Pursuing higher education as an international student can be challenging due to financial constraints. While computer science is an in-demand field offering lucrative career opportunities, the associated costs of studying abroad often deter aspirants.
This blog post aims to empower global learners by highlighting 5 fully funded scholarships for computer science programs.
Before deep diving into the scholarship options, let’s understand a few key terms:
What is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship covers all or most of the education costs including tuition fees, living expenses, books, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Some scholarships may also provide additional allowances like travel stipends. Full funding removes the financial barrier for international candidates by supporting their studies end-to-end without any out-of-pocket expenses.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science, also known as computing science, is the study of computer hardware, software engineering, and theoretical computing systems and their applications.
It includes topics like algorithms, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, databases, networking, cybersecurity and more.
Pursuing a computer science degree equips students with technical, analytical and problem-solving skills highly sought after in today’s digital age.
Top 5 fully funded international computer science scholarship programs:
1. Google Anthropic AI Safety Research Fellowships
Program Overview:
Google sponsors a limited number of fully-funded 2-year PhD fellowships for world-class researchers focused on ensuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beneficial to humanity.
Eligibility: Strong candidates with a background in formal methods, cryptography, machine learning, theoretical computer science or related fields. Prior research experience desired.
Value: Includes a generous stipend, healthcare benefits, relocation support, computing resources and more. No tuition fees.
Deadline: Rolling basis, applications accepted year-round.
Why it’s a great fit: A unique opportunity to do impactful research at the intersection of computer science and ethics under Google’s guidance. Fellows get hands-on experience at one of the leading AI companies.
2. Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship
Program Overview: Microsoft Research provides multi-year PhD funding for top graduate students worldwide pursuing computer science research.
Eligibility: Outstanding candidates enrolled or going to enroll in a PhD program at a university within the next academic year. Computer science or a closely related field required.
Value: Annual stipend, tuition allowance, travel support, healthcare benefits and more. Total funding estimated at $150,000 over 3 years.
Deadline: October 15th annually.
Why it’s a great fit: Flexible program allowing fellows to collaborate with Microsoft researchers while working towards their degree. Leads to exciting careers in industry or academia.
3. Facebook Fellowships
Program Overview: Facebook awards fellowships for graduate research in computer science, economics/social sciences and related fields. Themes include AI, privacy, security etc.
Eligibility: Current or recently admitted PhD students at top-ranked universities. Strong academics and research potential expected.
Value: Multi-year funding covering stipend of $50,000 – $75,000 annually, tuition allowance, travel/relocation support, health insurance.
Deadline: Rolling basis, apply 6-8 months before program starts.
Why it’s a great fit: Work at the cutting-edge of technology while getting immersed in Facebook’s culture. Leads to future roles at the company.
4. IBM Ph.D. Fellowship Program
Program Overview: IBM supports PhD candidates researching innovative and impactful topics aligned to its business focus areas like AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity and more.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an accredited PhD program in a technical field related to IBM’s work. Strong academics, leadership qualities expected.
Value: Annual stipend of $50,000 – $75,000, tuition support, equipment allowance, mentorship. Renewable for 3-5 years.
Deadline: October 31st annually.
Why it’s a great fit: Gain hands-on industry experience through internships. Network with IBM researchers and technical leaders. Strong career prospects post PhD.
5. Microsoft Research PhD Scholarship
Program Overview: Prestigious scholarships awarded to outstanding PhD students worldwide in computer science, related engineering or quantitative social science disciplines.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled PhD students demonstrating exceptional academic performance and research potential. Non-US citizen required.
Value: Covers all education costs including tuition, living expenses of $50,000-70,000 annually for 3-5 years. Health insurance also included.
Deadline: October 15th annually.
Why it’s a great fit: Unique access to Microsoft’s laboratories and researchers. Leads to future career opportunities in sectors like industry, government and academia.
So in summary, these 5 scholarship programs remove financial barriers for deserving international students pursuing a PhD in computer science or related fields at top-ranked universities globally.
The funding, research exposure and career benefits they provide can help launch impactful careers impacting millions worldwide.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Selected
While these opportunities are highly competitive, following a few best practices can boost your application:
- Highlight a well-defined research proposal aligned to the sponsor’s priority themes/challenges. Describe how it impacts technology and society.
- Emphasize relevant academic and leadership accomplishments including publications, conference talks, awards, community service etc.
- Ask recommenders to specifically address your research and leadership potential in letters.
- Tailor your resume/statement of purpose to showcase passions and qualifications relevant to the specific fellowship.
- Apply early – fellowships accept rolling applications, so apply well before deadlines.
- Consider pursuing additional relevant projects, internships that complement your profile prior to applying.
- Verify eligibility criteria carefully. Non-native English speakers should ensure meeting English proficiency requirements.
- Contact current/past fellows for guidance on the selection process and for written endorsements if possible.
- Proofread thoroughly for grammatical errors which could cause disqualification.
Wrap Up
I hope this detailed guide helps global aspirants seeking fully-funded education explore the amazing research opportunities available to them at prestigious institutions worldwide.
Preparation and strong applications, these scholarships can transform talented candidates’ lives and careers in computer science for the better.