It’s no secret that cybersecurity is one of the most important issues we face as a society. It’s also no mystery that scholarships are available for students interested in studying cybersecurity. In this blog post, we will provide you with resources and tips on where to find cybersecurity scholarships and when to apply.
What is cybersecurity scholarship?
Cybersecurity scholarship opportunities are becoming more and more prevalent as cybercrime becomes increasingly common. Here’s a look at some of the most popular cybersecurity scholarships and where to find them:
The Cyber Security Scholarship Foundation (CSSF) is one of the leading providers of cyber security scholarships. They offer scholarships in a number of different areas, including computer science, information systems, and networking. You can find their scholarship database online or through their contact form.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) also offers scholarships for students studying cybersecurity. Their scholarship website has detailed information on each scholarship program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Finally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers a number of scholarships specifically for students studying cybersecurity. These range from scholarships for pursuing a degree in cybersecurity studies to grants for individuals who want to develop innovative cyber security solutions. You can find all the DHS scholarship programs online or by contacting their Scholarship Search Center.
Types of cybersecurity scholarships
There are a number of different scholarships available for students interested in studying cybersecurity. Below, we’ll list some of the most popular scholarships and provide a link to the scholarship provider’s website.
The Cybersecurity Scholarships Foundation (CSSF) is one of the largest scholarship providers in the cybersecurity field, awarding more than $1 million annually in scholarships. You can find information on their website about how to apply for their scholarships, which cover a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across the United States.
The Cyber Security Scholarship Foundation’s Scholarship Database has full-length descriptions of over 1,000 cybersecurity scholarships worth $30,000 or more.
Cybersecurity competitions offer another way to award scholarships to talented students. The U.S. Department of Defense sponsors several annual cybersecurity competitions that award cash prizes ranging from $5,000 up to $50,000.
IEEE offers three types of scholarships for people pursuing careers in cybersecurity: Student Member Awards ($3,000), Fellow Awards ($7,500), and Meritorious Service Awards ($10,000). IEEE also has an online Scholarship Database that includes details on over 100 different awards worth over $100,000 each.
Cybersecurity conferences often offer scholarship opportunities as well. For example, ICAC 2016 awarded two $5,000 scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who presented at the conference on cybersecurity topics. Additionally, various independent security conferences frequently have scholarship opportunities available;
How to find cybersecurity scholarships?
There are many ways to find cybersecurity scholarships. Some scholarships are specific to a certain type of security or cyber-related field, while others may be open to any student who is interested in studying cybersecurity. The best way to find out about available scholarships is to search online or contact your local college or university’s scholarship office.
Another way to find cybersecurity scholarships is through the Cybersecurity Scholarship Database (CSSD). The CSSD is a free resource that provides information on over 1,000 scholarships in the cybersecurity field. You can access the CSSD at cssd.com.
The best time to apply for cybersecurity scholarships is during your junior year of high school. This is when you have already completed some of the required courses and projects needed for certification in the field. You also have more experience working with computers and understand how they work.
Remember, though, that not all scholarship money will be available for students in junior year. Many colleges and universities give priority to students who are applying for their first bachelor’s degree or who are enrolled in an undergraduate program that prepares students for a career in cybersecurity.
If you are still unclear about which type of cybersecurity scholarship might be right for you, consider speaking with an experienced attorney who can help you figure out your options and determine which path would be best for you
When to apply for cybersecurity scholarships?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to apply for cybersecurity scholarships will vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, generally speaking, the best time to apply for cybersecurity scholarships is when you are in college or graduate school, as this is when many scholarship programs are specifically designed for students. Additionally, many scholarship providers update their eligibility guidelines regularly, so it is always important to check with them if you want to apply for a particular scholarship.
Finally, it is worth noting that not all scholarships require that you submit an application form. In some cases, simply submitting a resume or letter of intent will be enough to qualify you for a given award. So if you have any questions about whether or not you are eligible for a specific cybersecurity scholarship, don’t hesitate to ask!
Undergraduate scholarships
There are many undergraduate scholarships available for students interested in cybersecurity. The types of scholarships vary, but many require a nomination from a faculty member or supervisor. Many scholarships also have specific requirements, such as college level coursework in cybersecurity or experience in the field.
