In today’s technology-driven world, a career in software engineering is a viable option for many people, and despite the recent slowdowns in the industry, the outlook still remains positive as the field continues to shift and evolve. According to Glassdoor, the median salary is comparatively high in 2025 at $148,000.1 And Statista reports that the most in-demand IT roles for 2025 are full-stack and back-end developers, followed by AI/machine learning specialists, front-end developers/engineers, and DevOps.2
For those looking to enter the tech world, getting trained in software engineering can still be an excellent option. Whether you choose to attend an associate or bachelor’s degree program or a coding bootcamp to become a software engineer, a scholarship can drastically reduce the cost of your education.
From revered institutions to forward-thinking corporations, there are many financial aid options that cater to software engineering students. In this article, we bring you our pick of the top software engineer scholarships based on popularity and reputation, as well as the money and benefits awarded. We’ll cover scholarships intended to cover tuition at a university, as well as scholarships offered by coding bootcamps. All information has been gathered from scholarship websites as of September 2025.
Scholarships for Computer Science Majors
| Scholarship | Amount & Benefits | Application Date |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship | Up to $40,000 | Visit official site for details |
| Google Lime Scholarship | $10,000 | Visit official site for details |
| Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship | $5,000 and $2,500 | Applications open in January and close by March |
| HOLA at Microsoft Scholarship | $20,000 and $2,500 | Applications open in January and close by March |
| Women at Microsoft Scholarship | $5,000 | Applications open in January and close by March |
| Women Techmakers Scholars Program | $10,000; Invitation to Google Scholars’ Retreat in Mountain View | Deadline is usually in early December |
| Buildium Women in Technology Scholarship | $2,500 | Submission deadlines fall in October (fall) and April (spring) |
| Ferguson Family Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Deadline typically falls in March |
| Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarships | Up to $5,000 | Deadline falls in September |
Software Engineering Scholarships: A Closer Look
There’s a plethora of software engineer scholarships to help those that dream of coding and designing software applications.
From global tech giants like Microsoft to regional institutions like the Georgia Engineering Foundation, there are many organizations that offer software engineering scholarships to help those that dream of becoming software engineers. Below, we bring you nine options based on popularity, reputation, and amount awarded.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
This comprehensive scholarship program from Amazon is aimed at students pursuing a computer science education and other related fields. Students get $10,000 a year toward a degree in engineering or computer science, as well as an offer to complete a paid summer internship at the world’s largest online retailer.
Scholarship Requirements
- High school senior
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must demonstrate financial need
- GPA 2.3 or higher
Google Lime Scholarship
This scholarship from the internet search giant aims to inspire the next generation of leaders in computer and technology by making the fields as accessible as possible. Students who considered themselves to have a disability, whether visible or invisible, can apply for a scholarship award of up to $10,000.
Scholarship Requirements
- Applicant must have a disability
- Currently pursuing a degree in CS or related field
- Strong academic record
Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship
This scholarship from Microsoft aims to support the continued career growth of Black tech employees. The program awards five scholarships of $5,000, renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, as well as 50 one-time scholarships of $2,500.
Scholarship Requirements
- High school senior of African descent
- Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S. in the fall after your graduation, studying engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or business for the entire academic year
- Demonstrate a passion for technology as well as leadership at school or in the community
- GPA 3.0 or higher
- Require financial assistance
HOLA at Microsoft Scholarship
To support members of the Hispanic and Latinx communities pursuing careers in tech, Microsoft also offers the HOLA Scholarship. Through this program, they award thirteen scholarships totaling $85,000: three renewable $20,000 scholarships, and ten one-time $2,500 scholarships.
Scholarship Requirements
- High school senior of Hispanic and Latinx descent
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or be an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA)
- Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S. in the fall after your graduation, studying engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or business for the entire academic year
- GPA 3.0 or higher
Women at Microsoft Scholarship
This software engineering scholarship is given as a one-time award of $5,000. In the application, candidates must supply a letter of recommendation, transcript, and statement of career and educational goals and objectives. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, and passion for the subject.
Scholarship Requirements
- Graduating high school senior
- Must identify as a woman, non-binary, gender fluid, or transgender woman
- Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S. in the fall after your graduation, studying engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or business for the entire academic year
- GPA 3.0 or higher
Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Formerly known as the Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, this $10,000 software engineering scholarship by Google is intended for women engineers who demonstrate strong leadership and academic achievements. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Winners will be invited to attend the Google Scholars’ Retreat in Mountain View to participate in workshops with other computer science students for three days.
Scholarship Requirements
- Applicant must identify as female
- Must be enrolled, or intend to be enrolled, in a CS program or related field
Buildium Women in Technology Scholarship
To access this software engineering scholarship, you’ll have to write an essay on a female tech leader who you consider a role model. You will also have to record a video explaining what this scholarship would mean for your education. This award is given by Buildium, a property management software company.
Scholarship Requirements
- Enrolled as an undergraduate student or graduate student at an accredited college in the U.S. or Canada
- Identify as female
- Must be majoring in CS or related field
- Record of strong academic performance
Ferguson Family Scholarship
This is a four-year scholarship to Wenatchee Valley College, a public community college in Wenatchee, Washington. Unfortunately, it is only open to computer science majors from Chelan or Douglas County. Because the scholarship money is disbursed over several years, it requires yearly updates showing education progress.
