The Goldwater Scholarship was authorized by Congress to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics. The scholarship recognizes STEM students who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue PhD level education and research careers. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 per full academic year to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, books, and room and board (minus the amount of support provided by other sources).
Deadline: Internal: December; External: January
Value: Up to $7500
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident; sophomore and junior STEM majors who intend to pursue a research career in natural science, mathematics, or engineering (as defined by the number of semesters left at UNH – i.e. sophomore has 3-4 semesters left and junior has 1-2 semesters left by the due date); GPA of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Major: STEM
Fellowship Type: Undergraduate
Nomination: Yes; Contact the Fellowships Office
Website:
Goldwater Application Deadlines
- December 2, 2025, 11:59 ET: Internal Deadline. Submit all materials through Goldwater website and email unofficial transcript to the Office of National Fellowships.
- December 19, 2025: Applicants receive notification of nomination status.
- January 28, 2026, 11:59pm ET: Applicants should submit application through online portal to allow time for Advisor to upload supplemental materials before the national deadline.
- January 30, 2026, 5pm CT: National Deadline.
Goldwater Recommended Steps and Timeline
- By September 30, 2025: Review Eligibility, complete the Student Profile and Goldwater Scholarship Pre-Application and contact the Office of National Fellowships (national.fellowships@unh.edu) about your intent to apply.
- By Oct 14, 2025: Meet with Leigh Pratt in the Office of National Fellowships to assess eligibility for Goldwater and to discuss potential letter writers.
- By Oct 28, 2025: Confirm recommenders and send their names and contact information to the Office of National Fellowships.
- October - November, 2025: Complete drafts and revisions of short essays, research experiences and skills, and research proposal.
- December 2, 2025, 11:59pm ET: INTERNAL DEADLINE - Submit all materials through Goldwater website and email unofficial transcript to the Office of National Fellowships.
- December 19, 2025: Receive notification of nomination status.
- December - January: Nominees work on essay revisions.
- By January 12, 2026: Sign and return the nomination agreement and FERPA forms to the Office of National Fellowships.
- January 28, 2026, 11:59pm ET: Applicants should submit application materials through the online portal to allow time for Fellowships Advisor to upload supplemental materials before the National Deadline January 30, 2026, 5pm CT.
