Mensa US Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Mensa
Intro
The Mensa Foundation distributes more than $200,000 in scholarships each year to help students around the globe meet their academic and career objectives. Awards are granted on the basis of a single written submission: a 550-word (or shorter) essay that explains your academic and professional aims and shows how your life experiences will help you reach them.
Eligibility
Open to students worldwide who plan to pursue accredited education during the 2025–26 academic year. (If selected, you will be required to provide proof of enrollment or intent to enroll.)
Application timeline
- Opens: September 15, 2025
- Closes: January 15, 2026 (deadline: 11:59 p.m. CST / 05:59 a.m. GMT on January 16, 2026)
- Judging: February–April 2026
- Winners announced: June 2026
Essay guidelines
- Length: 550 words maximum.
- Focus: Describe your academic and career goals and explain how your experiences have prepared you to accomplish them.
- Language and format: Submit the essay in English as plain text — no formatting, markup, or attached files.
- Originality: The essay must be your own work.
- Anonymity: Do not include your name, address, or any identifying details within the essay text.
Required documentation (if awarded)
- Proof of enrollment or an official document confirming your intent to enroll in an accredited institution for the 2025–26 academic year (examples: acceptance letter or enrollment verification).
How to apply
- Complete the online application through the Mensa Foundation’s Award Spring scholarship portal.
- Fill in all required fields accurately.
- As part of the submission, you must certify that the essay and all submitted information are your original work.