If you’re chasing a space-related degree, you can find dozens of scholarships funded by NASA, professional groups, and various universities. These awards cover everything from high school to postdoc and might range anywhere from $5,000 up to full tuition.
The NASA Space Grant College and Fellowship Program connects with 52 consortia nationwide. Each state consortium runs its own scholarship programs for science, math, engineering, and tech students.
Award amounts and eligibility requirements shift from state to state.
Professional organizations offer aerospace engineering scholarships too. For example, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics gives out several undergraduate awards. Some are $2,500, while others can hit $10,000 per year.
NASA internship programs blend paid work with scholarship support. Students jump into hands-on projects at NASA centers and get financial help along the way.
A lot of these internships turn into job offers after graduation.
Big state schools with solid aerospace departments—think Purdue, Georgia Tech, University of Colorado—also provide their own scholarships. Private aerospace companies sometimes sponsor awards at these schools too.
The American Astronautical Society funds a $5,000 scholarship for the International Space University Space Studies Program in Seoul, South Korea. Only U.S. citizens can apply, and you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
NASA graduate fellowships offer full tuition plus stipends. The NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship supports both master’s and doctoral students, with awards typically between $30,000 and $45,000 a year.
International students sometimes find astronomy and space sciences scholarships aimed at PhD candidates. These programs often cover all costs, including research expenses.
Professional aerospace organizations sponsor graduate research too. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Graduate Awards help pay for thesis research, conferences, and publication fees.
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) gives out scholarships for high schoolers. SEDS members get preferred status for several space industry awards and can connect with mentors.
NASA educational outreach programs open up scholarship paths for high school students. The NASA USRP program invites high school seniors for summer research. Many stick with NASA through college.
STEM competition winners—like those from Team America Rocketry Challenge—often walk away with scholarship money. Winners also make connections with aerospace employers and universities.
State Space Grant consortia back pre-college programs in most states. These initiatives offer scholarships to graduating seniors who excel in math and science.
The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project opens doors for students all over the U.S. to get into space-related education and careers. With 52 state-based consortiums, this network links more than 850 colleges, universities, and industry partners.
They deliver scholarships, research gigs, and real hands-on experience with NASA missions.
Every state, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, runs its own Space Grant consortium based out of major universities. These programs provide direct funding for undergrads and grad students aiming for aerospace careers.
Students can grab fellowships and scholarships tailored for science, tech, engineering, and math. The money helps pay for both classes and research that supports NASA’s missions.
Delaware Space Grant Consortium recently funded a full CubeSat mission for students. North Carolina Space Grant handed out research funding to three Appalachian State students for 2024-25.
The New Hampshire Space Grant landed $24.3 million from NASA to build solar wind sensors. That’s a good example of how state programs plug students into real industry projects.
Each consortium shapes its programs to fit local needs but keeps national standards in mind. Students benefit from regional connections and opportunities that line up with the aerospace industry in their area.
The Space Grant network pulls in more than 850 affiliates—universities, companies, museums, science centers, and government agencies. With so many partners, students have plenty of ways to break into aerospace.
NASA SUITS challenges college students to design new user interfaces for spacesuits. High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) teams up high schoolers with NASA on real mission needs.
The 2025 RASC-AL Competition asks teams to dream up concepts for Moon and Mars operations. These programs give students hands-on work with real spacecraft and mission planning.
Industry partners link students with companies working on commercial spaceflight. Museums and science centers help get the public excited about space science.
Research projects funded by these partnerships often support NASA’s commercial crew program and other big steps toward civilian space.
NASA runs competitive funding programs for students chasing aerospace education and research. These range from hands-on internships at NASA centers to independent fellowships for advanced study.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement offers paid internships for high school, undergrad, and grad students. These internships put students right in the middle of space projects at NASA sites across the country.
You can actually apply to up to 15 programs with one application. Internships run year-round—summer, fall, spring, and even full-year options.
Key features:
The NASA International Intern program brings in non-U.S. citizens nominated by their national space agencies. These students need a strong background in aerospace or earth science.
Applications ask for solid grades and relevant STEM coursework. Students work side by side with NASA researchers on active missions.
NASA Fellowships let undergrad and grad students design their own research projects. These awards focus on innovation that pushes NASA’s tech goals forward.
Fellowship winners lead original research in fields needed for space exploration. The program values measurable results that move aerospace science ahead.
Research areas:
Fellows work with faculty advisors on senior projects or thesis research. The program connects classroom learning with real-world space applications.
Students get funding but keep the freedom to chase their own research interests within NASA’s mission. These fellowships often open doors to aerospace careers.
