[Archaeological Institute of America](https://www.archaeological.org)

March 1, 2026 (Full application deadline) | May 10, 2026 (Acceptance letter from field project director)

$2,000 per awardee; one-time scholarship to cover field school expenses (minimum 4-week project)

Supports first-time archaeological fieldwork students with scholarships for field school expenses, fostering hands-on experience and diversity in the field.

--- ## Description The Archaeological Field School Scholarships, administered by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), provide $2,000 scholarships to students participating in archaeological fieldwork for the first time. The funding is intended to help cover expenses associated with attending a qualifying field school project of at least four weeks in duration. The program includes several named scholarships, each with unique regional or thematic emphases, but all share the goal of supporting students—especially those majoring in archaeology or related fields—to gain direct, hands-on experience in archaeological fieldwork. The AIA also supports accessibility by allowing reasonable expenses for the care of dependent and elderly family members within grant budgets. --- ## Due Dates - **March 1, 2026**: Full application deadline (submit online by 11:59pm EST) - **May 10, 2026**: Deadline for selected recipients to submit an acceptance letter from the field project director --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size**: $2,000 per recipient (one-time scholarship) - **Purpose**: To offset costs of attending a qualifying archaeological field school (minimum four weeks); allowable expenses include tuition, travel, room and board, and care for dependents or elderly family members --- ## Eligibility - Must have begun junior (third) year of undergraduate studies at the time of application and **not yet completed the first year of graduate school** - Must be enrolled at a college or university in the **United States or Canada** - Must be **at least 18 years old** - Must have **no prior archaeological fieldwork experience** - Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply; minority and disadvantaged students are especially welcomed - Selection is based on **academic achievement and financial need** --- ## Application Process - **Submission**: Applications must be submitted **online only** (mailed, faxed, or emailed applications are not accepted) - **Required Materials**: - Online application form - Names and emails of **two academic references** (who submit recommendations online) - Brief essay (max 300 words) explaining interest in the project and career goals - Project details and anticipated length of stay (minimum four weeks) - Outline of anticipated expenses and statement of other financial resources - Unofficial or official transcripts showing at least **two years of college-level coursework** (transfer and first-year grad students must submit all relevant transcripts) - **After Selection**: - Submit an **acceptance letter** from the field project director by May 10, 2026 (requirement satisfied if one recommendation is from the director and certifies acceptance) - Submit a final report, images, and thank you note to donors within 60 days of completing the project - Join the AIA at the student membership rate if not already a member --- ## Additional Information - Reasonable expenses for the care of dependent or elderly family members are allowable within the grant budget - Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed - Recipients' final reports are posted on the AIA website and in AIA publications - Applicants must notify the Fellowship Coordinator immediately if their project is changed or cancelled --- ## External Links - [Scholarship Details & Instructions](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/waldbaum-scholarship/) - [Online Application Form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/waldbaum/) - [AIA Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Role | Contact | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Fellowship Coordinator | [fellowships@archaeological.org](mailto:fellowships@archaeological.org) | | General Inquiries | [ebailey@archaeological.org](mailto:ebailey@archaeological.org) | | Phone | 857-305-9350 | | Contact Page | [AIA Contact Form](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) |

Archaeological Field School Scholarships

Sign in to see full grant listing