$80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship

Pursue Your Passion in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Human Biology

With the support of the National Science Foundation, College of Saint Mary offers a unique and competitive program for academically talented students who excel in STEM. Our Marie Curie Scholarship provides significant financial support and resources for young women who want to major in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Human Biology (non-Pre-PA majors). 

You could receive up to $20,000 toward your College of Saint Mary education each year while you live on campus and continue to meet program requirements. That is up to $80,000 for a four year degree! Marie Curie Scholars receive academic support from tutors, gain research opportunities, enjoy a community of bright, science and math minded women, and participate in seminars and student clubs.

This program will: 

• Prepare you to smoothly transition from high school to college courses.
• Expose you to STEM in your everyday life.
• Help you explore careers in STEM.
• Assist with applications to graduate school or employment.
• Strengthen your beliefs and confidence in your abilities.

In addition to financial support toward tuition, Marie Curie Scholars also have these great opportunities:

• You will participate in undergraduate research with doctorate-level faculty in biology, chemistry, math, and human biology.
• Have funding for student travel to a national conference to present research in your junior or senior year.
• Experience the Annual Kickstart Event, where you'll dust off science and math skills and get to know other Marie Curie Scholars. 
• Enjoy the friendship and fun that goes with having a peer "Sister" mentor. Returning Marie Curie Scholars help your adjust to college-level science and math courses, and engage in the campus community.
• Free tutoring in advanced and upper-level science and math courses.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Student must pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Human Biology (non-Pre-PA).
• Must meet 2 of the 3 criteria to successfully apply:
  • Minimum High school GPA of 3.5
  • ACT at or above 23
  • Strong demonstration of STEM preparedness through coursework, STEM extracurricular activities, and/or job experience in science and math.
• Preference is given to students that wish to pursue non medicine STEM careers.
• Preference is given to students with high financial aid need and individuals from underrepresented groups (including first-generation, minority groups, single parents).
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Application Process

Before starting your application form, we recommend having your final essay completed and ready to upload within the application. Also, please file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. College of Saint Mary's federal school code is 002540.

1. Complete Application Form

Enter the same Username and Password that you used to apply to College of Saint Mary. Can't remember your log-in or have questions/issues with logging in? Email Salesforce [at] csm.edu or call/text 402-399-2355.

2. Submit Essay (within application)

Please describe specific academic or personal events over the past four years that have influenced your interest and motivation to seek a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) and refer to your anticipated graduate school or career path.   Additionally, explain what your greatest needs are as a learner and how a residential peer-based learning experience might help you connect to coursework, student research and co-curricular activities. (Preferred format: Times New Roman Font, Size 12, Double Spaced and minimum of 500 words.)

Final Steps: 

3. Submit Letter Of Recommendation

You will need to submit one letter of recommendation from teachers, counselors, coaches or managers who know you and can comment on your abilities in math and science. Please ask the person providing the recommendation to go to the following link in order to complete the recommendation: Marie Curie Recommendation

4. Personal Interview

Once we have received all of this information, you may be asked to participate in an in-person or phone interview by CSM's Director of the Marie Curie Scholars Program. When your application is complete, your admissions counselor will schedule this interview if required.

Seven Marie Curie Scholarships are offered each year. Please note that students accepted to the pre-physician assistant/human biology and physician assistant studies programs are not eligible for this award.