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Please contact AcademicPrograms@pmi.org for questions regarding scholarships, grants, awards, and sponsored research.

Please contact PMIEF@pmi.org for questions regarding PMIEF grant applications and reports. 

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Each year, PMI invests in student success by funding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study in project management or project management-related fields of study. 

As the global authority in project management, our scholarships are open to any student that meets the follow eligibility criteria and application requirements regardless of location.

Please note that eligibility criteria and application requirements for PMI scholarships may vary. PMI membership is not required to apply for and/or receive a scholarship. The following applies to all scholarships available except for DE&I, which has a separate application accessible through our Submittable page, or by following this link: 2025 Culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Academic Scholarship
 

 

Deadline: 18 May 2025
Frequency: Annually
Country: Global
Sponsor: PMI
 

Summary:

PMI invests in our aspiring professionals by funding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study in project management or project management-related field of study. Please note guidelines vary by fund.

These scholarships will open again 17 March 2025 and close 18 May 2025.


Application and Notification:
 The application opens on 17 March and closes on 18 May.
 All notifications of application status will be made to the email address you provide in your scholarship application.

Eligibility:

  • Scholarships are available to individuals attending accredited schools within the Global Accreditation Center.
  • The student is not required to be a PMI member.
  • 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 half-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 Eligible:

  • Current PMI employee, contractor, and/or consultant. 
  • Family member of a current PMI employee, contractor, and/or consultant.
  • Current sitting member of any Global Volunteer group or Insight Team.
  • Sitting members of PMI’s & PMIEF Board of Directors may not participate in the nomination or evaluation process and are ineligible to receive this award.
     

Application Materials:

  • Transcripts from the applicant’s current or most recently attended college, or university.  Transcripts that have been downloaded, screenshot, or printed and scanned directly from the applicant’s college or university website are acceptable for the submission of the scholarship application.  However, PMI must receive official transcripts directly from the student’s university before scholarship funds can be released to scholarship recipients.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two academic reference letters should be provided on official letterhead from staff, faculty, professor, and/or a professional reference. This excludes family, local authority, and community leaders. Each reference must be 1 page maximum.
  • Short Essay: From the list, select an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that aligns with an interest, identity, or cultural value you hold. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are a vital part of PMI's commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and cultural values of all individuals. In alignment with the ERG you selected, discuss how individuals represented by this ERG community can thrive in the project management profession. Consider the strengths, cultural values, and contributions they bring to the field. Additionally, explore the barriers they may face, including systemic, societal, or workplace challenges. As you reflect on these topics, incorporate PMI’s cultural values:
  • Aim Higher: How can this community drive excellence and innovation in project management?
  • Together We Can: How can collaboration and allyship help remove barriers and create opportunities?
  • Embrace Curiosity: What can people do to continuously learn, grow, and understand diverse perspectives?
  • Be Welcoming: How can organizations cultivate an environment where all voices are valued and respected?
  • Make It Easy: What practical steps can be taken to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for this ERG community? Lastly, outline meaningful actions you and others can take to support this community in overcoming challenges and advancing a more inclusive and equitable professional environment. (1000-word max limit)

Selection Process for Scholarships
All completed applications accompanied by all required supporting materials will be evaluated the PMI volunteer reviewers. Applicants will be scored using a point system based on the quality of the content of the essay, the student’s academic performance, review of letters of recommendation and the alignment of a candidate’s coursework to the field of project management.

 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.

 *All scholarship finalists are screened against the Specially Designated Nationals List (SDN) of the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Award Guidelines for Academic Scholarships
 To be eligible for scholarship payment, applicants must provide written proof of enrollment in the program for which a scholarship is sought before the funds are released.  Proof of enrollment must be sent directly to PMI from the college or university at which the applicant plans to use the scholarship, and generally takes the form of a letter from the registrar’s office.  Instructions for submission of proof of enrollment will be provided to successful applicants.  Proof of enrollment must document the following:

  • Enrollment in the current academic semester
  • Undergraduate—half time
  • Graduate—full time or at least half time.
  • Program of study must be identified.
  • The scholarship is for only one (1) academic year. The academic year for which the scholarship is provided will be identified in the award.
  • Successful applicants will be awarded only one (1) PMI scholarship, award or grant per academic year.
  • Unless specified otherwise, applicants may submit a new scholarship application for each academic year during which they will be attending an accredited institution in a degree-granting program.
     

Notice of Academic Scholarship

  • The scholarship payment will be sent to the University directly on behalf of students. No exceptions.
  • Notice to scholarship finalists will be sent via email to the address provided on the application.
  • PMI will require final enrollment verification, educational records and signature of promotional release. The scholarship is not officially awarded until finalists return the required documents.
  • Final notice of awarded scholarships will be sent to each finalist via email after verification is complete.
  • Applicants who are awarded an academic scholarship will have three weeks from the date of notification to submit proof of enrollment and tax forms. If documentation is 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.