Wondering about the top cybersecurity scholarships you can apply for today? There are plenty of great options! It’s estimated that The United States faces a cybersecurity workforce shortage of nearly 500,000 people. This number is hardly surprising, considering the rapid rise of the internet and all of the threats that come with it over the last two decades. The good news is that there are a number of top cybersecurity scholarships you can apply for if you want to train in the field.
The industry is growing exponentially, but the talent pool isn’t. Currently, only 3% of US students earn a computer and information sciences credential, and the cybersecurity niche is only a fraction of that. There are several variables involved – some would argue that enough isn’t being done to encourage young people into a cybersecurity career, others would say the benchmark is too high.
However, one thing that’s for sure is that education in the US can be very expensive. Therefore, cybersecurity scholarships are in place to lighten the financial burden of cybersecurity training. Because scholarships and student finance can be an absolute minefield, we have made it easier for you. Check out our list below of the best cybersecurity scholarships you can apply for today.
The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program
Microsoft is one of the biggest computer and information science companies in the world. They are at the forefront of the talent shortage, so it’s no surprise that they have invested both time and money into a cybersecurity scholarship program. Over $6m in funding has been granted to the scheme, and unlike many other scholarships with tight windows of opportunity, applications can be submitted at any time.
So what’s included? Students can get emergency financial assistance up to $500 or Subsidies to cover the cost of cybersecurity certification licensing exams up to $375. The latter also includes free LinkedIn premium accounts for better networking opportunities and career prospects.
You need to be a resident of the United States to qualify and be currently enrolled in a cybersecurity-related qualification at an institution in the country. This could be a community college or a technical school. You will also need to demonstrate financial need. It’s worth noting that any student with financial needs can apply, but Microsoft especially encourages underrepresented groups in cybersecurity to apply. This includes those who identify as women or non-binary, veterans, and those with disabilities.
(ISC)² Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarships
It’s no secret that there is a significant shortage of women working in, or training for, a career in tech and cybersecurity. It’s for this reason that the (ISC)² Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship exists. There are up to ten scholarships up for grabs between $1,000 and $5,000. This is paid directly to the school and will be applied to tuition, fees, and books instead of being paid to the recipient.
What’s unique about this particular scholarship is that you don’t even need to be a resident of the US, as applicants are welcome from across the world. The eligibility criteria are also quite flexible, in that you don’t even need to be enrolled in school yet to be awarded the scholarship. You can be studying online or in class, full time or part-time, in The USA, or internationally.
To qualify for the (ISC)² Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship, you need to have a GPA of at least 3.3 or equivalent. In addition, applicants will be scored on three criteria – passion, merit, and financial need.
KnowBe4 Veterans, Guard, Reserve & Spouse Cybersecurity Scholarship
Veterans are, quite rightfully, given some great initiatives and perks following and during their service in the military. But it’s not just about house loans and discounts; there are scholarships awarded to Veterans, too. This is financial aid to invest in a qualification in cybersecurity. The best part? It’s also available to Military spouses too.
The scholarship is also one of the most generous on this list. There is a $10,000 payment towards tuition and $3,000 towards on-campus housing. The funds are paid directly to the school and not to the recipient.
To qualify, you need to be a permanent US resident. In addition, you must be pursuing or planning to pursue a degree focusing on cybersecurity. Most importantly, you must be an honorably discharged US Military Veteran (including Reserves and National Guard). Otherwise, you can be the spouse or surviving spouse. Applicants will be scored on passion, merit, and financial need, and it’s a one-time reward that would need to be re-applied for every year.
The CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program
It doesn’t get much cooler than working for or with the CIA, right? Not only does this scholarship program support you with tuition costs, but you will also perform during summer breaks directly with the agency. This means exposure to real intelligence and cybersecurity challenges while you learn alongside your work experience. Not only that but you are guaranteed continued employment with the agency after you graduate.
You will be given up to $18,000 per year for tuition, as well as paid time off, life insurance, an annual salary, and more. It is a 5-star cybersecurity scholarship. To qualify, you need to have been accepted as a full-time student at a 4-year college and have availability and willingness to work in the summer. You will also have to commit to working for the CIA after the program finishes, and you graduate.
Because of the sensitivity of working for the CIA, applicants will be subject to U.S citizenship and background investigations. You will also need to have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale. Tick all these boxes, and you could be the latest name added to the list of lucky CIA scholars working in cybersecurity.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
Read more about the author