Computer science scholarship for international students

May 21st, 2022 by Sagnik Santra

Getting computer science degrees in an international college is the dream of many students. Having a computer science majors degree from a reputed university can help you get your dream job and also give you an edge over others in the competition.

But, getting into a good university is not easy and it is even tougher for international students. To study computer science in an international college, you need to have good grades and also be proficient in the English language. Apart from this, you also need to have enough financial resources as studying computer science in an international college is quite expensive.

But, there is some good news for all the aspiring computer science students out there. There are many scholarships for minority students who wish to study computer science in an international college. Whether it’s an undergraduate or graduate degree, you can finance your education cost by availing of these scholarships. Let’s find out more about these computer science programs.

How to apply for computer science scholarships?

Studying computer engineering and getting a computer science degree, is a dream of every computer science student. However, studying at international computer science universities does come with a set of challenges. For one, the course fees are expensive, and secondly, you have living expenses, food expenses, travel expenses, and other additional expenses that need to be managed.

So applying for a scholarship program would be the best possible solution for you. You have both graduate and undergraduate scholarships available for students majoring in computer science. So let’s find out how you can go about applying for these scholarships.

1. Do your research

You need to do your research and find out which scholarships you are eligible for. Many websites provide information on scholarships for international students. Also, you have to decide which country and university you want to study in. This will help you narrow down your search and make the process easier

2. Check the eligibility criteria:

Once you have shortlisted a few scholarships, the next step is to check the eligibility criteria. Different scholarships have different eligibility criteria like age limit, academic qualifications, financial need, etc. You need to make sure that you meet all the eligibility criteria before moving ahead with the application process.

3. Gather all the required documents

The next step is to gather all the required documents for the application process. This might include your academic transcripts, resume, letter of recommendation, scholarship essays, etc. Make sure that you have all the documents in place before starting the application process.

4. Fill out the application form

The next step is to fill out the application form. This is a very important step as you need to provide all the required information correctly. Make sure that you double-check all the information before submitting the form. If you are having doubts, you can always take help from someone who has already applied for the scholarship.

5. Submit the application form

The last step is to submit the application form. Once you have submitted the form, all you need to do is wait for the results. The selection process might take a few weeks or even months in some cases. It depends on the scholarship scheme and the number of applications they have received.

So these are the steps that you need to follow to apply for scholarships to study computer science at an international college.

Different types of computer science scholarships

So now that we know how to apply for scholarships, let’s take a look at some of the different types of scholarships available for students majoring in computer science.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are one of the most common types of scholarships available for students. As the name suggests, these scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance. So if you have good grades, you stand a good chance of getting a merit-based scholarship.

2. Needs-Based Scholarships

Needs-based scholarships are awarded to students who come from low-income backgrounds. So if you come from a family with financial problems, you can apply for these scholarships. These types of scholarships mostly offer a full or partial tuition fee waiver. To get qualified you have to show a genuine need for the scholarship

3. Merit cum Needs-Based Scholarships

As the name suggests, it is a mixture of both merit and needs-based scholarships. So these scholarships are awarded to students who have both good academic records as well as come from a low-income background. These types of scholarships are highly competitive and it offers a full or partial tuition fee waiver

4. Government scholarships

Next up we have government scholarships. These types of scholarships are provided by the government to encourage students to pursue higher education. The eligibility criteria and selection process for these scholarships vary from country to country and mostly offers partial and full tuition fee waiver for deserving students.

5. Institution-specific scholarships

Institution-specific scholarships are offered by colleges and universities to encourage students to study in their institutions. The eligibility criteria and benefits of these scholarships vary from one institution to another. So if you are planning to study in a particular college, make sure to check out their scholarship programs

6. Private scholarships

Private scholarships are offered by various private organizations and companies to encourage students to pursue their studies. These scholarships are usually merit-based and the selection process is very competitive. The benefits of these scholarships also vary from one organization to another.

Best computer science scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

Here are some of the top scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students who want to pursue computer science in international colleges.

1. Microsoft Scholarships

Microsoft is the world’s largest software company and it offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students who want to pursue a career in computer science. The eligibility criteria for these scholarships vary from country to country. Microsoft offers its scholarship schemes in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Do you have plans to study in any of these countries, make sure to check out their scholarship program?

2. School of Computer Science Undergraduate International Scholarships – the UK

One of the most prestigious computer science scholarships in the UK is the School of Computer Science Undergraduate International Scholarship. A minimum of £1,500 per year will be provided to all qualifying students. Students who have achieved the most get an extra scholarship of £1,900 every year. They also get a total of £3,400 every year. The best students can get a total of £13,600 to fund their four-year course and tuition fees.

3. The Google Anita Borg Scholarship

The Google Anita Borg Scholarships is exclusive to female computer science and available in 5 different countries. Google launched this scholarship to encourage female students to pursue careers in computer science and engineering. Students who perform exceptionally in the program will be rewarded with a $10,000 scholarship for one academic year and are invited to the Annual Google Scholars’ Retreat in California. It is open to undergraduate as well as post-graduation students.

4. Australian National University

If you have plans to pursue computer science in Australia, then you can apply for the Australian National University’s computer science scholarships. The institution offers several scholarships for both domestic and international students who want to pursue their studies in computer science. Several full and partial tuition fee waiver scholarships are available for international students.

5. University of Twente Scholarships

The University of Twente provides scholarships for students from EU and non-EU countries who want to enroll in and pursue an MSc at the university’s IT & Computer Science Department. The scholarship is available to students who are completing their college applications. You may apply for the award while you submit your application. The deadline for applying is usually in May each year, and it closes at the end of that month.

Top tips for getting qualified for scholarships

Let’s take a look at a few tips that may help you get qualified for scholarships

1. Start your research early: The sooner you start your research, the better your chances of finding a scholarship that suits your needs and requirements. Make sure to give yourself enough time to find the right scholarship and to complete the application process.

2. Be specific in your search: When you are looking for scholarships, be as specific as possible in your search. This will help you narrow down your options and make it easier for you to find the right scholarship.

3. Get organized: Once you have found a few scholarships that you are eligible for, it is important to get organized. Make sure to keep track of deadlines, requirements, and other important information. This will help you stay on top of the application process and increase your chances of getting a scholarship.

4. Apply for multiple scholarships: Applying for multiple scholarships is a good way to increase your chances of getting financial aid for college. Make sure to apply for as many scholarships as possible.

5. Focus on your academics: The best way to increase your chances of getting a scholarship is to focus on your academics. Make sure to get good grades and test scores. This will show that you are dedicated to your studies and that you are capable of succeeding in college

6. Join international student communities to stay updated: There are hundreds of social media groups and forums dedicated to helping students with their studies. Joining these groups will help you stay updated on the latest scholarship opportunities and information.

7. Seek help from professionals: If you need help with your scholarship search or application process, many professional organizations can help you. These organizations can provide you with valuable resources and advice.

Conclusion

Computer science is one of the most in-demand majors today. Having a degree in computer science will not only allow you to work in some of the most iconic companies in the world, but it will also open up several doors for you. If you are planning on pursuing a computer science degree, then you should look into getting a scholarship.

In this article, we have talked about some of the best computer science scholarships available today. We have also provided you with some tips that will help you increase your chances of getting a scholarship. We hope you find this article helpful!

You may also be interested in reading about:

Engineering Scholarships

Canada: Scholarships for International Students

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