AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship 2026

Omran Aburayya
Jun 3
3 min read

If you're an undergraduate student in engineering, computer science, data science, environmental science, or industrial safety—and you're eager to gain hands-on experience in the steel industry—the AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship 2026 is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. Applications are now open for this prestigious program, which combines a paid summer internship with a generous scholarship award. This initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of professionals in the iron and steel sector.

🎓AIST Scholarship Summary

Location: North America (U.S., Canada, or Mexico)
Host Institution: Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Foundation
Level: Undergraduate (sophomores, juniors, seniors entering graduate school)
Target Group: Full-time students majoring in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, data science, environmental/sustainability science, or industrial safety
Value: Up to US$7,500; Premier Intern Scholarship valued at US$12,000
Award Duration: One academic year (2026–2027)
Application Deadline: October 6, 2025
Internship Start Date: Summer 2025
Eligibility: Citizens of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico

🏗️ Scholarship Overview

The AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship is a unique program that offers up to 50 scholarships annually. Each scholarship is preceded by a mandatory paid summer internship at a North American steel-producing or steel-related company. These internships provide students with invaluable industry experience, often including housing support, and are designed to immerse participants in the operational aspects of the steel industry. The scholarship aims to bridge academic learning with practical application, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the field.

💰 Scholarship Benefits

Financial Support: US$7,500 scholarship for the academic year; top applicant may receive the Premier Intern Scholarship of US$12,000
Paid Internship: Summer internship at a steel company, providing real-world experience
Housing Assistance: Many companies offer housing support during the internship
Professional Networking: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals and potential employers
Career Development: Enhanced resume and practical skills applicable to future employment in the steel industry

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be full-time students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program or entering the first year of a graduate program at an accredited North American university
Be in their sophomore, junior, or senior year (planning to enter graduate school) as of October 2025
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Be majoring in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, data science, environmental/sustainability science, or industrial safety
Be citizens of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
Demonstrate a strong interest in the iron and steel industry
Be willing to relocate for the summer internship if necessary

📝 Application Procedure

To apply, candidates must submit the following by October 6, 2025:

Online Application Form: Complete the application through the AIST Foundation's official website.
Resume: Detailing academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and any involvement with the Material Advantage Student Program.
Essay: A two-page essay outlining professional goals, interest in the steel industry, and how one's skills can contribute to the field.
Academic Transcript: Official or unofficial transcript demonstrating academic performance.
Recommendation Letters: At least one letter from a professional familiar with the applicant's work or interests. Letters from a steel industry representative and a discipline-related professor are highly recommended for higher scoring. Letters should be submitted directly by the authors to lwharrey@aist.org.