Scholarship Application Guidelines & FAQs

Eligibility Criteria

Please review the corresponding scholarship application form on Submittable for exact eligibility criteria. Generally, all applicants for PMI Scholarships must…

  • Be currently enrolled or will be enrolled by Fall 2025 in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD program in project management or a project management related field of study with a graduation date on or after Winter 2025.
    • Undergraduate students must be enrolled and classified by the university as a full-time student.
    • Graduate students must be enrolled and classified by the university as at least a half-time student.
  • Be eligible to receive scholarship funds exclusively through the enrolled academic institution and not as a direct disbursement from PMI to the individual.
  • Be in good standing the enrolled academic institution’s policies and procedures.
  • Be in compliance with PMI policies and procedures, including but not limited to PMI's Culture Values and Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
  • Not be a current PMI employee, contractor, and/or consultant.
  • Not be the family member of a current PMI employee, contractor, and/or consultant.
  • Not be a current sitting member of any global volunteer group.
  • Not be a current sitting member of PMI and/or PMIEF’s Board of Directors.

Application Process and Required Documents

To complete the application process, applicants must have or create a Submittable account. Applicants must complete the process and submit all required documents in the platform.

If assistance is needed with accessing the Submittable platform, please refer to Submittable’s Help Center, or simply look for the question mark in the top right corner of the platform and click it to be directed to the Help Center.

Please review the corresponding application form on Submittable for exact requirements. Generally, applicants should prepare the following documents in English to meet requirements:

  • Electronic transcripts (official + unofficial) from the applicant’s current or most recently attended college, university, or other tertiary educational institution that clearly shows the program of study in PDF format.
    • If applicant is not currently enrolled but will begin by Fall 2025, an acceptance letter must be submitted for the application at minimum; an official proof of enrollment that clearly shows the program of study must be submitted if selected for a scholarship. Proof of enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year, if not shown on transcripts,
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
  • Two letters of recommendation on official letter head.
  • Two short essays, as explained on the Submittable application page.

Selection Process and Criteria

All eligible applicants who successfully complete the application process and submit the required documents will be evaluated PMI volunteer reviewers. Current PMI employees, contractors, and consultants; family members of PMI employees, contractors, and consultants; current sitting members of a global volunteer group (exception for DE&I Scholarships); and sitting members of PMI’s & PMIEF Board of Directors may not participate in the nomination or evaluation process.

Applicants will be reviewed by a panel of volunteers. The review panelists score each applicant based on the quality of the content of the essays and review of letters of recommendation using a points-based system rubric.

All decisions by the review committee are final and any attempts by applicants to lobby or persuade the committee during the process will result in immediate disqualification.

Scholarship Amounts and Terms

Scholarship amounts vary by fund and year. Each recipient will receive a letter that specifies the scholarship and amount. Please refer to the PMI Academic Scholarship page for more information about what scholarships are being offered, the amount of each scholarship award, and how many recipients will be selected:

Each scholarship is for only one (1) academic year. Successful applicants will be awarded only one (1) PMI scholarship, award or grant per academic year. Unless specified otherwise, such as for PMI Chapter Student Clubs scholarships, applicants may submit a new scholarship application for each academic year.

Notification Process

All communications regarding scholarships will be managed between PMI and applicants within the Submittable platform. Please visit Submittable’s Help Center for guidance on how to best use the platform, manage communications and check the status of your application.

After submission, your scholarship will be screened to ensure you have met the eligibility criteria outlined above. The reviewing process begins after the scholarship application deadline. The time it takes to complete the review process may vary each year depending on the volume of applications we receive. Applicants can anticipate receiving a response by no later than 12 weeks after the application deadline.

Chosen scholarship recipients will receive a message through Submittable that they have been selected. This message will also provide instructions for the next steps to submit the final required documents before officially receiving the award, including tax forms, signature for press release, and any other documents that are required but not yet submitted, such as a transcript and/or proof of enrollment.

Tax forms must be completed by the chosen recipient in coordination with their academic institution’s financial aid or similar office. PMI does not make direct payments to recipients, as mentioned in the Eligibility Criteria. Please consult with your academic institution for the process and policy for receiving scholarship funds.

The scholarship is not officially awarded until finalists return the required documents. Chosen recipients will have three weeks from the date of notification to submit the requested documents. If documents are not submitted before the deadline, the scholarship offer will be withdrawn. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis if extenuating circumstances are demonstrated.

Contact Information

Prior to submission, you may contact PMI Academic Programs at [email protected] with any questions regarding the application process and required documents.

If your application has been submitted, please use Submittable to contact PMI. Inquiries sent to [email protected] after submission won't receive a response. Submittable and the Academic Programs email operate independently, preventing the retrieval of application information, making assistance unfeasible.

Privacy and Data Usage

Privacy and data usage will adhere to organizational policy. For details, please refer to our privacy policy.

FAQ’s

Eligibility Questions

What are the eligibility criteria for PMI Academic scholarships?

