Forensic Science Scholarships offer invaluable opportunities for aspiring students to pursue their passion for crime investigation. These scholarships provide financial support and recognition to individuals dedicated to advancing the field of forensic science.

Top 20 Forensic Science Scholarships for International Students 2024/2025

Forensic Science Scholarships open doors to numerous funding opportunities for aspiring investigators.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 scholarships that recognize and support students passionate about advancing the field of forensic science.

1. Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

The Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie Scholarship program, named in honor of two ACFE members, commemorates their tragic loss in Karachi, Pakistan.

This scholarship is a testament to the ACFE Foundation’s commitment to fostering education in fraud examination for aspiring professionals.

2. The ASCLD Scholarship Program

Incepted in Quantico, Virginia, back in 1973, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a nonprofit organization that brings together directors of crime laboratories and managers in the field of forensic science. Its primary objective is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals in the industry.

ASCLD’s objectives include advancing professional interests, promoting laboratory management principles, facilitating information exchange, enhancing communication among directors, and upholding exceptional standards of practice.

Annually, the ASCLD Board of Directors approves this scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing forensic science.

3. Gladys Carol Scholarship Program

Gladys Carol’s exceptional intellect held immense potential for accomplishments like leading a Fortune 500 company or discovering cures for devastating diseases, had she been afforded a university education. Instead, she chose marriage and motherhood.

In honor of her sacrifice, Gladys’ daughter, Cheryl, established this scholarship program to provide financial assistance.

The primary objective is to support high school graduates, seniors, and current undergraduates in the United States who aspire to pursue a STEM degree (science, technology, engineering, or math).

4. Sandy Jeffers Memorial Scholarship

The Sandy Jeffers Memorial Scholarship is a distinguished opportunity offered by the Department of Anthropology within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee.

This scholarship commemorates Sandy Jeffers, an accomplished individual who not only completed her undergraduate degree in anthropology at the university in 2003 but was also admitted to its MA program.

In alignment with Sandy’s passions, her family established this award to support undergraduate students pursuing studies in forensic anthropology or historic archaeology specifically at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

5. The Emily R. Murphy Graduate Scholarship

The Emily R. Murphy Graduate Scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) serves as a poignant tribute to the memory of Emily Murphy, a vibrant young woman brimming with potential. Drawn to Richmond, VA, she pursued her lifelong aspiration of becoming a forensic scientist.

As the first graduate teaching assistant in the Department, she received full tuition and a stipend. Tragically, Emily’s life was cut short in a car accident at the age of 22 in Washington, DC.

This scholarship exclusively supports graduate students within VCU’s Forensic Science Department, carrying forward Emily’s legacy of passion and dedication.

6. The AFTE Scholarship Program

AFTE actively publishes a reputable scientific journal, offers an array of valuable online resources, and organizes an annual training seminar, providing a platform for presentations, workshops, networking, and dialogue.

Annually, AFTE awards this scholarship to aspiring students pursuing a career in forensic science.

7. The Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship

The Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS) is a nonprofit organization comprising experts specializing in the scientific analysis of physical evidence.

SWAFS aims to foster collaboration among forensic scientists, enhance forensic methodologies, facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote academic research, and keep its members abreast of advancements in the field.

The SWAFS Floyd E. McDonald scholarship is specifically designed to encourage students pursuing education that prepares them for a future in forensic science.

8. Johnson-Whyte Memorial Foundation Fund

To foster research and education in the field of forensic identification, the International Association for Identification (IAI) has created a charitable foundation fund.

In memory of Robert L. Johnson, a pivotal figure in the formation of the IAI Latent Print Certification Board and its inaugural Chairman, this scholarship stands as a testament to his contributions and legacy within the field.

9. Carol De Forest Student Research Grant

Among the awards presented by the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists, the student research grant holds a significant place.

This grant, established by NEAFS, pays tribute to the remarkable zeal and spirit of Carol De Forest, the late wife of Dr. Peter De Forest, who bravely fought cancer until October 3rd, 2011.

Recognized as “The First Lady of Forensic Science,” Carol’s warm smile and kind words were a constant presence at NEAFS meetings, where her influence extended far beyond the Annual Meeting.

The grant’s purpose is to provide financial support for full-time graduate or undergraduate students in forensic science scholarships conducting research endeavors.

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10. The Mike Byrd Science Scholarship

Established in 1989, the Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT) serves as a vital support system for the law enforcement community in Miami-Dade, Florida. Committed to its motto, “Serving Those Who Serve,” POAT provides assistance to officers and their families during challenging times.

