Goldwater Scholarship Competition 2026 Now Open
Attention all ambitious science, engineering, and mathematics students! The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has officially announced that the 2026 Goldwater Scholarship Competition is open for new applications starting September 2, 2025. This is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the U.S., designed to support promising undergraduates committed to groundbreaking research careers.
Why This Scholarship Matters?
Since its establishment by Congress in 1986 as a living memorial to Senator Barry Goldwater, the Foundation has produced thousands of research leaders. Goldwater Scholars have gone on to win Rhodes, Churchill, and NSF Fellowships, and today, many are at the frontlines of curing diseases, advancing technology, and teaching the next generation of innovators.
In 2026, the Foundation anticipates awarding 400–450 scholarships, making this one of the largest cohorts ever. Each scholarship provides financial aid that eases tuition burdens while giving you the recognition that can set you apart in graduate school and beyond.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered, you must:
- Be a college sophomore or junior at the time of application.
- Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
- Intend to pursue a research career in science, engineering, or mathematics.
- Be nominated by your Goldwater Campus Representative.
Transfer students and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply!
Application Dates to Remember
The 2026 Goldwater Scholarship competition officially opens on September 2, 2025, when the application portal goes live. From early September through late January, individual institutions will set their own internal campus deadlines for students to secure nominations.
The final nomination deadline is on January 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT, after which no applications will be accepted. All nomination packets will be reviewed in late February 2026, followed by the Board of Trustees’ vote on awardees in mid-March 2026. Finally, the list of Scholars and Honorable Mentions will be announced on March 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM CT.
Support & Open House Sessions
To make your journey smoother, the Foundation is offering weekly Open Houses for Campus Representatives and dedicated student sessions:
- September 17, 2025: Meet current Goldwater Scholars (4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. ET)
- November 5, 2025: Meet Goldwater reviewers (4:00 p.m. ET).
Apply: https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/.
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