Pursuing a technology-related degree like computer science, engineering, or information systems can be an excellent path to an in-demand, well-paying career. But the high costs of tuition, room and board, supplies, and living expenses can make finances tight for college students in technical majors.
Luckily, there are numerous lesser-known technology-focused scholarship opportunities beyond common awards like the Gates Scholarship. By applying for more obscure and specialized scholarships, tech students can offset the costs of their degrees and graduate with less student loan debt.
Read on to learn about some hidden gem scholarship funds available in technology disciplines.
Hidden Scholarships for Tech Students Across Disciplines
While major technology companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple offer well-known scholarships for computer science students, there are also many lesser-known awards funded through tech corporations, professional computing societies, universities, nonprofits, and other organizations.
By taking the time to dig deeper in your scholarship search, students across technology-related majors from computer engineering to cybersecurity can uncover niche awards beyond popular opportunities to help fund their degrees.
Here are 15 obscure and under-the-radar technology scholarships worth applying to:
1. Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Scholarship
Palo Alto Networks, a network security company, offers a merit-based scholarship for undergraduates or graduate students interested in computer security and network administration. Winners receive $5,000 for education costs and are eligible for a Palo Alto Networks internship.
Eligibility:
- Pursuing a degree related to cybersecurity, computer science, network administration, or related field
- 3.0 GPA minimum
How to Apply:
- Submit resume, transcripts, essay, and letter of recommendation online
2. International Merit Scholarship at United Arab Emirates University
This scholarship offers full undergraduate or graduate tuition coverage for international students pursuing technology degrees at UAE University, including computer science, information systems, and computer engineering majors.
Eligibility:
- Non-UAE citizen with acceptance to UAE University bachelor’s or master’s program
- Technology, engineering or IT-related major
- High school or undergrad GPA equivalent to 3.5+
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application for international students
- Submit transcripts and test scores
3. Tweet Coleman Scholarship for Computer Science Students
Sponsored by technology executive and philanthropist Tweet Coleman, this $5,000 scholarship goes to an underrepresented minority or female computer science major with a 3.0 GPA.
Eligibility:
- Underrepresented minority or female computer science major
- Attending an accredited 4-year university
- 3.0 minimum GPA
How to Apply:
- Submit essay, recommendation letter, resume, and FAFSA info online
4. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Scholarships
IEEE provides over $3.5 million in scholarships annually for students in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, and other technology majors. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $15,000.
Eligibility:
- pursuing electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related major.
- meet GPA and other eligibility criteria per scholarship
How to Apply:
- Submit applications and supporting documents through IEEE’s online scholarship system
5. Apple Scholars Program
Offered by tech giant Apple, this scholarship provides $2,500 scholarships as well as an Apple product to select minority students, including those studying computer science and related majors at partner schools.
Eligibility:
- Underrepresented minority background
- Attending a historically black college/university or Hispanic-serving institution
- Studying STEM major
How to Apply:
- Apply through your college’s scholarship portal or financial aid office
6. Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Google’s Lime Scholarship provides $10,000 to students pursuing a computer science or related major who self-identify as having a visible or invisible disability.
Eligibility:
- Pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering or related major
- Identify as having a disability (visible or invisible)
- Strong academic record
How to Apply:
- Submit online application with essays, resume, transcripts, and letter of recommendation
7. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Adobe gives $10,000 scholarships to outstanding undergraduate female students studying computer science or a related technology field at universities in North America.
Eligibility:
- Female undergraduate at North American university
- Pursuing computer science or related technology degree
- 3.2 minimum GPA
How to Apply:
- Submit online application with transcripts, resume, essay, and letter of recommendation
8. Nutanix .heart Women in Technology Scholarship
Nutanix offers a $2,500 scholarship to outstanding female undergraduates studying computer science, computer engineering, or related technology majors and who demonstrate leadership and commitment to encouraging women in tech fields.
Eligibility:
- Female undergraduate studying computer science or related major
- 3.5+ GPA
- Passionate about expanding women’s roles in tech
How to Apply:
- Submit application online with resume, transcript, short answers, and letter of recommendation
9. Zumper Women in Technology Scholarship
Zumper, a national apartment rental service, offers a $2,500 annual scholarship to help support and empower female tech students to maximize their potential in STEM.
Eligibility:
- Female identifying
- Studying computer science, engineering, or related technology major
How to Apply:
- Submit short application with basic info and 500-word essay online
10. Platt Family Scholarship Prize at University of Chicago
This scholarship provides a $20,000 4-year scholarship and an Apple laptop to two incoming freshmen at the University of Chicago planning to major in computer science. Applicants must be from an underrepresented demographic in computer science.
Eligibility
- Incoming freshman at UChicago planning computer science major
- Underrepresented minority and/or first-generation college student
- Demonstrated interest in studying computer science
How to Apply:
- Submit application, test scores, transcripts, essays, and recommendations through UChicago Admissions
11. ACM SIGHPC Computational & Data Science Fellowship
This fellowship from the Association for Computing Machinery provides support for underrepresented students in a Ph.D program focusing on computational and data science areas, including stipends, conference travel, mentoring, and community.
Eligibility:
- Member of an underrepresented group in computing/data science Ph.D programs
- Admitted to or enrolled in eligible Ph.D program
How to Apply:
- Submit online application with transcripts, essays, CV, and letters of recommendation
12. Science Ambassador Scholarships at University of Rhode Island
This award covers in-state tuition for outstanding underrepresented students at University of Rhode Island interested in studying computer science, engineering, or technology. Recipients commit to outreach to inspire younger students in STEM.
Eligibility:
- Underrepresented minority background
- Interest in computer science, engineering, technology major at URI
- CT or RI resident
How to Apply:
- Submit application through URI admissions portal
13. A. Patrick Charnon Memorial Scholarship at University of Texas at Dallas
This merit scholarship provides $2,500 per year to exceptional full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at UT Dallas and pursuing computer science, software engineering, or related majors.
Eligibility:
- Accepted or enrolled in School of Engineering and Computer Science at UT Dallas
- Pursuing computer science, software engineering, or related major
How to Apply:
- Submit application, test scores, essays, and recommendation through UT Dallas
14. Microsoft Dissertation Grant
Microsoft Research offers dissertation grants providing gift funds, access to Microsoft data and software, and mentorship to assist Ph.D students pursuing research in computing fields including machine learning, AI, HCI, and more.
Eligibility:
- Ph.D candidate at a university in North America, Asia, Australia, or Western Europe
- Pursuing research related to computing sciences
How to Apply:
- Submit online application with research summary, publications, letters of recommendation, and proposal
15. Lenovo Scholar Network Scholarships
Lenovo offers merit-based scholarships between $5,000-$10,000 to help underrepresented and female tech students complete degrees in STEM majors, including computer science, computer engineering, and information technology.
Eligibility:
- Underrepresented minority and/or female identifying
- Pursuing tech-related degree at 4-year university
- 3.0 GPA minimum
How to Apply:
- Submit application with essay, resume, transcript, and activities online
While major tech companies offer scholarships, lesser-known awards from professional organizations, companies, universities and computing communities are out there for tech students who take the initiative to search and apply.
Cast a wide net with these obscure opportunities to help fund your education in high-demand technology fields like computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, and more. Reducing financial burdens allows students to focus on building the skills and experiences to excel in the tech workforce after graduation.