To find undergraduate scholarships for cybersecurity, start by searching online databases such as the Scholarship Search Engine and Cybersecurity College Database. These databases list hundreds of scholarships specifically for cyber security students. Some scholarship providers offer free scholarship searches online.
Another way to find cyber security scholarships is through your school’s financial aid office. They may be able to provide you with information about grants and loans available to students in your area of study. Finally, don’t forget to ask your professors and staff members if they know of any scholarships or grants available for cyber security majors. They may be able to recommend awards that are not listed online or offered through your school’s financial aid office.
Once you have identified a few cyber security scholarships that interest you, it is important to apply early. Many scholarship deadlines are in late spring or early summer, so it is important to keep track of them and submit your application as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive a scholarship grant!
Central Intelligence Agency – Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) offers undergraduate scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential in the field of intelligence. The CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program provides awards of up to $30,000 per year, depending on your level of academic excellence.
To qualify for a scholarship through the CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. You also must demonstrate financial need and have an interest in pursuing a career in intelligence. Applications are accepted every year beginning in early February and can be found online at cia.gov/scholarships .
The deadline for applying is November 1st, but you are welcome to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of being considered for an award. If you are selected to receive an award through the CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program, you will be notified by mail in late January or early February.
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA)
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA) is open to graduating seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program offers awards of $5,000 each, payable over four years. The deadline for applications is March 1st. Visit the National Security Agency website to apply and learn more about the scholarship program.
(ISC)2 Scholarship – Undergraduate
The International Society of Cyber Security Professionals (ISC)2 offers a number of scholarships for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in cyber security. The organization has scholarships available for students who are studying information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity.
To be eligible for an (ISC)2 scholarship, applicants must be full-time undergraduate students and must have a degree in information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be applied to tuition costs, books, or other associated expenses.
The deadline for applying for the 2019 (ISC)2 scholarships is March 1st. Applicants can find more information on the (ISC)2 website or by contacting the organization directly.
The Snort Scholarship
There are a variety of cybersecurity scholarships available, and many different deadlines for applying. Here is a list of some of the most popular scholarship opportunities:
- National Cyber Security Alliance Scholarship : The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) offers multiple scholarships for students studying cybersecurity.
- The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) offers multiple scholarships for students studying cybersecurity. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2019. SANS Institute’s Cyberspace Security Scholarship : This scholarship is open to students who are majoring in information technology or computer science and have demonstrated excellence in cyber security research or practice.
- This scholarship is open to students who are majoring in information technology or computer science and have demonstrated excellence in cyber security research or practice. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2020. Snort Scholarship Foundation : This scholarship provides financial assistance for undergraduate students who demonstrate significant interest in cyber security and demonstrate excellent academic performance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, and the deadline varies depending on the year – check the website for more information.
- This scholarship provides financial assistance for undergraduate students who demonstrate significant interest in cyber security and demonstrate excellent academic performance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, and the deadline varies depending on the year – check the website for more information. United States Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program:
This program offers scholarships to students who are studying computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, or mathematics.
American Security Professional Fellowships
There are many scholarships available for students interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. While some are specifically for students enrolled in cyber-related programs, others are open to anyone with an interest in the field. The best way to find out about available scholarships is to search online or contact your local educational institution or scholarship foundation.
Once you have identified a few scholarships that appeal to you, it is important to apply as soon as possible. Some scholarships require a application fee, while others may require letters of recommendation from professors or employers. It is also important to make sure that the scholarship you are applying for meets your individual qualifications and interests.
If you are successful in receiving a cybersecurity scholarship, be prepared to invest time and energy into your studies. Scholarships typically require students to devote substantial amounts of time studying for exams and participating in extracurricular activities related to their field of study.
Graduate scholarships
There are many scholarships and grants available for students studying cybersecurity. The best way to find out about all of them is to visit the scholarship websites of specific schools you’re considering.
Scholarship sites will list scholarships by category, such as undergraduate and graduate studies, race or ethnicity, and merit-based or need-based categories.
