Funding Educational Pursuits
The Mensa Foundation awards over $200,000 in scholarships annually, supporting students worldwide in achieving their educational and career aspirations.
Apply for all scholarships in one place.
We’ve streamlined our scholarship program to make it easier than ever to access all scholarship-related information in one central location.
Now, in your online account, you can explore all available opportunities, find application details, and stay informed—all in one place. This consolidated approach ensures clarity and simplifies your journey to apply for scholarships that support academic and personal growth. Visit our new scholarship portal to get started!
Guidelines
How to Apply
Scholarships are awarded based on a 550-word essay that outlines your academic and professional goals and describes how your personal experiences will help you achieve them.
While the application period for 2025 has ended, it’s never too early to prepare for next year’s opportunities.
To get a head start, explore the information below to learn about eligibility requirements, application tips, and how our scholarships can support your academic journey. Be sure to check back later this year for updates on the 2026 application timeline.
- Opens: September 15, 2024
- Closes: January 15, 2025 (11:59 p.m. CST / 05:59 a.m. GMT on January 16, 2025)
- Judging Period: February through April 2025
- Winners Announced: June 2025
- Length: 550 words or fewer.
- Content: Clearly detail your goals and how your experiences support them.
- Format: Submit in English as a plain-text entry (no formatting or markup).
- Originality: Your essay must be your own work.
- Anonymity: Do not include your name, address, or any other identifying information in your essay.
- Proof of Enrollment: If awarded a scholarship, provide documentation confirming your intent to enroll in an accredited educational institution for the 2025-26 academic year (e.g., acceptance letter or enrollment verification).
- Resume/CV: A summary of your academic achievements, work experience, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.
- Complete the online application form via the Mensa Foundation’s Award Spring scholarship portal.
- Ensure all required fields are accurately filled out.
- As part of the submission process, you must certify that your essay and all information provided is your own work.
Judging
Evaluation Criteria
Understand how your essay will be evaluated to maximize your chances of success.
Clearly articulate your academic and professional goals. Include specific steps or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to achieving these goals.
Explain how your past achievements, personal experiences, and future plans increase the likelihood of reaching your goals. Make a compelling case for why you will succeed.
Your essay will be evaluated on grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization, and overall clarity.
Ensure your essay is original and reflects your unique perspective. The work must be your own, as certified in the application process.
Become a Mensa Foundation Scholarship Judge
Shape the future by evaluating scholarship essays from bright, motivated students.
Why Become a Judge: Your expertise can help identify and support the next generation of leaders by playing a crucial role in assessing students’ aspirations through their essays. Judges need only a passion for education and a desire to help students succeed. Mensa membership not required.
What’s Involved: As a scholarship essay judge, you will read and evaluate essays based on set criteria. We provide training and guidance to ensure consistent and fair assessments, helping you make a meaningful impact.
Unleash intelligence, benefit humanity. Join us today!
