Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: Empowering Women in Engineering

Since the 1950s, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has championed the aspirations of women pursuing careers in engineering through its robust scholarship program. The SWE Collegiate Scholarship Program aims to identify and financially support outstanding women in their pursuit of an engineering degree, promote the opportunities offered to women in engineering careers by recommending the scholarship program to high school students, and address the critical, ever-growing need to fill the engineering and technology pipeline, especially with women and underrepresented minorities. SWE offers more than $1 million in scholarships each year to collegians. In 2020, SWE disbursed over 330 new and renewed scholarships valued at more than $1,500,000. In 2024, SWE awarded nearly $1,500,000 in new and renewed scholarships!

Overview of the SWE Scholarship Program

The SWE Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to help women in engineering and computer science offset some of the cost of their education. With a single application, you are automatically considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible. Simply select your application type based on your region or year of study and apply for all scholarships with a single online application. SWE Scholarships support students who pursue an ABET-accredited bachelor or graduate student program in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and fields related to engineering globally. Sponsoring organizations can decide the amount for each scholarship and the exact criteria for eligible students. While SWE can distribute over $1,000 in scholarship funding, the typical individual scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

Eligibility Requirements for SWE Scholarships

You are eligible for SWE scholarships if you are:

An incoming collegiate freshman through graduate student
Studying full-time (exceptions made for reentry/nontraditional students)
Studying at an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology or computing in the upcoming academic year (check to see if your program is accredited here)
OR studying engineering or related programs at an eligible program in India (check to see if your program is accredited here)

Undergraduate and community college applicants must be planning to study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming academic year. Masters and PhD candidates must be enrolled or accepted at a school with ABET-accredited programs in engineering, computing, or technology. Are you a woman studying at a community college, baccalaureate, or graduate school with plans to work in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science? Consider applying for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship! SWE's Scholarship Program is open to both SWE members and non-members.

GPA Requirements

The minimum GPA for Collegiate/Graduate applicants is 3.0 unweighted on a 4.0 scale, and the minimum GPA for Emerging First Year applicants is a 3.5 unweighted on a 4.0 scale.

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Membership

No, you do not have to be a member of SWE to be eligible for SWE scholarships! It is completely free to apply. However, some specific scholarships within the Collegiate/Graduate Scholars application do require SWE membership. Students who are current SWE Collegiate or SWENext members are highly encouraged to apply and receive additional consideration on their applications.

How to Apply

SWE provides one application for sophomores through graduate students, one application for incoming undergraduates, and one application for students in India. Applicants complete an application and are evaluated for all scholarships for which they are eligible.

What do I need to complete my application?

Contact information for your reference: One reference (either someone who can speak to your academic work, such as a teacher, or someone who knows you well and can speak to your character, such as a coach or supervisor). Be sure to ask before listing someone as a reference.

Application Types

If you will be a continuing undergraduate student (rising sophomore, junior, or senior) or a new or continuing graduate student in the upcoming academic year you should apply using the SWE Collegiate/Graduate Scholars application.
SWE Emerging First Year Scholars: The application for the 2026-2027 academic year opens February 10, 2026 and closes March 31, 2026 central time. There will be no exceptions to the deadlines. This Scholarship will open in February 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

SWE Scholarships are merit based, with considerations for extracurricular activities, work history, volunteerism, and interest/involvement in STEM. Applicants who have been out of school for at least two years prior to beginning their current course of study may be considered re-entry or nontraditional applicants. The full definitions of each classification are below. Applicants must satisfy all requirements in order to meet the below definitions.

Notification and Distribution of Funds

India applicants will begin to be notified in July. Funds will be distributed beginning in August and all applicants will be notified by the end of September whether or not they are selected for a scholarship.

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Additional Scholarship Opportunities

While the SWE Scholarship is a significant resource, several other scholarships can aid students in financing their education:

"Be Bold" Scholarship: This is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.
ScholarshipOwl: This platform provides direct access to scholarships, streamlining the application process.
Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Open to all students seeking financial assistance for their education.
Niche: This platform assists with all aspects of the college search, including financial aid.
Christian Connector Scholarship Drawings: Offered for students attending Christian/Faith Based colleges and universities.
StudentScholarships.org Scholarship: Open to individuals aged 14-25 attending school.

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