The American Astronautical Society and AIAA Foundation lead the way with funding opportunities for students heading into space and aeronautics. These groups offer awards from $500 up to $10,000 for undergrads and grad students.
The American Astronautical Society gives targeted funding to students jumping into space-focused careers. Their scholarships support both undergrads and grads in astronautics, space engineering, and related areas.
Students can apply for several award types through AAS. The society teams up with universities all over the country to spot top talent in space science and tech.
Application requirements usually include transcripts, recommendations, and essays about your commitment to space careers. You’ll need a strong GPA and leadership chops.
The society values hands-on experience as much as academic success. Many winners join projects like spacecraft design, mission planning, or space systems engineering.
AAS scholarships often connect students with industry mentors or internships. That networking can make the jump from college to a real space job so much easier.
The AIAA Foundation runs one of the biggest scholarship programs for aeronautics and space engineering. Students can go for up to three awards each year through their online portal.
Top undergrad scholarships include the Daedalus 88 Scholarship ($10,000), David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship ($10,000), and Mary W. Jackson Scholarship ($10,000). These are for students who show leadership in aerospace.
The foundation also offers Digital Avionics Scholarships at $3,000 each. Five different awards focus on avionics, and some are open to international students.
Grad awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. The Neil Armstrong Graduate Award and Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award top out at $10,000.
Applications open October 1 and close January 31 each year. You’ll need AIAA membership and must submit everything online. Letters of recommendation are due by February 14.
If you’re set on a space-related career, you can find specialized funding through engineering programs and astrophysics awards. These scholarships usually offer bigger awards and can put you in touch with industry pros.
The AIAA Foundation runs the most extensive engineering scholarship program for space and aeronautics. They hand out over 65 scholarships each year to students at more than 150 colleges.
Top awards include the Daedalus 88 Scholarship at $10,000, aimed at students with entrepreneurial leadership in aerospace. The David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship also offers $10,000 for space tech studies.
Digital avionics students get support through five $3,000 scholarships, like the Cary Spitzer Digital Avionics Scholarship and Dr. Amy R. Pritchett Digital Avionics Scholarship.
Applicants must be AIAA student members. Applications open October 1 and close January 31. You can try for up to three scholarships at once.
Graduate engineering awards run from $1,000 up to $10,000. The Neil Armstrong Graduate Award and Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award both give $10,000 for advanced research.
NASA’s Universities Space Research Association funds scholarships for students focused on space science research. These awards highlight hands-on experience in astrophysics labs.
Grad students in astrophysics can get research grants through university partnerships with NASA centers. These programs mix financial support with real work on active missions and telescope projects.
Merit-based astrophysics scholarships usually require some research experience and strong grades in physics and math. Many expect you to present your work at conferences.
Private foundations and space tech companies now offer astrophysics scholarships for specific research areas like exoplanet discovery or space-based astronomy.
NASA and other federal agencies hand out a lot of research funding for space projects through competitive grants. Students and faculty can tap into these funds for everything from theoretical astrophysics to hands-on spacecraft development.
Student researchers can tap into specialized funding through NASA Space Grant consortiums in all 50 states. These programs hand out grants from $2,000 up to $15,000 for both undergraduate and graduate space research projects.
The NASA USRP (Undergraduate Student Research Program) links students directly with NASA research centers. You’ll get to work on active space projects while picking up stipends and research funding.
Popular research areas? Think spacecraft propulsion, planetary science, and all sorts of space exploration technologies.
Space Grant fellowships back graduate students chasing advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and similar fields. Recipients often join NASA missions and help publish research.
Usually, the application process opens each fall and they announce awards by spring.
State-based Space Grant consortiums bring even more chances for students. You can apply for summer research gigs, conference travel funds, or even equipment grants.
Many programs actively encourage folks from underrepresented groups in STEM to jump in.
Faculty members can go after bigger research grants through NASA’s competitive process. The Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants program supports both solo investigators and teams working on space science projects.
NASA ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences) stands as the agency’s main funding route for outside research. Each year, more than $1 billion goes to projects in multiple disciplines.
Typical awards? They land between $100,000 and $500,000 per year for multi-year projects.
Universities can team up with NASA through the Space Technology Research Grants program. These institutional awards help build new facilities and fund long-term research.
NASA puts a spotlight on advanced propulsion, life support tech, and tools for planetary exploration.
The ISS National Lab sets aside funding for research on the International Space Station. Both commercial companies and academic teams can apply for grants to support microgravity experiments.
Space scholarship programs set clear standards for academic performance and citizenship status. Most want U.S. citizenship and enrollment in a science or engineering field.