You can also search for scholarships by keyword or subject area. For example, you can type “cybersecurity” in the scholarship search box on the website of Yale University, which returns a list of cybersecurity-specific scholarships from universities across the country.
Some important things to keep in mind when searching for cybersecurity scholarships include:
- First and foremost, research each school’s requirements for awarding scholarships. Some schools have stricter eligibility requirements than others.
- Second, make sure to review eligibility requirements thoroughly before applying for a scholarship. Scholarships may require that applicants have a certain GPA or SAT score, for example, or that they be pursuing a particular degree at the time they apply.
- Finally, don’t stop your search after finding a few scholarships; seek out as many sources of funding as possible. A diverse mix of scholarship opportunities will give you the best chance of securing funds that can help you finance your education.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Scholarship
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) offers competitive fellowships to newly minted Ph.D.s in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). NSF also offers a Cybersecurity Scholarship.
Both awards are worth $35,000 over three years, with no tuition costs allowed. The deadline for applications is March 1st of each year.
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand as society becomes increasingly digitized and interconnected. Consequently, the NSF Cybersecurity Scholarship is designed to support outstanding students who are working to advance cybersecurity research. The application process is rigorous, but the rewards for being awarded a scholarship can be significant: up to $60,000 per year for three years.
To be eligible for the NSF Cybersecurity Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate excellence in their field by meeting one or more of the following criteria: possessing an advanced degree in a STEM discipline; having published scholarly work in a field related to cybersecurity; having demonstrated experience conducting cutting-edge research in cybersecurity; or being currently employed as a full-time faculty member in a school of engineering or computer science accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as competent in accreditation issues relating to higher education institutions awarding graduate degrees and professional degrees programs.
(ISC)2 Scholarship – Graduate
The (ISC)2 Scholarship program offers scholarships to students who are pursuing a graduate degree in information security or computer science.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be a graduate student in good standing at an accredited university, and demonstrate strong academic achievement in your field.
The (ISC)2 Scholarship program offers three different scholarships: the Securing Our Digital Future Scholarship, the Cybersecurity Diversity Scholarship, and the Emerging Cybersecurity Leaders Scholarship.
The (ISC)2 Securing Our Digital Future Scholarship is available to students who are pursuing a Master’s or higher degree in information security. The scholarship awards $5,000 per year for up to four years.
The (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Diversity Scholarship is available to students of all backgrounds who are interested in studying information security or computer science. The scholarship awards $1,000 per year for up to four years.
The (ISC)2 Emerging Cybersecurity Leaders Scholarship is available to students who have demonstrated leadership skills in their field of cybersecurity. The scholarship awards $5,000 per year for up to four years.
Scholarships for women
Cybersecurity scholarships are available for women who want to study information security. There are many different scholarship programs out there, so it can be hard to decide which one to apply to. Here are some tips on picking the right cybersecurity scholarship:
1. Do your research.
Before you start applying for scholarships, do your research. Find out which scholarship programs are most relevant to your interests and career goals. Once you have a few programs in mind, start narrowed down your search by looking at the specific criteria each program requires for eligibility.
2. Check the deadline.
Most scholarships have deadlines, so make sure you know when the application deadline is for each program you’re considering. This will help you plan your application timeline and avoid missing any important submissions deadlines.
3. Apply early!
Apply early! Many scholarships require applicants to submit an application well in advance of the deadline date, so don’t delay if you’re interested in vying for a prize. Applications that are submitted after the deadline may not be considered for review or may not be accepted at all.
KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship and Internship
There are many scholarships and internships available to women in cybersecurity. Below is a list of some of the most common sources of cybersecurity scholarships and internships, as well as when to apply.
- National Cybersecurity Alliance Scholarship Program: The National Cybersecurity Alliance Scholarship Program provides awards for students who demonstrate significant achievements in computing and information security. Awards are offered each year for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university with a declared major in information technology, computer science, engineering, or mathematics. Applications are accepted from mid-March to early April each year.
