The 10 Top Scholarships for Cybersecurity: A Complete Guide!

It’s no surprise that cybersecurity professionals are in high demand in today’s digital world, with industries and governments actively seeking skilled experts to combat cyber threats. However, one of the biggest barriers that stands in the way of many students looking for a cybersecurity career is finances. This is where scholarships for cybersecurity come in, offering financial aid covering tuition costs and other expenses. In this guide, we will take you through the various scholarships for cybersecurity, how to qualify, and expert tips on increasing your chances of getting one.

Why Pursue Scholarships for Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields, but earning a degree can be expensive. Beyond the obvious reasons for cutting educational costs, these cybersecurity scholarships offer valuable perks that extend beyond monetary value. With these scholarships for cyber security students, one can also get mentorship opportunities, internship placements, and access to specialized training programs at the best universities for cybersecurity. Organizations like Google, Microsoft, and NSA actively invest in cybersecurity talent. For government-sponsored scholarships, recipients receive priority consideration for federal cybersecurity positions. Plus, you get a high salary package for cybersecurity roles, which makes investing time in scholarship applications yield substantial long-term returns.

10 Top Scholarships for Cybersecurity

Despite the high demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, many talented individuals find themselves unable to pursue the necessary education due to financial constraints. Enter cybersecurity scholarships – a gateway that’s opening doors for aspiring security experts across the world. Let’s explore the top cybersecurity scholarships for international students.

1. CyberCorps Scholarship for Service Program (SFS) 

Funded By: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Award Amount: $27,000/year (undergraduates) & $37,000/year (graduates)
Deadline: 15 July 2025

A prestigious scholarship for cybersecurity, it aims to develop a strong cybersecurity workforce to meet the goals of the cybersecurity mission for Federal, State, local, and tribal governments. The program offers cyber security scholarships through accredited institutions for students pursuing degrees in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aerospace security. To get this scholarship, one must be nominated by their university and meet the selection criteria based on academic performance, potential for success, and suitability for government employment. Note that to get the funding, you will have to work for a federal, state, local, or tribal government agency for a period equal to your scholarship support. This cyber scholarship program covers tuition, stipend, and professional allowance ($6,000) for up to three years. The academic year stipends are $27,000 for undergraduates and $37,000 for graduate students.

Eligibility:

• Be a US citizen
• Enrolled in a full-time cybersecurity program
• Maintain a good GPA

2. Central Intelligence Agency: Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Funded By: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Award Amount: $18,000 & $25,000 (STEM majors)
Deadline: 30 June 2025

One of the best scholarships for cybersecurity, the CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program is need-based. It covers tuition, mandatory fees, and book expenses. To get this cybersecurity scholarship, one must attend an accredited college or university full-time while working at the CIA during summer breaks. Working at the CIA gives students hands-on exposure to real-world intelligence challenges aligned with their field of study. Another condition that the recipients must meet is to work at the agency after graduation for a period equal to 1.5 times the length of their sponsorship. If you leave before that, you are required to reimburse the US government for your tuition.    

Eligibility:

• Proof of financial need
• Work a full-time schedule for a minimum of 12 weeks each summer in the WMA
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Continue to major in a cybersecurity degree
• Maintain a high standard of work performance, attendance, and conduct at school and work

3. The Snort Scholarship

Funded By: Cisco
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 15 May 2025

Next on our list of the best scholarships for cybersecurity is The Snort Scholarship, offered by Cisco. It supports students pursuing a course in cybersecurity, information technology, and related fields. Students who demonstrate academic excellence, technical skills, and a passion for the field get this scholarship for cybersecurity. Applicants must submit an essay on cybersecurity trends, innovations, and personal experiences in the field to apply for it. Along with an essay, students must also provide a recommendation letter, complete application form, personal statement, and official transcript.   

Eligibility:

• Be a graduating high school senior
• Pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, IT, or related fields

4. SMART Scholarship

Funded By: US Department of Defense
Award Amount: $30,000 - $46,000
Deadline: 5 December 2025

Funded by the US Department of Defense, the SMART scholarship is one of the best scholarships for cybersecurity certifications. It offers full tuition coverage, along with internship opportunities at DoD facilities, annual stipends, and guaranteed employment after graduation. This scholarship for cybersecurity is for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in STEM. To qualify for the SMART Scholarship, applicants must be a US citizen, have a GPA of 3.0, and commit to DoD service equal to the scholarship period. 