Eligibility criteria include enrollment in a project management or related field program, good standing with the academic institution, compliance with PMI policies, and more. Please refer to the scholarship posting on Submittable for exact criteria.

Is PMI membership required to apply for a scholarship?

No, PMI membership is not required to apply for or receive a scholarship. However, eligibility criteria may vary.

Can international students apply?

Yes, PMI Academic Scholarships are open to students worldwide, regardless of nationality and/or location of the school.

Can high school seniors apply for scholarships for their future undergraduate programs?

High school seniors planning to enroll in a project management or related program by Fall 2024 are eligible to apply. They must ensure they meet all other eligibility criteria outlined in the scholarship guidelines.

Do I need to be enrolled in a Project Management degree?

No, you do not necessarily need to be enrolled in a degree specifically titled "Project Management" to be eligible for PMI Academic Scholarships. Eligibility extends to students who are enrolled or will be enrolled by Fall 2024 in a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program in project management or a project management-related field of study. This encompasses a wide range of disciplines where project management is a significant component or where the skills and knowledge gained are applicable to project management practices.

How do I know if my degree is related to project management?

The key is demonstrating how your program of study relates to the field of project management or contributes to your development as a project management professional. If your degree is in a field such as engineering, business administration, information technology, or any other discipline with a strong emphasis on managing projects, you could be eligible for PMI scholarships.

Do I need to be enrolled full-time or part-time?

For PMI Academic Scholarships, both full-time and part-time students can apply. The key requirements are as follows:

  • Undergraduate students must be enrolled and classified by their university as a full-time student.
  • Graduate students (which includes master's and Ph.D. candidates) must be enrolled and classified by their university as at least a half-time student.

If you are taking a lighter course load and are concerned about meeting the "half-time" student requirement, it's recommended to verify with your academic institution how they classify your enrollment status. Additionally, considering these requirements are in place partly due to the preferences of scholarship funders and to ensure the scholarships support active students, there isn't flexibility in this aspect of the eligibility criteria.

Am I eligible if I am enrolled in a post-graduate diploma or certificate program?

You must be considered at least a part-time or half-time student by your academic institution at the post-graduate level of study. If this is true, then additional eligibility is at the discretion of the reviewers assigned to your application. You are welcome to submit your application, but it does not guarantee eligibility.

What does GAC Accreditation mean for scholarship eligibility?

GAC (Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs) accreditation signifies that a program meets comprehensive standards for project management education. Some PMI scholarships specifically require enrollment in a GAC-accredited program. You can check your program’s accreditation status on the PMI website. However, many scholarships are available to students in non-GAC-accredited programs as well.

What if my program is not listed as GAC accredited?

You can still apply for PMI scholarships. While GAC accreditation is a plus for certain scholarships, many do not require it. Focus on demonstrating your commitment to project management in your application. If your program is not listed on the application, but you are certain the program is GAC accredited, please make note of this in your application.

Can I still apply for a scholarship if I’m not enrolled in a GAC school?

Yes, you can still apply for the scholarships. You would use the same application form and note on the application that you are not enrolled in a GAC school.

Is it okay if I am at a GAC school but not enrolled in a GAC program?

Yes, you can still apply for the scholarships. You would use the same application form and note on the application that you are attending a GAC school but not enrolled in a GAC program.

Application and Materials Questions

When is the application period for PMI scholarships?

The application period for PMI scholarships opens on March 1, 2025, at 12:00 AM EST (UTC/GMT-5) and closes on May 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT (UTC/GMT-4).

How can I apply for a PMI scholarship?

To apply, create or have a Submittable account, complete the application process, and submit all required documents through the platform.

How do I apply for multiple PMI scholarships?

All of the academic scholarships are managed in a unified application process, as noted on the Academic Scholarships webpage. The exception is DE&I Scholarships, which have different eligibility and evaluation criteria. While you are welcome to apply for all these opportunities, you may only be eligible to receive one. Please check each scholarship’s application page in Submittable for more information.

What documents are required for the application process?

Required documents include electronic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and essays. All documents must be in English. Please refer to the scholarship application for detailed requirements.

Do my transcripts need to be in English?

Yes, all materials must be in English. If you cannot obtain a transcript in English, you may obtain a proof of enrolment or similar document that shows you are enrolled at least part-time or half-time.

Can I submit an acceptance letter if I haven’t enrolled in courses yet?

Yes, if you are not currently enrolled but will begin your studies by Fall 2025, you can submit an acceptance letter as part of your application for a PMI Academic Scholarship. This letter should be from the academic institution where you will be studying and must clearly indicate your acceptance into a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program in project management or a project management-related field of study. The acceptance letter serves as proof of your forthcoming enrollment, fulfilling the requirement that applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll by Fall 2025.

However, if you are selected for an award, you must submit proof of enrollment before you can receive the award.

Why do I need to submit School Financial Contact Information?

