Are you a civil engineering student looking for funding to study in the United States? If so, the ACI USA scholarships for international civil engineering students could be the perfect fit for you.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) Foundation offers some of the most rewarding scholarships in the construction and concrete field. Since 2008, the foundation has given financial support, mentorship, and career opportunities to over 400 students worldwide. For the 2025-2026 cycle alone, ACI awarded 28 fellowships and 15 scholarships to students from 35 different schools.
Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about ACI funding for international students.
What Is the ACI Foundation?
The ACI Foundation is a nonprofit arm of the American Concrete Institute, set up in 1989 to drive progress and new ideas in the concrete industry. One of its key goals is to support students building careers in concrete-related fields.
Each year, the foundation hands out fellowships and scholarships to high-potential students. These awards help cover tuition, books, housing, and other costs. On top of that, fellowship winners get paid travel to major industry events and a personal industry mentor.
Because of this strong support, ACI scholarships are among the most valued awards for civil engineering students worldwide.
How Much Are ACI Scholarships Worth?
The award amounts depend on whether you receive a fellowship or a scholarship. Here’s a quick breakdown.
| Award Type | Amount (USD) | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship | $10,000–$15,000 | Paid travel to 2 ACI conventions, industry mentor, possible internship |
| Scholarship | $5,000 | Recognition in Concrete International magazine |
| Canadian Scholarship | $7,000 – $10,000 CAD | Varies by program |
Fellowship recipients clearly get the most value. Besides the cash award, they receive paid flights, hotel stays, and registration fees for two ACI Concrete Conventions. Moreover, some fellowships include a 10- to 12-week paid summer internship with a leading concrete company.
All stipends are paid in two equal parts over one academic year. As a result, you can use the funds for tuition, room and board, books, or student fees.
Can International Students Apply?
- Yes—and this is what makes ACI stand out. The foundation openly welcomes applicants from around the world. However, there are a few key rules.
- For fellowships, you must attend a school in the United States, Canada, or Mexico during the award year. You can be a citizen of any country, but your university must be in North America.
- For scholarships, international students are welcome unless a specific award sponsor limits it to a certain region. Because most awards don’t have such limits, the doors are wide open for global applicants.
- Additionally, the ACI Foundation provides visa support letters and reimburses visa fees for students who need travel documents to attend ACI conventions.
Eligible Programs and Fields of Study
ACI scholarships cover a broad range of concrete-related degree programs, including civil engineering, structural engineering, construction management, concrete science, concrete industry management, and materials science with a concrete focus.
If your degree connects to the concrete or construction industry in any way, you likely qualify. As a result, students in both design and materials tracks can apply with confidence.
Key Eligibility Rules
To be considered for ACI USA scholarships for international civil engineering students, you must meet these requirements:
- Be a full-time student during the entire award cycle (fall through spring semester).
- For graduate scholarships, you must be in a master’s or PhD program. Applicants cannot have passed their second year of a master’s or fourth year of a PhD.
- For undergraduate scholarships, you must be enrolled full-time at the time of applying.
- Show English language skills. You can upload a TOEFL score, though this is optional and not required.
- Have a strong interest in a concrete industry career, shown through your essay and endorsements.
One important detail—fellowship finalists must attend the Spring ACI Concrete Convention for an in-person interview. Fortunately, the ACI Foundation covers all travel costs for this trip.
Notable ACI Fellowships and Scholarships
The ACI Foundation currently offers 49 fellowships and scholarships. Here are some top awards.
- ACI Presidents’ Fellowship—Goes to graduate students with outstanding potential in the concrete field.
- Robert F. Mast Memorial Fellowship—For graduate students in structural engineering focused on reinforced or precast concrete design.
- Baker Student Fellowship—For undergraduates in civil engineering or construction management, with an internship at Baker Concrete.
- Bernard Erlin Memorial Scholarship—Supports students in concrete materials programs at any level.
- Katharine & Bryant Mathers Scholarship—Funds graduate study in concrete, honoring two Honorary Members of ACI.
- S.P. Shah Fellowship—Goes to PhD students focused on concrete materials research.
Each award has slightly different preferences. Therefore, read the full details on the ACI Foundation website before applying.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The application process is fully online and easy to follow. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Visit acifoundation.org/scholarships when applications open on July 1 each year.
Step 2: Fill in your personal and school details on the online form.
Step 3: Upload your resume in Word or PDF format.
Step 4: Write a 500-word essay about your interest in a long-term career in the concrete industry.
Step 5: Submit official transcripts from all schools attended, in English with a 4.0 grading scale.
Step 6: Provide two endorsement contacts—one must be an ACI member. The system contacts them directly.
Step 7: Submit before the November 1 deadline at 11:59 PM EST. Late applications are not accepted.
After that, the review process runs from mid-November to early February. Fellowship finalists hear back in the first week of February. Meanwhile, all final award decisions come out in early April.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Tailor your essay carefully. Focus on your passion for concrete or construction and align your goals with industry needs.
- Pick strong endorsers. Choose people who know your technical skills well. Having an ACI member endorser is required, so join a student chapter early.
- Get active in an ACI Student Chapter. Many awards prefer active chapter members. As a result, being involved gives you a clear edge.
- Apply early. Don’t wait until the last week—start gathering documents as soon as applications open in July.
- Reapply if needed. Recipients can compete again each year while still eligible. Therefore, don’t give up after one try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ACI scholarships fully funded?
Fellowships cover $10,000–$15,000 in tuition plus paid travel and mentorship. Scholarships provide a $5,000 stipend.
Do I need a TOEFL score?
Not necessarily. You can upload one, but it’s optional. A written statement about your English skills also works.
Can I apply for more than one award?
Yes. You fill out one application, and the Scholarship Council matches you to the best-fitting awards.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open July 1 each year and close November 1 at 11:59 PM EST.
Final Thoughts
ACI USA scholarships for international civil engineering students offer a rare mix of funding, mentorship, and industry connections. With 49 active awards and a welcoming approach to global applicants, the ACI Foundation is one of the best funding sources in concrete-related fields.
Prepare your materials early, write a strong essay, and don’t miss the November 1 deadline.