- Women in Security International (WSI) Scholarship Program: The Women in Security International (WSI) Scholarship Program offers scholarships for women who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Awards are available for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in computer science, information technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Applications are accepted on an annual basis starting late October each year and ending early November each year.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Fellowship Program: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Fellowship Program offers Fellowships for individuals with outstanding potential in the field of cybersecurity measurement and analysis within federal government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Energy (DOE), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and National Security Agency (NSA). Fellowship awards are available for individuals who have a B.S. or M.S. degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience related to cybersecurity measurement and analysis. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications are accepted on an annual basis starting in early January each year and ending in late February each year.
- IEEE CS Society Scholarship Program: The IEEE CS Society Scholarship Program provides scholarships for women who are interested in pursuing careers in computer science and related fields. Awards are available for undergraduate students majoring in computer science, information technology, engineering, or mathematics at accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Applications are accepted on an annual basis starting in early December each year and ending in early January each year.
(ISC)2 Women in Information Security Scholarship
Looking for scholarships that focus on cybersecurity? (ISC)2 has you covered! The (ISC)2 Women in Information Security Scholarship is available to females who are enrolled full-time in a graduate or undergraduate program in information security. This scholarship offers $4000 worth of funding and will be awarded annually.
The deadline to apply is May 1st, and the application process can be found online. Applicants must be nominated by a faculty member and have a 3.0 GPA or higher in order to be considered. For more information on this scholarship and other (ISC)2 scholarships, be sure to visit our website!
SWSIS (Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security) Program Scholarship
The Cybersecurity Scholarship for Women (SWSIS) Program offers scholarships to women studying information security. The program was created in response to the lack of diversity in the cybersecurity field, and its goal is to increase the number of women in information security by providing financial assistance.
To be eligible for a SWSIS scholarship, you must be a female student who is enrolled in an accredited university or college program that studies information security. You must also have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in information security-related courses.
You can apply for a SWSIS scholarship online, and you will need to submit your official transcripts and application form. You can also visit the SWSIS website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
VIP’s Women in Technology Scholarship
There are many scholarships available for women in cybersecurity. Here are a few to get you started:
- Cybersecurity Women’s Scholarship from the National Initiative for Women and Information Technology (NIWIT)
The Cybersecurity Women’s Scholarship is available to female undergraduate students who demonstrate significant interest in pursuing a career in information technology. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The application deadline is September 30, 2017.
- Anita Borg Institute scholarship for women in technology
The Anita Borg Institute offers two scholarships specifically designed to promote the success of women in technology: the Anita Borg Scholarship for women in computer science and engineering, and the Anita Borg Scholarship for women working in information technology occupations. Both awards are worth $5,000 per year. The application deadline is January 1, 2020.
- Rising Star Scholarships from IBM
The Rising Star Scholarships program supports talented women who want to pursue careers in high-tech fields such as cybersecurity and data analytics. Eligible applicants must be US citizens, nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, or refugees selected for resettlement through the United States Department of State’s VAWA program. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year, with no need for enrollment at an accredited institution. The deadline is December 31st each year.
- SANS Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship
The SANS Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship provides financial support to female undergraduate students who are interested in a career in cybersecurity. The scholarship is available to students who are enrolled full-time at an accredited US college or university and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The application deadline is March 1st each year.
WOMEN in Technology Fellowships
Women in technology fellowships are plentiful and offer opportunities for women to explore their interests in technology while also developing professional skills. The focused nature of these fellowships can be a benefit, as many focus on a specific area of cybersecurity or computer science.
For a comprehensive list of women in technology scholarships, visit the website Women In Technology International (WITI). The website features an interactive search tool that allows users to filter scholarships by type (graduate or undergraduate), country of origin, program length, and other criteria. Additionally, WITI publishes a quarterly newsletter with upcoming cyber security scholarship opportunities.
Additionally, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has created an online database of cyber security fellowships and scholarships available from both private and public sources. The database includes information on both paid and unpaid opportunities across all disciplines. NCSA also offers resources such as career advice and job postings for those seeking employment after completing a fellowship or scholarship program.
Applications for most women in technology fellowships are typically due around late November or early December. It is important to review the application requirements carefully before submitting an application, as some require letters of recommendation from professors or employers who have seen the applicant’s work in progress. It is also helpful to familiarize oneself with the fellowship’s focus prior to submitting an application; this information can be found on the webpages for each individual fellowship program.
