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?National, District, Section and Welder Training Scholarships are available for students pursuing education in welding or welding-related programs trade/technical schools, community colleges and universities. Your Academic Profile will determine the specific scholarships you are eligible for.
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What can scholarships be used for?AWS Foundation Scholarships are for tuition, fees, books, supplies, or equipment required for the course of instruction. Scholarship awards will be payable and mailed directly to the academic or training institution.
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Can students from other countries apply?Many scholarships are restricted to U.S. Citizens. The District Scholarship is available to students of any country but they must be enrolled in a U.S. school in order for the funds to be remitted to the school. The AWS Foundation offers an International Scholarship. More information can be found here.
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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.
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How is financial need determined?Financial need is determined based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) and your cost of attendance. Some scholarships take financial need into consideration, but many AWS scholarships do not.
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What is the deadline to apply?The deadline for National and District Scholarships is March 1st. Most Section Scholarship applications are due March 1, however some have later deadlines. The deadline for each scholarship will be indicated in the application.