When applying for a PMI Academic Scholarship and the application requests "School Financial Contact Information," it is asking for the details of a person or office within your academic institution who can provide financial information or verification related to your enrollment and potentially your scholarship funds. This could be someone from the financial aid office, bursar's office, or another department responsible for handling tuition fees and scholarships. PMI does not make payments directly to students, so you must provide this information on your application. Failure to provide this information disqualifies your application.

How do I obtain School Financial Contact Information?

To do this, it depends on your school. You might…

  • Contact Your Financial Aid Office: The financial aid office or similar department in your institution is a good starting point. They can provide you with the information or direct you to the appropriate contact.
  • Check Your Institution's Website: Many universities and colleges list contact information for financial offices on their website. Look for sections related to financial aid, student accounts, or bursar's office.
  • Ask Your Academic Advisor: Your academic advisor may also be able to direct you to the correct office or individual for financial inquiries related to scholarships.

When requesting this information, explain that you are applying for a scholarship and that the provider requires the contact information of someone who can verify financial details about your enrollment. Make sure to obtain:

  • The name of the contact person or office,
  • Their position or department,
  • Email address,
  • Any other relevant contact details.

Providing accurate and specific school financial contact information as part of your scholarship application is essential for the reasons mentioned and helps facilitate the smooth processing of your scholarship.

How do I request a letter of recommendation?

You may use the following guideline and template to request a letter of recommendation:

Letter of Recommendation Template

Do my letters of recommendation need to come from my professors, or can I use other references?

You can request a recommendation from anyone who is able to speak about your contributions to or ability to contribute to the field of project management and your academic performance.

Can my recommender send the letter directly?

No, the letter must be uploaded with your application.

Does my letter need to be on official letterhead?

Yes. Letters without an official letterhead are not valid and will disqualify you from receiving a scholarship.

Can I submit the letters of recommendation after the deadline?

No. You must submit all application materials before the deadline.

Can I use AI or ChatGPT to help with my application materials?

Yes, but you must disclose this, and you must properly cite sources of information.

Is there a penalty for using AI or ChatGPT when preparing my application?

No, as long as proper guidelines are followed, and information is properly cited.

Selection Process and Notification

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Eligible applicants who successfully complete the application process and submit required documents will be evaluated by PMI volunteer reviewers using a points-based system.

When will scholarship recipients be notified?

Applicants can expect to receive a response no later than July 15, 2025. Notifications will be managed through the Submittable platform.

What happens if I don't submit the required documents within the specified time frame?

Chosen recipients have three weeks from the date of notification to submit the required documents. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the withdrawal of the scholarship offer. Exceptions may be considered for extenuating circumstances.

Is there a formal recognition ceremony for scholarship recipients?

PMI may acknowledge scholarship recipients through various channels, but there is no formal recognition ceremony.

How long does it take to receive my scholarship?

From the date of notification, you can anticipate that it will take approximately 6-8 weeks for the monies to be sent to your school. The timeframe can be delayed depending on response times from your school.

Will I receive my scholarship monies in time to pay for fall semester tuition?

We cannot guarantee that your scholarship will be awarded within the timeframe needed to meet payment deadlines for the fall semester. There isn’t a set date when every school in the world commences its fall semester.

Award Amounts and Scholarship Terms

How are scholarship amounts determined?

Scholarship amounts vary by fund and year. Recipients will receive a letter specifying the scholarship and amount.

Will the scholarship cover all my tuition fees?

Scholarship amounts vary and may not cover the entirety of tuition fees. The specific amount and coverage details will be provided in the scholarship offer to successful applicants.

Can I receive the scholarship amount directly, or does it go through my academic institution?

Scholarship funds are received exclusively through the enrolled academic institution. PMI does not make direct payments to recipients.

How and when will I receive the scholarship award?

Chosen scholarship recipients will be notified through Submittable. Instructions for submitting final required documents will be provided, including tax forms and signatures for press releases. The scholarship is not officially awarded until these documents are submitted.

What is the duration of the scholarship?

Each scholarship is for one academic year. The academic year runs from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026. Recipients are eligible for only one PMI scholarship, award, or grant per academic year, unless otherwise explicitly noted.

Can I reapply for a scholarship in the following academic year?

Yes, unless specified otherwise, applicants are eligible to submit a new scholarship application for each academic year.

General

Are there opportunities to engage with PMI as a scholarship recipient?

Yes, scholarship recipients are encouraged to explore opportunities to engage with PMI, including participating in PMI events and programs, and contributing to the project management community.

How can I contact PMI for questions?

If you have thoroughly reviewed this entire webpage and the Submittable page, you may contact PMI Academic Programs at [email protected] prior to submitting your application.

After submission, you must use Submittable for communications regarding your application. Messages to the general inbox regarding application status will be disregarded.

How is privacy and data usage handled?

Privacy and data usage adhere to organizational policy. For details, refer to our privacy policy