Scholarships for veterans
Veterans who have served their country in the military may be interested in scholarships for cybersecurity programs. There are many scholarships available to veterans, and the best way to find them is to research online. Some of the most popular sources for finding cybersecurity scholarships are the ScholarshipSearch.com website and the Veterans Affairs website.
The ScholarshipSearch.com website allows users to search for scholarships by category or keyword. The Veterans Affairs website also has a search engine where users can filter scholarship listings by type, level of study, and country of origin. Regardless of the source, it is important to make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as possible. Many awards are contingent on receiving a sufficient number of applications.
Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program
The Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program offers scholarships to veterans and members of the military. The program provides scholarships to students who have demonstrated a commitment to cybersecurity. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate studies. To apply, applicants must submit an application form and a letters of recommendation. The program is open to current military members, veterans, and spouses of military members.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program offers college students financial assistance to attend cybersecurity programs. The program is available at accredited colleges and universities across the United States.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be accepted into a full-time cybersecurity program at an accredited college or university.
The deadline to apply for the 2019 Yellow Ribbon Program is March 1, 2019. Applications can be found online at www.cybersecurityscholarships.org or by contacting your local scholarship provider.
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
The American Federation of Computing Machinery (AFCEA) offers a number of scholarships to students who are interested in studying cybersecurity. These scholarships are available to students at accredited colleges and universities. The scholarships vary in amount, but all require applicants to submit an essay explaining their interest in cybersecurity and demonstrating how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals. The deadline for applying varies depending on the scholarship, but most applications are due by early February.
If you’re interested in earning a degree in cybersecurity, be sure to check out the AFCEA website for scholarship opportunities. There, you can find information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and more. You can also sign up for their email list so that you always know about new scholarship opportunities.
Google Student Veterans Award (SVA) Scholarship
The Google Student Veterans Award (SVA) Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship given to United States military veterans who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is May 1, 2019.
To be eligible for the SVA Scholarship, applicants must be current or former members of the United States military who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must also have served at least one year of active duty service after completing their high school diploma or equivalent and have received a honorable discharge or general discharge status.
Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and have a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale in order to be considered for the award. Applications can be submitted online through the Google Scholar website.
Scholarships and other forms of student aid
There are a number of different scholarship opportunities available to students interested in studying cybersecurity. Some of the more popular scholarships include the Dell Technologies Scholarship, which offers full tuition assistance to students who demonstrate significant achievements in computer science, and the Cybersecurity Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and interest in cybersecurity.
Students can also look for scholarships specific to their chosen field of study. For example, the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) offers scholarships specifically for students studying information security. Similarly, the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS) includes awards for outstanding graduate students and young professionals working in computer security research.
For a complete list of scholarship opportunities available to students interested in studying cybersecurity, be sure to visit the websites of various organizations, such as ISSA and CCS. Applications for most scholarships are typically accepted beginning at mid-year, so be sure to submit your application early!
Where to begin the cybersecurity scholarship search?
There are many ways to get started when searching for cybersecurity scholarships. Some resources are listed below.
First, consider your career goals. Do you want to focus on information security or computer engineering? Once you know what you’re looking for, start exploring online resources and databases specifically dedicated to cybersecurity scholarships. For example, the Cybersecurity Scholarship Database (CSDB) is a searchable online database of over 1,000 scholarships and fellowships in cybersecurity. You can also use keyword searches to find specific types of scholarships that match your interests.
Another way to start your search is by looking at cyber security degree programs offered by colleges and universities across the country. Many schools offer free access to their course syllabi so you can see if there are any courses that may be relevant to your career goals or educational background. Once you have identified a few cyber security degree programs that interest you, start searching for scholarship opportunities that may be available through the school’s scholarship office.
Finally, don’t forget about online resources such as scholarship search engines and social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. These platforms are great places to connect with potential scholarship donors and learn about new opportunities as they arise.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity scholarships are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. A cybersecurity degree can set you up for a prosperous career in the field, and many scholarships are available to help students cover the costs of tuition. When searching for cybersecurity scholarships, keep in mind that there are different types of scholarships available, so make sure to read the descriptions carefully. Also, don’t forget to apply early—the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of winning!