IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative

What you will need

• ✓ Online application (the window opens January 20)
• ✓ Official transcripts showing your GPA and enrolment
• ✓ One reference from an academic faculty member
• ✓ A personal statement: a brief essay on your interest in the power and energy industry
• ✓ A resume listing relevant coursework, projects and work experience
• ✓ For years two and three: a new application, IEEE PES Student Membership, and a career experience in power and energy engineering that year

About this award

You can receive up to $10,000 total over three years of study. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. You get $3,000 each year for your first and second year, and $4,000 for your third year. This is for you if you are a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a career in the electric power and energy industry. The application window opens on January 20 each year. In 2026 the deadline was extended to May 14; the 2027 deadline is not posted yet. Final decisions are made by August 31, and recipients are announced on September 15. Selection is competitive and based on a ranking system. The IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES — the professional organization for power and energy engineering) looks at your cumulative GPA, how well your interests match the power and energy field, your personal strengths like volunteer work and endorsements, and the strength of your school's curriculum. Ask IEEE PES how many scholarships they distribute each year so you can judge your odds. Scholarship checks are mailed directly to your university or college bursar office in October or November. Confirm with IEEE PES if there are any other specific payment schedules you should know about. You must reapply each year to keep the funding for your second and third year. To remain eligible, you must maintain your GPA and take part in a career experience in power and energy engineering each year. You must also become an IEEE PES Student Member to apply for renewal.

Who qualifies

You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the USA or Canada and reside in IEEE Regions 1 through 7. You must be a full-time undergraduate student working on a Bachelor of Science degree in an IEEE designated field (such as Engineering, Computer Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, or Technical Communications) at an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) or CEAB (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board) accredited university or college in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada. You need a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) and must have completed or plan to complete 3 courses (9 credits) related to power and energy. A preference is given to those pursuing degrees in Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Power, or Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or Renewable Energy and Sustainable Studies.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students
• ✓ Studying Engineering, Computer Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Technical Communications, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Power Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Environmental Engineering, Renewable Energy or Sustainable Studies

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

4. 4

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

5. 5

   This round closed on May 14, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• EndorsementAvoid submitting a generic letter of recommendation. Instead, ask your professor to highlight specific examples of your technical skills in power and energy. Provide them with a list of your relevant coursework to help them write a detailed letter.
• ExperienceAvoid leaving your volunteer or work history as a simple list. Instead, describe how your specific activities align with a career in the energy sector. Detail one project where you solved a technical problem.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the deadline to gather your documents. Instead, start your application when the window opens on 20 January. This gives you time to coordinate with your registrar for official transcripts.
• RealismAvoid assuming the award will continue for three years on its own. Instead, remember that you must reapply annually and secure a career experience to keep the funding. Plan your internships or co-ops early to meet this requirement.

Questions students ask

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