Academic Scholarships

These prestigious scholarships, named in honor of the esteemed Dr. Harold Kerzner, PhD, MS (Engineering), MBA, are proudly sponsored by the International Institute for Learning (IIL). Dr. Kerzner, a globally recognized authority on project, program, and portfolio management, innovation, and strategic planning, serves as the Senior Executive Director at the International Institute for Learning. With over 50 years of expertise, Dr. Kerzner has been a guiding force, emphasizing the strategic role of project management as a competitive advantage. These scholarships, known as the PMIEF Board Designated Professional Development Scholarship, are an opportunity for students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees in Project Management or related fields. Open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, four scholarships will be available in the amount of $7,500 USD. Dr. Kerzner, a prolific author, has contributed significantly to project management literature, with best-selling books such as 'Innovation Project Management: Methods, Case Studies, and Tools for Managing Innovation Projects' (2019), 'The Future of Project Management' (2018), and 'Project Management Best Practices, Fourth Edition' (2018).

The Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) stands as an independent academic accreditation body, setting forth policies, procedures, and standards for project, program, and portfolio management, along with related programs at the bachelor’s, postgraduate, and doctoral degree levels. The GAC scholarship aims to provide crucial support to students engaged in the study of project management. Its primary objective is to empower students to apply project/program/portfolio management methodologies in addressing current and future organizational needs, thereby enhancing awareness of project management principles and contributing to organizational success. These GAC scholarships are inclusive, available to all students enrolled in GAC-accredited academic degree programs in project/program/portfolio management or related fields. Sixteen scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 USD.

Mr. Gaylord E. (Gary) Christle played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Performance Management Association (PMA), championing its expansion to prioritize "earned value" management principles in project management. His efforts led to PMA's affiliation with the Project Management Institute as the PMI College of Performance Management. Under his guidance, the annual Cost/Schedule Control Systems Conference evolved from a modest, commercially sponsored gathering into a dynamic, global event sponsored by practitioner associations (PMI/CPM, NDIA, and SCEA), with a focus on Integrated Program Management. The scholarship, named in honor of Mr. Christle, is accessible to students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in project management or related fields. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,000USD.

In October 2009, the PMI Board of Directors generously contributed US$50,000 to PMIEF, establishing the Matthew H. Parry Memorial Scholarship in recognition of Mr. Parry's substantial contributions to PMI and the project management field. This scholarship is available to graduate or undergraduate students enrolled in a degree-granting higher education program, showcasing an interest in pursuing project management as a potential career. The scholarship serves as a tribute to Mr. Parry's legacy and commitment to the advancement of project management. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,000USD.

In tribute to the outstanding service legacy of Project Management Institute Fellows, the PMI Board of Directors introduces the Memorial Fellows Scholarship, named in honor of recently departed PMI Fellow(s). The scholarship welcomes students enrolled in Master’s or PhD programs in project management or related fields. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,000USD.

In honor of the distinguished service career of the founders of the Project Management Institute, the PMI Board of Directors has established the PMI Founders Scholarship named in honor of the founders of PMI who have recently passed. The scholarship is open to any student enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in project management or a project management related field. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,000 USD.

Ray Piper, a renowned expert in project management, compassionate colleague, and dedicated mentor, left an indelible mark on those seeking knowledge. His sudden passing in the United Kingdom in October 2008 left a void, but his legacy lives on. Ray's profound passion for training and education aimed to empower young minds with knowledge and shield them with valuable lessons learned. Recognizing his outstanding teaching skills and generosity with information, this scholarship is open to any student enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in project management or a related field, honoring Ray's commitment to education and mentorship. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,250USD.

Please note: this scholarship has unique eligibility criteria and a separate application from our main Academic Scholarship form in Submittable.

As PMI continues our journey in the space of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I), merit-based scholarships specifically aligned with current Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) serve to help increase the pipeline of diverse groups of project professionals and close the equity gap amongst marginalized and underrepresented communities to achieve higher education degrees, and advance careers. PMI currently has four ERGs (Black Professionals, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent and Disability, and Women’s), and will award four US$5,000 scholarships to individuals attending accredited schools within the Global Accreditation Center.