Cybersecurity Scholarships with 2025 Deadlines

Cybersecurity encompasses the technologies, strategies, and best practices designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data within computer systems and networks. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations across public, private, and philanthropic sectors increasingly rely on cybersecurity professionals to safeguard sensitive information, including financial data, intellectual property, and national security intelligence.

With the demand for cybersecurity talent surging, securing the right cybersecurity scholarships and financial aid can help students enter this high-growth, high-paying field without significant financial barriers. Government agencies like the CIA and NSA depend on cybersecurity experts to defend against cyber threats, while businesses and nonprofits seek skilled professionals to protect their digital infrastructure.

As a trusted authority in scholarships and college funding, we specialize in connecting students with exclusive scholarships to support many levels of study. For this guide, we've researched leading cybersecurity organizations, including the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS), to identify the most reliable and valuable financial aid opportunities available.

Keep reading to explore top cybersecurity scholarship opportunities and financial aid options to help fund your education.

Make a Bold.org profile to access hundreds of exclusive scholarships to help you pay for your cybersecurity degree.

Best Cybersecurity Scholarships for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

1. STEM Scholarships

If you're passionate about STEM—especially cybersecurity—our STEM scholarships can help make your college education more affordable. These scholarships are for students who love technology and are eager to make an impact, specifically in cybersecurity.

2. Scholarships for High School Students

If you're a high school student hoping to pursue cybersecurity, now is the time to start securing financial aid. Our high school scholarships not only help with college costs but also recognize your dedication and early achievements in academia.

3. Undergraduate Scholarships

For undergraduate students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, this is your platform. Our undergraduate scholarships provide essential financial support, allowing you to focus on honing your expertise in protecting digital infrastructure and information. These scholarships recognize your commitment and support your academic journey to becoming a professional ready to tackle global cyber threats.

4. Scholarships for Graduate Students

Our college scholarships for graduate students are here to support your advanced studies, helping fund projects and breakthroughs that push the field forward.

5. PhD Scholarships

Our PhD scholarships are designed to help support rigorous academic endeavors, providing the financial backing needed to explore uncharted territories in cybersecurity.

6. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Scholarship

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program's mission is to increase diversity in the science and engineering fields by creating more opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, and disabled people. Those who are pursuing full-time, research-based science and engineering Master's degrees or PhDs at an accredited college are eligible to apply. Over a five-year period, recipients receive three years of financial support.

7. CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS)

The CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a prestigious, federally funded scholarship program designed to strengthen the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this scholarship provides full tuition coverage, an annual stipend, and professional development opportunities for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity-related fields.

Recipients of the SFS scholarship commit to working for a government agency in cybersecurity (such as federal, state, or local government organizations) for a period equal to the length of their scholarship support.

Read our blog post on computers and information technology to learn more about degrees such as computer science, computer technology, and information security.

How Do I Earn a Certification in Cybersecurity?

You can earn a cybersecurity certification if you are looking to switch careers and break into the cybersecurity industry from another field or if you have a related degree in a STEM major like computer science or engineering and want to gain more expertise in cybersecurity.

Certificates can also help boost your resume if you already have an undergraduate or graduate degree in cybersecurity by demonstrating expertise in a specialized area.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is one of the most prestigious credentials in the cybersecurity industry and is offered by (ISC)2, a professional cybersecurity organization. In order to become CISSP-certified, you need to have two or more years of work experience in one of the eight designated cybersecurity-related fields. Once you have the necessary work experience, you will be able to take the CISSP exam and become an (ISC)2 member.

(ISC)2 also offers other certification pathways for those who do not have enough work experience to qualify for the CISSP program or have more industry-specific interests, including an entry-level certification, secure software development, and healthcare security & privacy.

CompTIA Security+ is a global cybersecurity certification program that prepares students with the hands-on skills necessary to pursue a career in information technology or IT security. This is an entry-level certification program that teaches students about attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities, security architecture and design, security implementation, and more so that students will be prepared to enter into intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

Now that you understand what cybersecurity scholarships are out there and the different career opportunities that are available to cybersecurity graduates, you're ready to begin applying for scholarships! Create a free Bold.org profile to access our scholarship search engine and find tech scholarships for students of all identities, and check out our other blog posts to learn more about applying for scholarships and financing your education.

