Mensa US Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Mensa
Overview
Scholarship awards are decided from a single essay (maximum 550 words) in which you explain your academic and career objectives and describe how your life experiences have prepared you to reach them. Read the sections below for details on who can apply, submission instructions, and required supporting documents.
Eligibility
Applicants should be prepared to enroll at an accredited educational institution for the 2025–26 academic year if selected. (If awarded, you will need to supply proof of enrollment — see Additional Documentation.) Review the application timeline and essay rules to confirm you can meet all deadlines and requirements.
Application timeline
- Opens: September 15, 2025
- Closes: January 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CST / 05:59 a.m. GMT on January 16, 2026)
- Judging period: February through April 2026
- Winners announced: June 2026
Essay requirements
- Length: 550 words or fewer.
- Focus: Clearly state your academic and professional goals and explain how your personal experiences will help you accomplish them.
- Language/format: Submit in English as plain text only — no special formatting or markup.
- Originality: The essay must be your own work.
- Anonymity: Do not include your name, address, or any other information that could identify you in the body of the essay.
Additional documentation
- Proof of enrollment: If you are selected for an award, you must provide documentation that confirms your intent to enroll in an accredited institution for the 2025–26 academic year (for example, an acceptance letter or official enrollment verification).
How to apply
- Complete and submit the online application through the Mensa Foundation’s Award Spring scholarship portal.
- Fill in every required field accurately.
- As part of your submission you will be required to certify that the essay and all other information you provide are your own work.
Tips
Prepare your essay in a plain-text editor to ensure no hidden formatting is included, review word count carefully, and double-check that you have not included identifying details within the essay before submission.