Crafted with a specific focus on the offspring of law enforcement professionals, this scholarship is designed to support and encourage their pursuit of a career in the fields of forensics and crime scene investigation.

By targeting this unique demographic, the scholarship reflects POAT’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the future generation of professionals in these crucial areas.

11. Gary Boccia Memorial Scholarship

Within the array of institutional scholarships available at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the Gary Boccia Memorial Scholarship stands as a notable opportunity.

Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the scholarship is awarded to a part-time or full-time student pursuing studies in forensic science.

12. Michelle Lee Memorial Scholarship

The Michelle Lee Memorial Scholarship, provided by John Jay College of Criminal Justice, commemorates the life and achievements of Michelle Lee, a native of Queens, NY, and a proud alumna of the college, who obtained her BS in forensic science.

Tragically, Michelle passed away at the young age of 24 on April 27, 2009. This scholarship, established by her family and friends, honors her legacy by offering students from underrepresented communities the chance to pursue their education in the field of forensic science.

13. CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship

With a shared conviction in the vital role of education for national advancement, economic prosperity, and societal progress, Dr. Bernard Harris and the Council of the Great City Schools present this scholarship program.

Aimed at supporting students of color intending to pursue math and science-related degrees, the scholarship is aptly named after Dr. Bernard A. Harris, a distinguished former astronaut, physician, and entrepreneur.

Four scholarships will be granted to two Black and two Hispanic students currently in their final year of high school within a member district of the Council of the Great City Schools.

14. The ACS Scholars Program

Established in 1876 and granted a charter by the U.S. Congress, the American Chemical Society (ACS) stands as the largest scientific society worldwide.

With a clear vision of enhancing lives through the transformative power of chemistry, ACS achieves this through public advocacy, scientific publications, community collaborations, professional development, and scholarship initiatives.

The ACS Scholars Program was specifically created to provide support to aspiring students from underrepresented minority backgrounds who seek to pursue careers in the field of chemical science.

To date, the program has provided funding to over 3,500 students, fostering inclusivity and opportunity within the chemical science community.

15. The Out to Innovate Scholarship

The Out to Innovate Scholarship, provided by the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP), aims to advance academic excellence and raise awareness of talented LGBTQ students pursuing STEM careers.

By encouraging students to openly embrace their identity in their professional lives, the scholarship also promotes diversity within the science and technology workforce.

Annually, two recipients are awarded this prestigious scholarship in recognition of their achievements and potential.

16. Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship

In tribute to the remarkable achievements of COL Kathleen Swacina (USA – Ret.) and her connection with AFCEA, the Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship has been established.

The scholarship recognizes an exceptional female student who demonstrates the potential for academic excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.

Eligible recipients must be enrolled full-time in college within South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, or Florida, including community colleges.

17. The Paul B. Ferrara Graduate Scholarship

In honor of the esteemed legacy of Dr. Paul B. Ferrara, former director of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science and renowned professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), this scholarship program was established.

Driven by his leadership, Virginia became the pioneer in DNA fingerprint analysis with the establishment of the first state laboratory.

The scholarship is bestowed annually to second-year students in the Department of Forensic Science within the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU.

Candidates are evaluated based on their research endeavors in forensic science or notable contributions that positively impact forensic science laboratories, professionals, or the field as a whole.

18. The George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship

As a regional branch of the oldest and largest forensic association, the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification (CBD-IAI) operates as a nonprofit organization.

CBD-IAI provides certification programs across multiple forensic science disciplines and organizes seminars and conferences within the region.

The George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship acknowledges the dedication of students in the fields of criminal justice and forensic science.

Recipients of this scholarship are selected and presented with a certificate along with a financial grant to support their educational endeavors.

19. Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program

Recognized as the global frontrunner in scientific services, Thermo Fisher Scientific is dedicated to advancing the betterment of our world.

Their mission revolves around empowering customers to enhance health, promote cleanliness, and ensure safety.

This is achieved by facilitating the acceleration of life sciences research, resolving intricate analytical obstacles, enhancing patient diagnostics, expediting the delivery of medicines to market, and optimizing laboratory productivity.

The Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program grants scholarships to eligible students pursuing studies in the field of life sciences, fostering innovation and progress within the scientific community.

20. SOFT Educational Research Awards

Every year, the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) presents the Educational Research Awards (ERA) to assist graduate students enrolled in a master’s program centered around forensic toxicology.

The ERA offers $2,000 in travel funding, enabling recipients to showcase their research findings at the annual SOFT meeting.

Applicants must provide a completed application form, an abstract adhering to the SOFT Annual meeting format, a concise overview of their research plan, a letter of recommendation, as well as a comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae.