Top Merit-Based Scholarships in the USA for STEM and Medical Students

Merit-based scholarships in the United States reward academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and potential—especially in high-demand fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and medicine. These scholarships are not based on financial need but on your achievements and ability to contribute meaningfully to your field. Below are some of the most prestigious and generous merit-based scholarships available in 2025 for undergraduate and graduate students.

1. Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing research careers in science, engineering, or math
Award: Up to $7,500 per academic year
Highlights: Prestigious research-focused scholarship; applicants must be nominated by their institution

2. NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program (in partnership with U.S. universities)

Level: PhD or combined MD/PhD
Eligibility: Students interested in biomedical research careers
Award: Full tuition, stipend, research funding
Highlights: Joint doctoral program between the NIH and top institutions; elite pathway for medical research careers

3. Regeneron Science Talent Search

Level: High school seniors (pre-college)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students showing exceptional research in science or math
Award: Finalists receive up to $250,000
Highlights: Known as the “Junior Nobel Prize”; top feeder to elite STEM colleges

4. SMART Scholarship (Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation)

Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Eligibility: U.S. citizens pursuing STEM fields; agreement to work for the U.S. Department of Defense after graduation
Award: Full tuition, annual stipend ($30,000–$46,000), book allowance, summer internships
Highlights: Includes guaranteed job placement after graduation

5. Hertz Fellowship

Level: PhD
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying applied physical, biological, or engineering sciences
Award: $250,000 over five years
Highlights: Supports high-impact innovators; extremely selective and prestigious

6. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Level: Pre-college (under age 18)
Eligibility: U.S. students with significant original contributions in science, technology, engineering, or math
Award: $10,000 to $50,000
Highlights: Recognizes extraordinary young minds; strong focus on research or innovation

7. Amgen Scholars Program

Level: Undergraduate (summer research)
Eligibility: Students with strong academic performance in life sciences
Award: Full funding for summer research at top universities (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, MIT)
Highlights: Gateway to top PhD and MD/PhD programs

8. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Level: Graduate (Healthcare-related fields)
Eligibility: U.S. or Puerto Rico residents pursuing medical, pharmacy, or nursing degrees
Award: $5,000–$10,000
Highlights: Honors students committed to patient care and community service

9. Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology (Discontinued but previously influential)

Not currently active, but students may look for newer equivalents like the Regeneron ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair)

10. GEM Fellowship (Graduate Education for Minorities)

Level: Master’s and PhD in engineering or computer science
Eligibility: Underrepresented minorities in STEM
Award: Full tuition + paid internship + living stipend
Highlights: Industry-sponsored; excellent for building professional networks

Conclusion

STEM and medical students in the U.S. have access to a wide range of merit-based scholarships that reward innovation, academic achievement, and leadership. These programs not only provide generous funding but also open doors to elite academic environments, mentorship, internships, and long-term career advancement. Whether you are a high school senior or a doctoral candidate, these opportunities can support your journey toward making an impact in science, technology, and healthcare.

Would you like a summarized table of these scholarships for easy comparison or links to official application pages?