Overview of Computer Science Scholarships & Grants
Computer science is one of the most in-demand and well-funded fields in higher education—which means there are many targeted scholarships and grants available if you know where to look. From high school coders building apps in their bedrooms to undergraduates researching AI, cybersecurity, or data science, students at every stage can find funding that supports their education, projects, and career growth in tech.
This guide brings together scholarships and grants for computer science majors and aspiring tech professionals, including opportunities for high school students, undergraduates, women in tech, Black students, international students, and those pursuing research or fully funded programs. Whether you’re just getting started with coding or already deep into algorithms, this page will help you identify realistic options, understand eligibility, and strategically apply for awards that match your background, goals, and technical interests.
Are There Computer Science Scholarships for High School Students?
Yes, high school students with an interest in computer science can apply for scholarships that help fund college, provide internship access, or recognize early coding and tech achievements.
Top computer science scholarships for high school students include:
- NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing: Honors female and non-binary high school students with achievements in computing. Includes cash prizes, tech gear, and networking opportunities. National and affiliate awards available.
- Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship: Provides $40,000 for college and a paid internship at Amazon after the freshman year. Open to high school seniors planning to major in CS.
- Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship: Offers $10,000 annually to high school seniors pursuing degrees in engineering, computer science, or related fields.
- Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Awards up to $50,000 to students under 18 who complete significant projects in science or technology.
Tip: Build a portfolio with coding projects, participate in hackathons or competitions, and ask teachers for recommendation letters to strengthen your applications.
Are There Computer Science Scholarships for Females?
Yes, there are many scholarships designed to support women pursuing computer science degrees. These programs aim to close the gender gap in tech and encourage more female participation in programming, software engineering, and related fields.
Top computer science scholarships for women include:
- Women Techmakers Scholars Program (formerly Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship): Awards up to $10,000 to women in tech who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: Offers more than $1 million in annual scholarships to women pursuing engineering and computer science. Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000.
- NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Awards: For high school and college-aged women excelling in computing. Includes cash prizes, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities.
- AnitaB.org Grace Hopper Celebration Scholarships: Offers funding for women students to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration—the largest gathering of women in tech.
Tip: Many of these scholarships also provide networking opportunities, internships, and career mentorship in tech.
What Computer Science Scholarships Are Available for Undergraduate Students?
Undergraduate students majoring in computer science have access to a wide range of scholarships from universities, tech corporations, and nonprofit foundations. These scholarships help fund tuition, research, internships, and travel to industry events.
Examples of CS scholarships for undergrads include:
- Google Lime Scholarship: Offers up to $10,000 to undergraduate students with disabilities pursuing computer science or closely related degrees.
- Microsoft Tuition Scholarships: Available to students pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related STEM fields. Awards vary based on tuition need and academic merit.
- Generation Google Scholarship: Awards $10,000 to underrepresented students studying computer science. Includes mentorship and invitations to exclusive Google events.
- Apple Scholars Program: Offers scholarship funding and mentorship for students from underrepresented communities in STEM fields, including computer science.
Tip: Always check if applications require transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, or a resume/portfolio.
Are There Computer Science Scholarships for Black Students?
Yes, there are several scholarships and programs that support Black students in computer science and related STEM fields. These opportunities aim to increase racial diversity and equity in the tech industry.
Notable scholarships for Black CS students include:
- Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship: Offers $5,000 renewable up to four years to high school seniors planning to major in computer science, engineering, or business.
- UNCF STEM Scholars Program: Supports high-achieving Black high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees. Offers up to $25,000 in financial assistance along with internship and research support.
- Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship: For Black student veterans majoring in computer science. Awards up to $10,000.
- Code2040 Fellows Program: Offers internships, professional development, and financial support for Black and Latinx students in tech.
Tip: Many of these programs also include mentorship, paid internships, and job placement support—so they’re more than just financial aid.
What Fully Funded Computer Science Scholarships Are Available for International Students?
Several fully funded scholarships are available for international students pursuing computer science degrees. These awards typically cover full tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes research or conference costs. They are offered by governments, universities, and global organizations.
Top fully funded CS scholarships for international students include:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): Covers tuition, airfare, health insurance, and living expenses for graduate study in the U.S.
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Support master’s-level computer science students with tuition coverage (where applicable), monthly stipends, and health insurance.
- ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland): Offers full tuition plus a generous living stipend for international master’s students, including those in computer science.
- Schwarzman Scholars Program (China): Fully funds a master’s degree in global affairs with a focus on leadership and policy—popular among tech-focused students interested in global impact.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Provides comprehensive funding to African students studying at partner universities, including tech and CS programs.
Tip: These programs are competitive. Strong grades, leadership, research or project experience, and a clear personal statement are essential.
What Are Computer Science Grants?
Computer science grants are non-repayable financial awards that support tuition, research, or specific projects in technology and computing. While scholarships often focus on merit or need, grants frequently fund innovation, faculty-led research, or student projects.
Common sources of CS grants include:
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Programs: Provide funding for undergraduate and graduate research, including Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in CS-related fields.
- Department of Defense SMART Program: Offers full tuition, a stipend, and guaranteed employment upon graduation for students in approved STEM fields, including computer science.
- Corporate & Industry Grants: Companies like Google, Meta, and IBM periodically support student-led research, open-source development, or AI/ML projects.
- University Research & Project Grants: Many CS departments fund student capstone projects, hackathons, lab work, or travel to conferences such as Grace Hopper, NeurIPS, or SIGCSE.
Tip: Grants often require a proposal, faculty endorsement, or project outline. Talk with your professors or academic advisor early to identify opportunities and strengthen your application.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
