Updated: August 31, 2026 | Reading time: 7 min | Written by: StudyTribune Team
Applications are open now for the ACI Foundation Scholarships and Fellowships 2027–2028, closing November 1, 2026. The ACI Foundation supports high-potential undergraduate and graduate students in concrete-related degree programs with fellowships worth $10,000 and scholarships worth $5,000, plus a separate award track for students in the Middle East and North Africa. Here’s exactly what’s covered, who qualifies, and one visa-related detail worth checking before you apply.
Quick Facts
- Sponsor: ACI Foundation (a nonprofit subsidiary of the American Concrete Institute)
- Study Level: Undergraduate and graduate (Master’s and PhD)
- Host Countries: Accredited institutions in the United States, Canada, or Mexico
- Also Available: Student Excellence Awards for students in eligible Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries and Saudi Arabia — these don’t require studying at a US/Canada/Mexico institution
- Fellowship Value: $10,000 USD educational stipend, plus paid travel to two ACI Concrete Conventions
- Scholarship Value: $5,000 USD educational stipend
- Awards Available: Around 50 fellowships and scholarships combined each cycle, plus the separate MENA and Saudi Arabia excellence awards. Since the program began in 2008, the Foundation has supported more than 420 students.
- Application Opens: July 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
Important: Check Your Country’s Visa Status Before Applying
ACI Foundation’s official page currently states that, due to a June 9, 2025 U.S. White House Executive Order restricting entry from certain countries, they will only reimburse visa application fees for applicants who are not subject to that travel restriction. Fellowship finalists are also required to attend an in-person interview at the spring ACI Concrete Convention as part of selection — so if you’re applying from a country that may be affected, verify your current status directly with ACI Foundation before investing time in a full application, since travel to the convention isn’t optional for finalists.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduate applicants (Fellowships and Scholarships):
- Must be a full-time graduate student, in your first or second year of a Master’s program, or no further than your fourth year of a PhD program, during the award year
- Studying a concrete-related field — civil engineering, structural engineering, concrete science and technology, concrete industry management, or related disciplines
Undergraduate applicants:
- Must be a full-time undergraduate at the time of applying and throughout the entire award cycle
All applicants:
- Attending, or planning to attend, an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico during the award year
- Proficient in English — if English isn’t your native language, submit either a TOEFL score or a written statement attesting to your proficiency
- Some fellowships expect a 10–12 week internship the summer before the award year begins — check the specific fellowship’s requirements
- Fellowship recipients must submit a written report near the end of the fellowship describing its impact on their development and career preparation
Middle East and North Africa / Saudi Arabia Student Excellence Awards: A separate track for students studying in eligible MENA countries — check ACI Foundation’s official page for the current list of eligible countries, since this doesn’t require enrollment at a US, Canadian, or Mexican institution.
What You’ll Need to Apply
- A resume (Microsoft Word or PDF format)
- A 500-word essay
- Official transcripts, in English, on a 4.0 grading scale: Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
- Two endorsements — at least one must come from a current ACI member: Recommendation Letter for Scholarship
How to Apply for ACI Foundation Scholarships and Fellowships
- Confirm your eligibility, including which award category fits you — general Fellowship/Scholarship, or the MENA/Saudi Arabia Student Excellence Award.
- Complete the single online application form on ACI Foundation’s portal. Based on your answers, the system automatically shows which specific fellowships and scholarships you’re eligible for.
- Prepare and upload your resume, 500-word essay, official transcripts, and English proficiency documentation if applicable.
- Secure two endorsements, ensuring at least one is from a current ACI member.
- Submit before November 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST.
- If selected as a fellowship finalist, expect notification in early February 2027, followed by a required in-person interview at the spring ACI Concrete Convention. Final award decisions follow shortly after the convention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the ACI Foundation Scholarship or Fellowship worth? Fellowships provide a $10,000 educational stipend plus paid travel to two ACI Concrete Conventions. Scholarships provide a $5,000 educational stipend.
What’s the current deadline? November 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST, for the 2027–2028 award cycle. Applications opened July 1, 2026.
Can I study in Mexico and still be eligible? Yes. Eligible institutions are now in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Is there an option for students who don’t study in North America? Yes. The ACI Foundation MENA and Saudi Arabia Student Excellence Awards are open to students studying in eligible Middle East and North Africa countries without requiring enrollment at a US, Canadian, or Mexican institution.
Do I need TOEFL to apply? No, TOEFL is optional. Non-native English speakers can submit either a TOEFL score or a written statement attesting to their English proficiency.
Is attendance at the ACI Concrete Convention mandatory? For fellowship finalists, yes — an in-person interview at the spring convention is a required part of selection, and stipends are contingent on convention attendance.
Will my visa fees be reimbursed if I’m selected? It depends on your country. ACI Foundation currently only reimburses visa application fees for applicants not subject to the June 2025 U.S. travel restriction executive order — verify your specific status with ACI Foundation directly.
Official Resources
- ACI Foundation Scholarships and Fellowships (official): acifoundation.org/scholarships
This hub is part of our broader Scholarships for African Students directory. For leadership and entrepreneurship-focused funding instead, see our Pan-African Leadership & Fellowship Programs guide.