As we’ve discovered in recent years, cybersecurity is a serious business. Cyber attacks can disrupt movie studios, banks, and institutions, resulting in data loss and identity theft.
Cyber terrorists can devastate infrastructure and cost taxpayers billions of dollars. That is why attracting well-educated, experienced cybersecurity workers to the area is vital.
To fulfill demand, colleges and universities have begun to offer online programs at all levels, ranging from associate’s to bachelor’s to master’s degrees.
Even still, college is expensive, and many potential students are put off by the cost of attending.
To assist prospective cybersecurity students and professionals currently working in cybersecurity who desire to return to school, College Consensus has developed a list of some of the best cybersecurity scholarships available.
Some cyber security scholarships are specifically designed for international students or present professionals, whereas others are for high school seniors or undergraduate students of typical age.
Some are meant to encourage underrepresented women and minority students to pursue careers in cybersecurity and STEM.
The Masters in Cyber Security Scholarships listed below are in alphabetical order by name.
Masters in Cyber Security Scholarships
1. AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
The AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship is intended for those who have served or are currently serving in the United States military overseas.
This $2,500 scholarship has a deadline of May 31st. It is not only for those who want to major in cyber security, but it is also a fantastic resource for people looking for cyber security scholarships.
The grant is open to various STEM majors, including telecommunications, network operations, electrical engineering, and information technology.
The entire list of acceptable majors is available on the scholarship’s website.
The application process includes writing a personal essay and a statement about teaching philosophy, as well as submitting a transcript.
The AFCEA is a nonprofit organization that has been around since 1946. It provides a forum for education and communication between the military and tech industry communities, ensuring that technology meets the demands of military personnel.
The AFCEA’s core principle is teamwork. This membership-based organization has a broad reach. In addition to scholarship offerings, the AFCEA offers advocacy, event leadership, and networking opportunities.
2. Al Ponte Graduate Scholarship Award.
The Al Ponte Graduate Scholarship Award is a scholarship for students pursuing graduate studies in international relations or intelligence.
The scholarship amount varies depending on the circumstances, but typically averages $1,000. Students can apply for this award by June 1st.
In addition to the application form, this scholarship needs a personal essay, a financial need assessment, and a personal photograph.
The Association of Former Intelligence Officers, or AFIO, gives out the Al Ponte Graduate Scholarship Award.
This group provides nonprofit community services to retired intelligence officials and others who support their efforts.
It provides scholarships for overseas students, notably the Al Pointe Scholarship, as well as a variety of other resources such as books, publications, symposiums, and other educational opportunities.
With these resources, AFIO enables past, present, and future intelligence professionals to prosper and thrive.
3. CIA Undergraduate Scholarship
The CIA Undergraduate Scholarship program offers up to $25,000 each year, making it one of the most lucrative cybersecurity undergraduate scholarships.
The deadline is July 31st, although students should apply at least 12 months before their preferred start date.
This scholarship has some particular conditions. Recipients must complete at least one, preferably two, 90-day sessions with the CIA before graduating, and they must subsequently work for the CIA for 1.5 years per year of compensation received.
For example, if you earn a two-year college scholarship, you must work for the CIA for at least three years after graduation.
The CIA is an essential component of American security, and the Undergraduate Scholarship program allows students to gain hands-on CIA experience.
They collaborate closely with CIA officials and get a firsthand glimpse at what it takes to secure the country.
The CIA’s scholarship programs are not only scholarships but also co-op programs. Essentially, the CIA is proposing a scholarship and internship program.
For individuals who wish to work for the CIA, this program is a fantastic option. Students can gain hands-on experience with the CIA and then use that experience to advance in their careers.
4. Colonel Sully H. de Fontaine Scholarship Award
The Colonel Sully H. de Fontaine Scholarship provides a $1,200 prize to undergraduate students seeking professions in US intelligence. It’s an excellent option for people seeking cybersecurity undergraduate scholarships.
Cyber security majors, among others, may fall into this group. The deadline for applying is June 1st, and you must submit an application form, a personal essay, a financial need analysis, and a photograph.
The Colonel de Fontaine Scholarship is awarded in recognition of the Colonel’s service. The scholarship is provided by AFIO or the Association of Former Intelligence Officers.
AFIO provides a variety of educational opportunities, including numerous scholarships.
AFIO is dedicated to providing a community and resources for retired intelligence officers, as well as to the future of intelligence and those who desire to pursue a career in intelligence. AFIO is working to create a society in which intelligence officers continue to receive the assistance they require.
5. Comcast NBCUniversal/SVA Scholarship
The Comcast NBCUniversal-SVA Scholarship is one of the greatest scholarships for veterans interested in the entertainment industry. It is a $12,000 grant given to students with military experience.
Students must maintain a high GPA, and the application requires an essay. The deadline for submissions is April 9th, 2024.
Comcast and NBCUniversal have teamed up with the Student Veterans of America to offer this entertainment industry scholarship.
Comcast and NBCUniversal are both important to the entertainment business, with the latter producing content and the former providing a platform.
Student Veterans of America, on the other hand, is an organization dedicated to assisting veterans in reaching their full educational potential. These three groups work together to provide the ideal resource for veterans who like entertainment.
6. The Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program
The Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program awards a $20,000 scholarship to qualified students.
It is a unique opportunity when compared to other cybersecurity scholarships. The application deadline changes, so please see the website for additional details.
This grant is intended for students who have just graduated from a Virginia university with a degree in cyber security. To be eligible, recipients must live in Virginia and work full-time within a year of graduation.
The State Council of Higher Education in Virginia established the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program.
SCHEV is a fantastic resource for both present and prospective students. It offers a variety of scholarship options as well as the most recent news on higher education and research.
Those who live or attend school in Virginia should check out the SCHEV website. Students may come across a variety of resources that can aid them with their education and jobs.
7. ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship
Women are underrepresented in both the cybersecurity industry and STEM in general. This is why the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship exists.
It’s a $5,000 grant that helps women pursue careers in cyber security. Although applicants are not required to be enrolled in a cybersecurity program, they must describe how they intend to use their major to advance in the cybersecurity industry. Three ladies will receive scholarships. The deadline is April 15th, 2024.
ESET makes an essential contribution to the field of cyber security. It’s a company that develops cyber security products like antivirus, anti-malware, and internet security software.
ESET develops solutions for both commercial and personal usage, and people all around the world utilize ESET products.
It is committed to internet safety, which is one of the reasons it established cyber security scholarships for high school graduates.