Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarship
Montana University System (Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education)
$1,500 per semester full-time ($750 part-time) for Montana residents in qualifying 2-year trade and technology programs, up to $6,000.
- How much
- $1,500 per semester full-time; $750 per semester part-time; up to $6,000 total
- Who qualifies
- Montana resident (BOR 940.1); FAFSA with at least $1 of unmet need (dual-credit students exempt from FAFSA); satisfactory academic progress; at least 6 credits in a qualifying program at a participating campus.
- For undergrads, trade school students
- For trades, technology students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Due February 1, 2027 per semester; fall deadline Sept 1, spring deadline Feb 1; must be enrolled in the term you apply for
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA, enroll in at least 6 credits in a qualifying program, then submit an application in the Award Montana portal by the semester deadline (Sept 1 for fall, Feb 1 for spring)
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 22, 2026, against the official page (applymontana.mus.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
For Montana residents enrolled in qualifying trade and technical programs (welding, automotive, diesel, construction, plumbing, electrical, cybersecurity, IT, CDL and many more) at participating 2-year, community and tribal colleges: Aaniiih Nakoda, City College MSU Billings, Dawson CC, Flathead Valley CC, Fort Peck CC, Gallatin College, Great Falls College, Helena College, Highlands College, Little Big Horn, Miles CC, Missoula College, MSU Northern, Salish Kootenai and Stone Child. 12+ credits = $1,500 per semester; 6-11 credits = $750; under 6 credits does not qualify. Lifetime max of 4 full-time or 8 part-time semesters (up to $6,000). Requires at least $1 of unmet need (cost of attendance minus SAI minus other grants/scholarships). Once active, no reapplication needed unless enrollment breaks. Dual-credit students do not need a FAFSA.
More money from Montana
- Montana's STEM and Healthcare Scholarship$6,000 over 4 years: $1,000 first year, $1,500 second, $1,500 third, $2,000 fourth
- 2 Plus 2 Honor ScholarshipWaiver of undergraduate tuition at a 4-year MUS campus for up to four semesters
- MUS Honor Scholarship (MUSHS)Tuition waiver; average value about $5,000 a year or $20,000 over four years at a 4-year Montana campus
- Montana Minnesota Dental ProgramSupport fee matching the WICHE dentistry support fee, applied to tuition and fees, for up to 4 years
- Montana WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP)Set support fee per field of study (amounts on wiche.edu), applied to tuition and fees
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.