.

Eligibility

• Enrolled at an accredited technical, vocational, two-year, undergraduate, or graduate school
• Studying a field related to vacuum coating; engineering, physics, materials science, and related fields receive preference
• Full-time enrollment required during the semesters the award covers

How To Apply

• Download or open the scholarship application linked on the SVC Foundation scholarships page
• Arrange the required recommendation using the foundation's recommendation form
• Describe how your studies connect to vacuum coating or thin-film technology
• Submit both forms by the October 16, 2026 deadline

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Frequently Asked Questions