Eligibility:

• Pursuing a graduate degree at an accredited US university
• Possess a college transcript from a regionally accredited US college or university

5. ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarship

Funded By: Center for Cyber Safety and Education
Award Amount: $100,000 ($1,000 - $5,000 per recipient)
Deadline: 3 March 2025

One of the best cybersecurity degree scholarships for undergraduates, it is open to students worldwide, making it an excellent opportunity for both US and international students. To get this cybersecurity scholarship, one must exhibit academic excellence, passion for cybersecurity, leadership skills, and be active in extracurricular activities. Another perk of this scholarship is that you get to network with industry experts, along with access to industry resources.   

Eligibility:

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.3
• Be a high school senior or college student

6. ISC 2 Graduate Scholarship

Funded By: Center for Cyber Safety and Education
Award Amount: $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline: 3 March 2025

Another one of the best scholarships for cybersecurity by the Center of Cyber Safety and Education, this one is for graduate students pursuing a master’s degree program or doctoral studies in cybersecurity. Students must showcase research potential, professional experience, and a clear vision to contribute to the cybersecurity field to get this scholarship. This cybersecurity masters scholarship award covers tuition, fees, books, and required materials. You also need to provide unofficial transcripts, one letter of recommendation, a resume, and a complete application form with essay questions.  

Eligibility:

• Must be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in cybersecurity
• Have a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale

7. Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship

Funded By: Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation
Award Amount: $5,800
Deadline: 1 March 2025

Named after cybersecurity professional Matthew E. Minor, this scholarship for cybersecurity supports students who share a passion for information security. The foundation awards multiple scholarships annually to graduating seniors in DC, Maryland, and Virginia Metro Area. Preference for this award is given to students who are involved in cybersecurity competitions, research projects, or community service. Students must also submit a personal statement detailing their career aspirations and how they plan to contribute to the field of cybersecurity. 

Eligibility:

• Must be accepted to a full-time college or university
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

8. Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship

Funded By: Chris Jackson’s Family
Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: 2 March 2025

Awarded to students pursuing computer science, cybersecurity, and software engineering degrees, this is also one of the best scholarships for cybersecurity. Named after Chris Jackson, an advocate for cybersecurity education, this scholarship for cybersecurity supports students who demonstrate leadership skills, innovation, and a commitment to technology and security. One must submit an essay or project showcasing their cybersecurity skills to obtain this scholarship.  

Eligibility:

• Pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, and software engineering

9. ASNE Scholarship Program

Funded By: American Society of Naval Engineers
Award Amount: $4,000 
Deadline: 10 February 2025

Next on our list of the best scholarships for cybersecurity is the ASNE Scholarship Program. It supports junior and senior undergraduate and graduate students studying cybersecurity with a focus on naval applications. Of the $4,000 scholarship amount, 50% is dispensed in the fall and 50% is dispensed in the spring. To get this scholarship, one must exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, and interest in naval engineering. With this scholarship for cybersecurity, students will also get the opportunity to network with naval cybersecurity professionals and potential internship placements.   

Eligibility:

• Graduate students must be a member of ASNE        
• Have an accredited degree program

10. NDSGC Lillian Goettler Scholarship    

Funded By: North Dakota Space Grant Consortium 
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: 15 February 2025

This is one of the best cybersecurity scholarships for women studying STEM at North Dakota State University. Named after Lillian Goettler, a pioneer in STEM education, this scholarship is offered to students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to advancing women in STEM. The applicants will also be involved in a research project relevant to NASA. Students must also provide a resume, letter of recommendation, and a complete application with essay questions.     

Eligibility:

• Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Be a US citizen

Pursuing a career in cybersecurity is both exciting and rewarding, and securing a scholarship can make it more accessible by easing financial burdens. With numerous cybersecurity scholarships available, students can say goodbye to all financial constraints. These scholarships for cybersecurity will help you gain the skills and credentials necessary to thrive in this high-demand field. At amber, we understand these financial challenges, which is why we offer scholarships to support students worldwide. Our amber scholar program aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students. Applications for amber’s 2025 scholarships are now open, so go ahead and apply now!