SCHOLARSHIPS
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Since 1993, the AWS Foundation has awarded over 12,000 scholarships, totaling more than $15 million. Receiving an AWS Foundation scholarship enables welding students to focus on their education and training while turning their passion for welding into a rewarding career.
setting new records
PASSION PAYS
PASSION PAYS
If you are currently enrolled, or will soon enroll, in a welding program or a related field, then consider applying for our scholarships. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. An AWS Foundation scholarship can be the extra push that helps you fulfill your goals.
Scholarship Categories
If you are currently enrolled, or will soon enroll, in a welding program or a related field, then consider applying for our scholarships. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. An AWS Foundation scholarship can be the extra push that helps you fulfill your goals.
National Scholarships
More than 130 donor-funded scholarships, totaling over $600,000, are available for students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree in welding or a related discipline. Scholarships range from $3,000-$6,000+. Applicants are required to submit two references and official transcripts.
District Scholarships
A minimum of $15,000 is available in each of AWS's 22 Districts for students pursuing a degree or certificate in a welding or welding-related program. Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $2,500+.
Section and District Named Scholarships
Many AWS Sections have scholarships funded by local members, companies, and donors, designated for students in the Section. Scholarships range from $1,000 to more than $3,000+.
Welder Training Scholarships
The AWS Welder Training Scholarship is for students seeking training to become a welder in a certificate program less than two years in length at a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.
Educator Professional Development Scholarships
Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships are for current welding educators to pursue continuing education or professional development.
International Scholarships
International Scholarships are awarded to full-time international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in joining sciences. Applicants can be matriculating in accredited joining science programs at an institution located anywhere in the world.
Miller® WorldSkills USA Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to the individual that represents the USA and completes the WorldSkills Welding Competition, which is held on a bi-annual basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a scholarship?A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to help cover the costs of their education. Scholarships can be based on various criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, leadership, or special talents.
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What types of scholarships are offered by the AWS Foundation?Scholarships are available for students in welding programs, or programs with 50% or more welding coursework. National, District, and Section Scholarships are for students in four-year, two-year, or certificate programs. The Welder Training Scholarship is for students in short-term certificate training programs. The Scholarship Application System will utilize your Academic Profile to assess your eligibility for all available scholarships.
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What can scholarships be used for?AWS Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the course of instruction. Scholarship funds will be made payable and sent directly to the educational institution.
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What academic and training programs are eligible for AWS Scholarships?
AWS Scholarships may be used for the following programs:
- Welding
- Welding Technology
- Structural Welding
- Pipe Welding
- Pipefitting
- Combination Structural & Pipe Welding
- Combination Welding
- Underwater Welding
- Welding & Joining Technology
- Welding & Metal Fabrication Technology
- Welding & Fabrication Technology
- Welding Engineering Technology
- Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology
- Welding & Metallurgical Engineering
- Welding Engineering
- Welding & Metallurgical Engineering Technology
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Materials Joining Engineering
- Materials Joining Engineering Technology
- Industrial & Engineering Technology: Welding Concentration
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology: Welding Concentration
All other programs must have more than 50% coursework in welding.
Certificate programs must be a minimum of 360 hours.
Four-year students in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science Engineering programs may be eligible for some National Scholarships if career objectives are clearly related to welding.
Union or apprenticeship programs are eligible, but recipient must provide documentation showing required expenses. Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, or equipment required for the course of instruction.
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Is AWS Membership required to apply?AWS Membership is required for some scholarships. For scholarships that do not require membership, selections committees typically prioritize applicants that are AWS Members. Therefore, it is strongly encouraged that applicants register for a FREE AWS Student Membership by visiting my.aws.org and clicking Become a Member.
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When can I apply?
All scholarship applications open December 1st.
The deadline for National, District, and Section Scholarships is March 1st. A small number of scholarships have later deadlines, which will be indicated in the application. Selections are made and announced between May and July.
The application for the Welder Training Scholarship is open December 1st to November 30th. Selections are made and announced on a rolling basis throughout the year.
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How do I know which scholarships I am eligible for?Once the Contact Information, Academic Profile, and Personal Statement sections are complete, the application portal will display all scholarships you are eligible for. If you believe a scholarship is missing, please contact the AWS Foundation through the Message Center.
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What is the amount of the scholarship awards?National Scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more. District and Section Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more based on the quality and quantity of applicants.
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Do AWS Scholarships require evidence of financial need? If so, how is that determined?There are some National Scholarships that require evidence of financial need, however most AWS Scholarships do not. Financial Need is determined using the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) compared to your cost of attendance.
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Can students from other countries apply?Students from other countries may apply if attending welding school in North America. Some scholarships are restricted to U.S. Citizens. The AWS Foundation offers an International Scholarship for students attending welding school outside of North America. More information can be found on the International Scholarship webpage.
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Are there any other scholarships I might be eligible for?
Several other organizations offer scholarships that welding students may be eligible for, including:
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Do I have to repay scholarships?No, scholarships are typically not loans, so you do not have to repay them. They are a form of gift aid designed to help students cover the costs of education without the burden of debt.