Computer Science Scholarship Application Guide. Computer science is one of the most popular and lucrative fields of study today, and several institutions offer scholarships in the computer science field which you can apply for. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earned a median annual salary of $110,140 as of 2020, and the demand for computer science professionals is projected to grow by 22% from 2020-2030. However, pursuing a computer science degree can also be expensive. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, the average student debt for college graduates in 2019 was $28,950.
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the cost of your computer science education. One of the best ways is to apply for scholarships specifically designed for computer science students. Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid, unlike loans. They can help you cover tuition fees, books, living expenses, and other educational costs.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of finding and applying for computer science scholarships, as well as provide you with a list of some of the best computer science scholarships available in 2023.
Where to Look for Computer Science Scholarships
There are thousands of computer science scholarships out there, but how do you find them? Here are some tips on where to look for computer science scholarships:
Professional associations: Many professional associations in the field of computer science offer scholarships to their members or aspiring members. For example, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) offers several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in computer science and related disciplines. The IEEE Computer Society also offers scholarships and awards for students and professionals in computing.
Private companies: Many tech companies sponsor or fund scholarships for computer science students, especially those who are interested in working for them or using their products. For example, Google offers several scholarships for students from underrepresented groups in tech, such as women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. Microsoft also offers scholarships for students pursuing degrees in computer science or related STEM fields.
Nonprofit foundations and organizations:. Some nonprofit foundations and organizations support computer science education by providing scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, or social impact. For example, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation offers the Gates Scholarship, which covers the total cost of attendance for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds who plan to major in any discipline. The National Science Foundation (NSF) also offers various scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing STEM degrees.
University computer science departments: Many universities offer scholarships to their own computer science students or prospective students. These scholarships may be based on merit, need, diversity, or other criteria. You can check the websites of the computer science departments of the universities you are interested in or contact their financial aid offices for more information.
How to Apply for Computer Science Scholarships
Once you have found some computer science scholarships that match your profile and interests, you need to prepare your application materials and submit them before the deadlines. Here are some tips on how to apply for computer science scholarships:
Read the eligibility requirements carefully:. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, such as academic level, GPA, major, citizenship status, gender, ethnicity, etc. Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying. If you have any questions or doubts about your eligibility, contact the scholarship provider directly.
Follow the application instructions: Each scholarship has its own application process and guidelines. Some may require you to complete an online form, while others may ask you to mail or email your documents. Some may require you to write an essay or a personal statement, while others may ask you to submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, or portfolios. Follow the instructions carefully and provide all the required information and documents. Proofread your application materials for spelling and grammar errors before submitting them.
Apply early: Many computer science scholarships have deadlines that are months before the start of the academic year. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Applying early can give you an advantage over other applicants and increase your chances of getting the scholarship. It can also help you avoid missing deadlines due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances.
Apply widely: Don’t limit yourself to one or two scholarships. Apply for as many scholarships that match your profile and interests. The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of winning one or more of them. However, don’t apply for scholarships that you are not eligible for or not interested in, as this can waste your time and resources.
List of Computer Science Scholarships
To help you get started with your computer science scholarship search, we have compiled a list of some of the best computer science scholarships available in 2023. This list is not exhaustive, but it covers some of the most popular and generous scholarships for computer science students. We have categorized them by academic level, gender, ethnicity, and other criteria. Note that some of these scholarships may have different deadlines and application processes than others. So, make sure to check their websites for the latest information.
1. Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Generation Google Scholarship (North America):. This scholarship is for high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are pursuing computer science or related degrees at accredited universities in the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for computer science and technology. Preference is given to students from underrepresented groups in tech, such as women, people with disabilities, and veterans. The scholarship amount is $10,000 USD or $5,000 CAD per year.
Microsoft Tuition Scholarship:. This scholarship is for undergraduate students who are enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree program in computer science or related STEM fields at a U.S., Canadian, or Mexican university. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship covers partial tuition fees for one academic year.
NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM):. This scholarship is for low-income undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in STEM fields, including computer science. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. The scholarship amount varies depending on the institution and the project.
2. Scholarships for Graduate Students
DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship:. This fellowship is for graduate students who are pursuing doctoral degrees in computational science or related disciplines at U.S. universities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold visas allowing them to complete paid summer work. The fellowship provides a $38,000 annual stipend, full tuition and fees, a $5,000 academic allowance, and a 12-week research practicum at a DOE national laboratory.
Google Ph.D. Fellowship:. This fellowship is for outstanding doctoral students who are conducting innovative research in computer science or related fields at accredited universities around the world. Applicants must be nominated by their department or university. The fellowship provides full tuition and fees, a stipend for living expenses, and a travel grant for attending conferences.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP):. This fellowship is for graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM fields, including computer science, at accredited U.S. institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. The fellowship provides a $34,000 annual stipend and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance for up to three years.
3. Scholarships for Women
Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship:. This scholarship is for women who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in computer science or related fields at accredited universities around the world. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for technology and social impact. The scholarship amount varies by region.
Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship:. This scholarship is for women who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science or related fields at accredited U.S., Canadian, or European universities. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a strong interest in technology and leadership. The scholarship amount is $1,000.
Women at Microsoft Scholarship:. This scholarship is for women who are enrolled as full-time students in a four-year bachelor’s degree program in computer science or related STEM fields at a U.S. university. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship covers partial tuition fees for one academic year. Details Here
(ISC)² Women’s Scholarships:. This scholarship is for women who are pursuing or planning to pursue degrees in cybersecurity or information assurance at accredited institutions worldwide. Applicants must have a minimum 3.3 GPA and demonstrate a passion for cybersecurity. The scholarship amount ranges from $1,000 to $6,000 USD per year.
4. Scholarships for Minorities
Generation Google Scholarship (EMEA):. This scholarship is for students from underrepresented groups in tech who are pursuing computer science or related degrees at accredited universities in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for computer science and technology. The scholarship amount varies by region.
Google Lime Scholarship:. This scholarship is for students with disabilities who are pursuing computer science or related degrees at accredited universities in the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for computer science and technology. The scholarship amount is $10,000 USD or $5,000 CAD per year.
Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship:. This scholarship is for student veterans who are pursuing computer science or related degrees at accredited universities in the U.S.
Applicants must be currently enrolled as full-time students and have completed at least one term of college or university courses following their military service. The scholarship amount is $10,000 USD per year.
5. Other Computer Science Scholarships
Computing Minds College Scholarship:. This scholarship is for high school seniors who are planning to major in computer science or related fields at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a passion for computing and innovation. The scholarship amount is $1,000 USD.
ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship:. This scholarship is for women and minority students who are pursuing degrees in computer and video game arts and sciences at accredited U.S. colleges or universities.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and demonstrate an interest in the video game industry. The scholarship amount is $3,000 USD per year.
Palantir Future Scholarship: This scholarship is for high school seniors who are planning to enroll in STEM majors at accredited U.S., Canadian, or Mexican colleges or universities. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the world through technology. The scholarship amount is $10,000 USD.
Wrapping Up
Computer science scholarships can help you achieve your academic and career goals without accumulating too much debt. By applying for scholarships that match your profile and interests, you can increase your chances of winning them and reduce your educational costs.
We hope this blog post has given you some helpful information and tips on how to find and apply for computer science scholarships. Remember to start your search early, apply widely, and follow the instructions carefully.