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Applications are now open for the fully funded ACI Foundation Fellowships and Scholarships 2026 for international undergraduates, master’s, and PhD candidates
Are you a student with a passion for the concrete industry? The ACI Foundation offers a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals in this field. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the ACI Foundation is giving out scholarships and fellowships to bright and dedicated students from around the world. These awards are designed to support your education and help you launch a successful career in a concrete-related field.
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The ACI Foundation, a non-profit organization, is a leader in advancing the concrete industry. By supporting students, it is investing in the future of the field. The scholarship and fellowship program is for students at all levels—from undergraduate to postdoctoral—who are studying civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, concrete management, or other related subjects. This is more than just a financial award; it’s a chance to get a mentor, travel to industry conventions, and become a part of a professional network that can help you for years to come.
Scholarship Benefits
The ACI Foundation offers two main types of awards: scholarships and fellowships. The fellowships are more comprehensive and are highly sought after.
The Financial and Professional Benefits
- Educational Stipend: You will receive a significant financial award to help cover your school expenses. This stipend is between $10,000 and $15,000 USD for fellowships and a lesser amount for scholarships, paid in two equal parts over the academic year. This money can be used for tuition, housing, books, and other materials.
- Travel to ACI Conventions: The scholarship covers the cost of your travel and attendance at two ACI conventions. These events are a great way to meet experts in the field, learn about the newest technologies, and build your professional network. For fellowship finalists, the trip to the spring convention is where they will be interviewed.
- Industry Mentor: As a fellowship recipient, you will be connected with a professional from the concrete industry. This mentor will help guide you in your academic and career journey, providing invaluable advice and support.
- Internship Opportunities: Some of the fellowships require you to complete a 10- to 12-week internship during the summer. This gives you hands-on experience and a great item to add to your resume.
The ACI Foundation scholarships and fellowships are for students who show a strong passion for the concrete industry. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria.
- Level of Study: You can be an undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, or even a postdoctoral student.
- Field of Study: You must be enrolled in or plan to enroll in a concrete-related degree program. This includes fields like civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, and other similar programs.
- Proficiency in English: You must be proficient in the English language. If English is not your first language, you can submit an optional copy of your TOEFL score or a written statement to prove your proficiency.
- Geographical Requirements: This is a crucial detail, as the requirements for fellowships vary by location:
- Fellowships for students in the U.S. or Canada: You can be a citizen of any country, but you must be attending a university in the U.S. or Canada during the award year.
- Fellowships for students in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region: You must be attending a university in a GCC country (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates) during the award year.
- Interview Requirement: If you are chosen as a finalist for a fellowship, you must be available for an interview. These interviews are typically held in person at the spring ACI Concrete Convention, and the ACI Foundation will pay for your flight, hotel, and other travel costs.
How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Process
The application process for the ACI Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship is done entirely online. It is important to have all your documents ready before you begin.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before you start the online application, you must gather all the required documents. These are:
- A 500-word essay: This essay should explain your interest in the concrete industry and your future career goals.
- Official Transcripts: You need to provide official academic transcripts from all the universities you have attended.
- Resume: A one-page resume outlining your academic achievements, work experience, and skills.
- Two Endorsements: You must provide two endorsements, which are similar to recommendation letters. One of these endorsements must come from an active ACI member.
- English Proficiency Proof (Optional): If English is not your native language, you can include your TOEFL score or a written statement.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
The application is a single online form where you will upload all your documents. You can save your work and return to it later, but you must complete it before the deadline.
Step 3: Attend the Interview (for Fellowship Finalists)
If you are chosen as a fellowship finalist, you will be notified in February. You must be available to attend an in-person interview in March at the spring ACI Concrete Convention. The ACI Foundation will cover all your travel expenses for this interview.
Why Choose the ACI Foundation?
Getting a scholarship from the ACI Foundation is a smart choice for your career. It shows that you are a serious and dedicated student with a future in the concrete industry. The benefits of this program go far beyond just the financial award.
A Career-Defining Experience
The ACI Foundation isn’t just giving you money; it’s giving you a head start in your career. By connecting you with an industry mentor, you will learn from an experienced professional. By attending ACI conventions, you will meet other students and professionals, which can lead to future jobs or collaborations.
A Recognized and Prestigious Award
The ACI Foundation is a well-respected name in the industry. Having this scholarship or fellowship on your resume will make you stand out to employers. It shows that you are a top-tier student with great potential.
A Path to Innovation
The concrete industry is constantly evolving, and the ACI Foundation is at the forefront of that change. By becoming a scholar, you will be part of a community that is working on the newest innovations in materials, design, and construction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between an ACI Scholarship and a Fellowship?
A1: An ACI Fellowship is a more comprehensive award. It provides a higher educational stipend ($10,000-$15,000), paid travel to two ACI conventions, and an industry mentor. A scholarship typically provides a smaller stipend and does not include the travel or mentorship benefits. The fellowships are more competitive and require a finalist interview.
Q2: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
A2: No, you do not. ACI Foundation scholarships and fellowships are open to students from all over the world. However, you must meet specific residency requirements. For fellowships, you must be a student at a university in the U.S. or Canada, or in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The specific requirements depend on the type of fellowship you are applying for.
Q3: What is the specific academic field this scholarship is for?
A3: The scholarship is for students in “concrete-related degree programs.” This includes a wide range of fields like civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, construction management, and other similar programs. If your studies have to do with the design, materials, or construction of concrete, you should consider applying.
