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Alyssa Schulz Image Written By: Alyssa Schulz | Edited By: Cara Goldstone | Updated: June 16, 2025

Computer Science Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • Many scholarships are specifically awarded to students pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field.
  • The number of computer science bachelor degrees awarded grew by more than 66% between the years 2018 and 2023 alone.
  • Some computer science scholarships offer more than just monetary awards such as mentorship, internships, or other opportunities in the computer science field.

According to a 2023 report by the Computing Research Association, undergraduates seeking a computer science degree have been on the rise for 16 consecutive years. As enrollment has increased, scholarships available to students pursuing this degree have grown correspondingly. Many of these scholarships aim not only to sustain interest in the field, but to also ensure that obtaining a computer science degree is possible for all students, no matter their background.

The 25 Best Computer Science Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

What are computer science scholarships?

Computer science scholarships are forms of financial assistance awarded to students seeking a degree in computer science. Some computer science scholarships are available to any student in the STEM field or even to non-majors who have an interest or background in computer science.

It is important to note that each scholarship may have different qualifications. While many scholarships are open to all students studying computer science, your eligibility may also depend on factors such as your financial or personal background. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for a certain scholarship, contact the scholarship provider directly.

How to apply for computer science scholarships

When you create a free account and conduct a scholarship search on Scholarships.com, you will be automatically matched to any scholarships for which you qualify, including computer science scholarships.

Many of these scholarships, especially ones with need-based components, require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have not yet filled out the FAFSA, then you might not qualify for a given scholarship.

Submitting the FAFSA does not mean you have to take out federal student loans; it just means you are making your financial information available to schools and scholarship providers so that they can decide the amount and type of financial aid you are eligible for.

What are the best computer science scholarships?

The best scholarship for you will vary depending on your personal experiences, qualities, location, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, scholarships that are geared toward a smaller segment of that population, of which you are also a part, will be easier to win as there will likely be fewer applicants.

For example, a computer science student looking to pursue a career in video game programming could be the perfect fit for one of the National Videogame Museum Scholarships, whereas a female student whose interests align with robotics might be an ideal candidate for the Joanne Pransky Celebration of Women in Robotics Scholarship.

As it may be difficult to meet a given scholarship's niche requirements, it is worthwhile to look into scholarships that pull from larger applicant pools as well. For example, the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium provides 168 awards annually of up to $12,000 each. You just need to be a high school student passionate about STEM to qualify.

Applying to all different types of scholarships you are eligible for, no matter how narrow or broad their qualifications, will increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship and open the door to new opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about computer science scholarships

When you create a free account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to you, including ones for pursuing a degree in computer science. However, if you prefer to use our scholarship directory, you can search for awards in specific categories without making an account.

Computer science programs tend to be disproportionately white and male; just 23% of undergraduate students are women and only 11% are Black, Hispanic, or Native American. Because of this disparity, many schools and organizations offer scholarships to encourage diversity in computer science education.

For example, the SMA Native American STEM Scholarship presents up to $20,000 annually to a Native American student pursuing a four-year degree in STEM. Black women with an interest in STEM can apply for the Dawna J. Colbert and John Fitzpatrick Scholarships which provide multiple awards of up to $10,000 each to promote the diversity in the next generation of leaders in that field.

When applying, think about how being a part of a minority group may have given you different perspectives than other applicants. Even if a scholarship is open to students of many backgrounds, it may still be worth mentioning how your experiences have given you unique perspectives that you can apply to the computer science field.

Many computer science scholarships are only available for high school or undergraduate students. However, there are some that are specifically geared toward those pursuing a higher level of education.

For example, the I/ITSEC Postgraduate Scholarship provides $5,000 to students enrolled in a STEM masters program who have an interest in the Modeling and Simulation, Training, or Education Industries.

Other scholarships may have broader qualifications and will accept multiple levels of schooling. The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholars Program is a $20,000 scholarship open to high school seniors through graduate students who display excellence in academics, public speaking, and have a passion for a career in STEM.

Just like other kinds of scholarships, computer science scholarships may be based on need, merit, or both. If the scholarship you are applying for has a need-based component, you may be required to complete the FAFSA or submit a copy of your tax return to qualify.

Other scholarships are based on merit alone. For example, USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards are given to undergraduate students of any background who have a career interest in the sciences or engineering with an emphasis on space research.

The majority of computer science scholarships on Scholarships.com are only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, there are a few computer science or STEM scholarships that are available to students all around the world.

For example, the Microsoft Imagine Cup provides $100,000 awards to teams of high school and college students who develop fully functional pieces of software, regardless of national background. However, as this scholarship draws from such a large applicant pool, it is highly competitive.

As the majority of international scholarships will be similarly difficult to win, it may be worthwhile to look into scholarship opportunities in your home country. Many countries' departments of education have their own scholarships or awards that can cover tuition at a US college or university.