To qualify for space scholarships, you usually need to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Programs like NASA Space Grant focus on space physics, engineering, mathematics, and science education.
Most scholarships look for undergrads and grad students actively enrolled in these areas. The AIAA Foundation, for example, specifically awards students in science or engineering.
Academic performance matters a lot. Programs expect applicants to show solid grades and real focus in their chosen field.
Some scholarships also accept recent high school grads jumping into STEM programs. NASA Space Grant welcomes both traditional students and adults returning to school.
Engineering concentrations that usually qualify:
Students in physics, astronomy, and materials science also find plenty of options. The main thing? Your academic path should connect to a future in aerospace.
U.S. citizenship is a core requirement for most space scholarships. NASA Space Grant, for instance, clearly says permanent residents aren’t eligible.
This rule exists because aerospace tech deals with sensitive stuff and national security. Students have to show proof of citizenship during the application.
International students have pretty limited options in U.S. space scholarships. The citizenship rule cuts out most foreign nationals.
Some programs let students apply regardless of their home state if they study at a participating school. But the citizenship requirement sticks for nearly all major scholarships.
It’s smart to check your citizenship status before you apply. Programs almost never make exceptions for non-citizens seeking space funding.
Space scholarship applications ask for specific documents and a personal statement that really shows your commitment to aerospace careers. Successful applicants put together thorough materials and write focused essays that highlight their passion for space exploration.
Most programs want a familiar set of documents. You’ll need official transcripts from your current or most recent school, sent straight from the registrar.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is often required. Many space scholarships, especially those with a need-based element, expect you to submit FAFSA early in the cycle.
Application packages usually include:
Recommendation letters really matter in aerospace scholarship decisions. Ask professors, employers, or mentors who actually know your space interests. Give them at least four weeks to write.
Some programs want extra stuff like research papers or project portfolios. The American Astronautical Society scholarship, for example, asks for a one-page essay. Always double-check what each program wants.
Personal statements for space scholarships need to show you really get what aerospace is about. Committees want specific examples, not just “I love space” lines.
Strong essays tie personal experiences to your aerospace goals. Talk about hands-on projects, internships, or classes that lit the spark for you. Mentioning a particular mission or technology shows you’ve done your homework.
Explain why space exploration matters to you, personally. Skip the clichés about wanting to be an astronaut since you were five. Instead, focus on what you hope to contribute to aerospace.
Successful applicants show they’re ready to work hard and keep learning. Space fields value grit and adaptability. Use real examples of overcoming academic or technical hurdles.
Stick to the word limit—usually 500 to 1,000 words. Definitely proofread for grammar and technical details.
Space agencies and private companies have started scholarship programs just for underrepresented communities and students with disabilities. These efforts try to open the aerospace world to more people through financial support and tailored training.
NASA runs big initiatives to boost diversity in space careers. The agency works with historically black colleges and universities to fund STEM students aiming for aerospace degrees.
The Space Force now requires diversity training for all service members. They also offer scholarship chances for cadets from underrepresented backgrounds.
Some programs focus on specific groups:
The Commercial Space Equity & Diversity Scholarship even covers six months of astronaut training. It’s need-based and open to applicants from anywhere, regardless of citizenship. Recipients get full tuition for online training.
Public outreach connects these scholarships to high school students. Programs visit schools in underserved areas to spread the word about space careers and funding.
Space organizations recognize that neurodiverse individuals bring fresh problem-solving skills to aerospace. Several scholarships now support students with autism spectrum disorders and other neurological differences.
The Autism at Work initiative now reaches into space industry training. Companies like Microsoft and SAP have shown neurodiverse employees can thrive in technical roles.
Specialized support services come with these scholarships. Students get accommodations during training and mentorship from professionals who understand neurodiversity.
Training programs adjust their approach for different learning styles. Visual learners get more graphics and simulations. Others might get extra time for assessments.
Career placement programs link scholarship winners with employers who value neurodiversity. Space companies increasingly see that different thinking sparks innovation in spacecraft design and mission planning.
NASA leads wide-ranging public outreach programs that connect communities with space science and open up scholarship pathways. These projects reach K-12 students with hands-on STEM activities and let college students and professionals volunteer in community education.
NASA runs K-12 programs to get the next generation excited about space science and engineering. The Space Grant network connects with over 850 affiliates nationwide, bringing aerospace education right into classrooms and local communities.
Space Foundation’s “Space in the Community” program works with PreK-12 students using hands-on activities. Teachers get professional development so they can weave space science into their lessons.
The California Space Grant Consortium acts as the state’s main arm for NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. It organizes aerospace activities from pre-college to university research.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement develops educational content for different grade levels. Students get to tackle complex space topics through age-appropriate activities and experiments.
