Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program 2027

Overview

The Mensa Foundation runs an annual essay-based scholarship programme open to US students at any academic level. Unusually, it has no Mensa membership requirement, no GPA cutoff, and no financial-need test. Awards are judged entirely on the strength of a short essay about the applicant’s goals and how they will be achieved. The 2027 cycle closes 15 January 2027.

Benefits

• Awards range from $250 to $5,000 depending on the funding category and judging round.
• Hundreds of awards distributed each cycle through local Mensa groups plus national-level awards.
• Funds disbursed directly to the recipient’s institution.
• No restriction on field of study.

Eligibility

• US resident enrolled in or accepted to an accredited US institution (high school, undergraduate, graduate, or vocational).
• No age limit.
• No GPA minimum, financial need test, or Mensa membership required.
• One application per cycle; the same essay is judged at local and national levels.

How to apply

1. Open the Mensa Foundation scholarships page at the source link.
2. Register and complete the online application: contact details, current education status, and the essay.
3. Write the essay (typically 550 words or fewer) on your academic and career goals and how the funding will support them.
4. Submit before 15 January 2027. Local-round winners are announced in spring; national winners later in the year.