How to Apply for Cybersecurity Scholarships

Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully applying for cybersecurity scholarships.

1. Research Available Scholarships

Start by identifying scholarships tailored specifically for cybersecurity students. Some great places to begin your search include:

1. Bold.org – We're a trusted scholarship platform with exclusive cybersecurity funding opportunities.
2. National Science Foundation (NSF) CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) – A federally funded program for students committed to working in government cybersecurity roles.
3. Private organizations & tech companies – Many cybersecurity firms, such as Microsoft and Google, offer scholarships for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements

Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria, such as:

1. Enrollment in an accredited cybersecurity degree program
2. Minimum GPA requirements
3. Letters of recommendation from professors or industry professionals
4. A commitment to a specific career path (e.g., government cybersecurity roles for SFS scholars)

3. Prepare Strong Application Materials

Cybersecurity scholarships often require a mix of the following:

1. A well-written personal statement explaining your passion for cybersecurity and career goals
2. A polished resume highlighting relevant coursework, certifications (like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP), and cybersecurity projects
3. Letters of recommendation from professors or industry mentors
4. Proof of academic achievement (transcripts, GPA verification)

4. Highlight Hands-on Experience

Cybersecurity is a skills-based field, so make sure your application reflects practical experience, such as:

1. Internships or research projects in cybersecurity
2. Participation in cybersecurity competitions (like Capture The Flag events)
3. Certifications (CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP)
4. Cybersecurity-related volunteer work

5. Follow Submission Guidelines & Deadlines

Many students miss out on scholarships simply because they don’t follow the exact application requirements. Double-check:

1. Formatting guidelines (word count, essay prompts, document types)
2. Deadlines (Submit applications early to avoid last-minute stress)
3. Required materials (Are all documents attached?)

6. Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Don’t limit yourself to one opportunity! Increase your chances by applying for multiple cybersecurity scholarships. Even small awards add up and can significantly reduce tuition costs.

Tips for Applying for Cybersecurity Scholarships

1. Start Early: Many cybersecurity scholarships have deadlines months in advance. Begin your search as soon as possible.
2. Tailor Each Application: Customize your essays and materials for each scholarship instead of submitting a generic application.
3. Showcase Your Passion for Cybersecurity: Whether through internships, projects, or research, highlight why you’re committed to the field.
4. Keep Up with Industry Trends: Demonstrating knowledge of emerging threats, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity policies can make your application stand out.
5. Seek Feedback: Have a professor, mentor, or career advisor review your scholarship essays before submitting them.

Additional Resources for Cybersecurity Students

1. (ISC)2 Undergraduate/Associate Scholarships

The (ISC)2 Undergraduate Scholarships offered by the Center for Cyber Security and Education will award up to 20 scholarships annually. High school students who are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in a cybersecurity-focused field or undergraduate students who are currently studying cybersecurity are eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on three categories: passion, merit, and financial need.

2. The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA)

The National Security Agency's Stokes Educational Scholarship Program is available to high school seniors planning to major in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Participants gain valuable experience through summer internships at the NSA, working for 12 weeks in areas related to their field of study. Recipients receive up to $30,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees. The recipient will also receive a salary for the entire year, along with guaranteed employment at NSA after graduation. 

3. Last Mile Education Fund

The Last Mile Education Fund seeks to increase diversity in tech by helping low-income students who have committed to a career in the technology industry access high-paying jobs and achieve outstanding results. The fund offers financial assistance to students who are within four semesters of graduating from college (typically juniors and seniors), are low-income, and are currently pursuing a computing-related degree.

Many different types of funding are offered, including Emergency Mini-Grants of $600 and Last Mile Grants that provide up to $10,000 toward tuition and fees.

If you're considering entering the cybersecurity workforce, you should apply for college scholarships to reduce the costs of college and maximize your financial aid.

College students can explore expert insights and career tips on our blog.