The Aerospace Outreach Program tries to raise awareness about aerospace science, design, and technology before college. It aims to recruit and train students interested in NASA fields.
College students can join outreach through NASA’s STEM Outreach Fellowship program. This fellowship gives undergrads and grad students hands-on experience working with all sorts of audiences in science, math, and engineering outreach.
NASA’s DEVELOP program tackles environmental and public policy issues with interdisciplinary projects. Participants team up with community partners to use NASA Earth observations for local challenges.
The National Space Grant network offers volunteer spots for students to help with public outreach. You can share your knowledge and pick up communication and leadership skills along the way.
Community partnerships really drive many space education efforts. Museums, science centers, and state agencies work with NASA to deliver programs that help grow the STEM workforce and boost local economies.
Students in outreach programs often earn stipends or academic credit for their work. These roles offer real experience in science communication and help build up their communities’ educational resources.
NASA has programs that link international students with American space education opportunities. Global partnerships between U.S. and international universities open doors for foreign students to tap into American space scholarships.
NASA runs the International Internship Program to bring international students to American space centers. This program targets undergrad and grad students from partner countries.
Students work at NASA places like Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers. They team up with U.S. researchers on live space missions and tech development.
The program usually lasts 10-16 weeks in the summer. Participants get stipends and help with housing while gaining hands-on NASA experience.
Eligibility requirements:
Students often join projects tied to Mars exploration, Earth science missions, or spacecraft tech. The experience can open doors to grad school at American universities with space programs.
American universities team up with international institutions to bring space scholarship opportunities to students worldwide. These partnerships set up exchange programs and even joint degrees for students coming from abroad.
The International Space University collaborates with NASA and U.S. aerospace companies to help fund international students. Through these arrangements, students can actually attend programs in the United States.
Major partnership programs include:
These partnerships often pick up the tab for tuition, travel, and living expenses. Students get rare access to American space facilities and research opportunities that usually go to U.S. citizens.
Many programs tell students they need to return to their home countries after finishing up. This spreads American space expertise around the world and keeps international cooperation in space exploration alive.
Students hoping for space scholarships usually have a lot of questions about who can apply, how to do it, and what programs are actually out there. NASA and aerospace organizations put out funding for undergrads and grad students chasing STEM careers.
NASA asks that scholarship applicants be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at accredited colleges or universities. They also want you to keep at least a 3.0 GPA while you’re in the program.
Most NASA scholarships look for students working toward degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math. You’ll usually find recipients studying aerospace engineering, physics, astronomy, computer science, or something similar.
The NASA College Scholarship Fund backs students at partner schools, including community colleges and four-year universities that already work with NASA.
High schoolers can get in on NASA programs through the Office of STEM Engagement. Applications usually open in the fall for the next school year.
Students apply through the NASA OSSI portal. You’ll need to send in transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement about your aerospace interests.
Deadlines shift by program but mostly land between January and March. If you apply early, you boost your odds—these spots fill up fast.
SpaceX doesn’t actually run a formal scholarship program for students at the moment. Instead, they put their energy into internships and hiring new grads, not traditional educational funding.
If you want to work at SpaceX, focus on earning a relevant engineering degree and look for internships through your university’s career center. SpaceX scouts talent from top aerospace programs.
You could also take part in competitions like the Hyperloop Pod Competition or University Rover Challenge—SpaceX often sponsors or supports these.
Most NASA and federal space scholarships only accept U.S. citizens. International students can’t apply for Space Grant Consortium programs or the NASA College Scholarship Fund.
Some private aerospace companies and foundations do offer limited opportunities for international students. These usually have their own applications and eligibility rules.
International students should check out university-specific scholarships at schools with strong aerospace programs. Quite a few universities offer funding for standout international students in STEM.
The NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program helps students aiming for careers in aviation and aeronautics research. They give out annual stipends and summer internships at NASA centers.
Eligible students study aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical fields. The program really values hands-on experience, so students dive into real research projects.
Scholarship winners work next to NASA researchers on current aviation challenges. Projects might involve aircraft design, air traffic systems, or sustainable aviation technology.
You’ll need to apply through your college or university, not straight to NASA. Each school handles its own application process and picks students in its own way.
They usually look at your grades, especially in math and science. If you’ve shown real interest in NASA’s work or anything aerospace, that definitely helps.
Honestly, if you can prove you might make a difference in the field, you’re on the right track. Sometimes, financial need can sway the decision too.
Leadership roles or joining STEM clubs can give you an extra edge. It’s not all about perfect scores—showing passion and drive matters a lot.
