AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

About the AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

The AIAA Foundation undergraduate scholarships have not opened for applications yet. The next window runs from mid-October 2026 through the end of January 2027, so you have time to prepare while the portal is closed. These awards support students working toward degrees in aerospace-related science and engineering fields.

The programme is run by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a professional body for people building careers in aviation, space, and defence. If you are already an AIAA student member studying in the United States, this is one of the more direct funding routes tied to your field.

Who Runs the Programme

The AIAA Foundation is the charitable arm of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. AIAA is one of the largest technical societies for the aerospace profession, with members across industry, academia, and government. The Foundation channels donations into scholarships and awards for students preparing to enter the aerospace workforce.

Because the sponsor is the field’s own professional society, the awards connect you to a network of engineers and researchers beyond the money itself.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

The programme covers two levels. Undergraduate students can apply for scholarships, and graduate students can apply for the related awards. Both tracks focus on aerospace-related science and engineering.

If your degree sits within aeronautics, astronautics, or a closely linked engineering or science discipline, you fall inside the eligible fields. Students in unrelated majors are not the target here.

How Many Awards Are Offered

The exact number of scholarships and graduate awards is not specified in the details available. AIAA typically funds a range of named scholarships each year, so several students are supported per cycle. For the current count and the specific named awards, check the official page before you apply.

Who Can Apply

These scholarships are aimed at AIAA student members studying aerospace-related science or engineering in the United States. US residency is required. The awards suit students who are already active in the aerospace community and committed to a career in the field.

Both undergraduate and graduate students qualify, provided they meet the membership and field requirements. If you are not yet an AIAA member, joining is a first step before you apply.

Funding and Benefits

The scholarships provide financial support toward your studies in aerospace-related fields. The specific dollar amounts vary by the individual named scholarship, and those figures are not listed in the general details here.

Beyond the funding, recipients gain recognition from AIAA and a stronger link to the professional society that governs their field. For exact award values and any renewal terms, confirm the details on the official application page.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a US resident.
• You must be an AIAA student member.
• You must be enrolled in an aerospace-related science or engineering programme.
• You must be at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Because membership is a firm condition, join AIAA before the window opens so your status is active when you submit. Meeting every point above is what makes an application eligible for review.

Application Process for the AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

There is one application window each year. It opens in mid-October and closes at the end of January. For the upcoming round, plan around the 2026/2027 cycle: the window opens mid-October 2026 and closes end of January 2027. Submit before the closing date, because late applications are not part of the single annual window.

To prepare a strong application, do the following:

1. Confirm your AIAA student membership is active.
2. Review the specific named scholarships and their requirements on the official page.
3. Gather your supporting materials, which commonly include academic records and references for aerospace scholarships.
4. Complete and submit the online application before the end of January.

The general details do not list every required document, so the official page is the authoritative source for the current checklist and any contact channel for queries. Confirm the exact closing date there, since it can shift slightly year to year.

Official Website

Full application requirements and the list of available awards are published here: AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Awards.