SCHOLARSHIPS
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Since 1993, the AWS Foundation has awarded over 12,000 welding scholarships totaling more than $15 million, helping students focus on their education and training while turning their passion for welding into a rewarding career.
setting new records
PASSION PAYS
PASSION PAYS
Whether you’re enrolled or soon to be enrolled in a welding or related program, consider applying for an AWS Foundation scholarship. These awards are available at trade schools, community colleges, and universities, and can provide the financial boost you need to reach your career 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. American Welding Society 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
Over 130 donor-funded welding scholarships, totaling more than $600,000, are available for students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree in welding or related fields. Scholarships range from $3,000 to $6,000+.
District Scholarships
At least $15,000 is available in each of AWS's 22 Districts for students pursuing welding degrees or certifications. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500+.
Section and District Named Scholarships
Many AWS Sections offer scholarships funded by local members, companies, and donors. These scholarships are designated for students within each section and range from $1,000 to $3,000+.
Welder Training Scholarships
This scholarship supports students seeking welding certification through short-term programs at trade schools, community colleges, or other approved training facilities.
Educator Professional Development Scholarships
Welding educators seeking to pursue continuing education or professional development are eligible for this scholarship
Amp Up with AWS: Bechtel CWE Seminar & Exam
The AWS Foundation, in partnership with Bechtel Group Foundation, is proud to offer a complimentary Certified Welding Educator Seminar & Exam for up to 30 welding instructors.
International Scholarships
Available to full-time international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies enjoining sciences, these welding scholarships are for students in accredited programs worldwide.
Miller® WorldSkills USA Welding Competitor Scholarship
This scholarship supports the individual representing the USA at the WorldSkills Welding Competition, held bi-annually.
Scholarship Recipients
Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to our 2024−2025 Scholarship Recipients
In the past year, the AWS Foundation awarded over 1,600 welding scholarships totaling $2.5million to welding students across North America. These scholarships support students ’education and training, paving the way for successful careers in welding
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 for welding 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 for welding 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 applied toward tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for your program. Funds are sent directly to your 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 for welding 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 welding 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 for welding 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 American Welding Society 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.