SCHOLARSHIPS

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.

Applications for national, district, and section scholarships are closed

The Welder Training Scholarship Application is open through November 30th

setting new records

$2+ MILLION DOLLARS AWARDED

+1600 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

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 Welding Competitor Scholarship

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.

Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our 2023−2024 Scholarship Recipients

Last year, the AWS Foundation awarded more than 1,600 scholarships totaling $2.5 million to welding students across North America. AWS Foundation scholarships enable welding students to focus on their education and training while turning their passion for welding into a rewarding career.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

What academic and training programs are eligible for AWS Scholarships?

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.