Scholarship Requirements
- Graduating senior, current college student, or non-traditional student
- Pursuing higher education in telecommunications/control/mechanical/electrical engineering or computer engineering at Wenatchee Valley College
- GPA 3.0 or higher
Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship
Awarded by the Georgia Engineering Foundation, this scholarship is given to students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and school and community involvement. Applicants must also show a strong interest in their field of study. Between 50 to 90 scholarships are awarded.
Scholarship Requirements
- Must be a Georgia resident
- Be enrolled in a program accredited by ABET
Tips for Securing a Software Engineering Scholarship
The application process is different for each of the scholarships for computer science majors listed above. However, there are a few tips and general guidelines that all scholarship applicants can benefit from. To maximize your chances, make sure you follow these guidelines:
Research Thoroughly
Take time to explore various software engineering scholarships, both general and specialized. Before you send your application, make sure you understand the specific eligibility requirements and preferences of each scholarship provider, as well as what’s covered by the funding—such as full or partial tuition, books and supplies, study abroad or housing, etc. This will help you tailor your application materials to match their expectations. Keep track of application deadlines and create a timeline to manage your submissions effectively.
Let Your Passion Shine Though
In your application materials, showing how much you care about the subject will help you convince the panel of judges that you deserve the award. To do this, share anecdotes and experiences that demonstrate your love for software engineering. Discuss coding challenges, hackathons, or tech-related clubs you’ve been a part of.
Highlight Achievements
Make sure to provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments in software engineering. Include details about projects you’ve worked on, programming languages you’re proficient in, and any contributions you’ve made to open-source communities. If you’ve interned or worked on industry projects, highlight the impact you’ve had and the skills you’ve developed during those experiences.
Craft Compelling Essays
While not all applications require an essay, some (such as the Buildium Women in Technology Scholarship) do. Use this as an opportunity to paint a comprehensive picture of your journey in software engineering. Narrate pivotal moments that inspired your interest, challenges you’ve overcome, and how you’ve grown through failures and successes. Clearly explain how receiving the scholarship will benefit your education and further your aspirations.
Choose Referees Carefully
Some of the applications above require the applicant to submit one or more letters of recommendations. It’s important that you approach individuals who are familiar with your dedication and capabilities in software engineering. Good examples include professors who have taught you programming courses, supervisors from coding-related internships, or mentors from coding clubs who can provide insights into your technical prowess and work ethic.
Fast Track Your Learning Journey: Consider a Coding Bootcamp
A software engineering scholarship can alleviate some of the financial burden of a university education. Another option is to simply choose a more affordable training path, such as attending a coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps are short, intensive tech training programs with a focus on practical, hands-on training in a specific area of technology.
Benefits of Coding Bootcamps
- Quick entry into the industry. Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated path to the tech industry, usually lasting a few months, compared to the multi-year commitment of a computer science degree. Because of this, the top schools allow you to enter the job market faster with knowledge and abilities that are immediately applicable to real-world projects.
- Focus on practical skills. Bootcamps emphasize hands-on coding and practical projects, with the goal of directly preparing you for specific job roles. This contrasts with computer science degrees that often include theoretical concepts and a broader range of subjects, which might not be as directly relevant to certain tech positions.
- Cost efficiency. Bootcamps are often more cost-effective than traditional degrees. According to Career Karma’s 2024 State of the Bootcamp Market report, the average coding bootcamp costs $13,274.3 Compare this with the tens of thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) that the average student spends on tuition over four years to get a computer science bachelor’s at a typical public institution.
- Industry-relevant curriculum. The most reputable coding bootcamps tailor their curriculum to match current industry demands, ensuring you learn the most popular programming languages, tools, and techniques that companies are actively seeking.
- Networking and career services Many coding bootcamps have strong connections with tech companies, facilitating networking opportunities and job placement assistance, as well as other resources such as resume and interview prep. This could help you secure internships, apprenticeships, or full-time positions right after completing the program.
Software Engineering Bootcamp Scholarships
| Bootcamp | Scholarship | Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coding Dojo | Coding Dojo Advantage Grant | Up to $750 | Student must face personal and/or financial hardships, and they must submit a 500-word essay on how they intend to use their new skills to benefit others. |
| Flatiron School | Merit Scholarship | Up to $1,000 | Applicant must demonstrate excellence and passion for the subject, including an exceptional admissions assessment score and written application that includes details on your passion and dedication. |
| Flatiron School | Access Scholarship | Up to $1,000 | Candidate must identify as a woman, be a member of an underrepresented minority group, have a disability, be a veteran or service member, identify as LGBTQ+, and/or make under an annual income threshold. |
| Hack Reactor | Merit Scholarship | $2,500 | Student must complete an application for the Beginner Coding Bootcamp, including the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT). |
| Hack Reactor | Represent Tech | Full tuition | Applicant must be accepted to an upcoming cohort, be job-seeking, and be eligible to work in the U.S. They must also be a member of one or more of the following groups: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, people over the age of 40, veterans, and/or formerly incarcerated persons. |
Software Engineering Bootcamp Scholarships: A Closer Look
The best coding bootcamps are known for their efforts to enhance access to tech education. To this end, many offer a wide range of flexible payment options, including software engineering bootcamp scholarships. Below we bring you some of the most popular coding bootcamps alongside the main scholarships they offer.
Coding Dojo
Scholarship Name: Coding Dojo Advantage Grant
Coding Dojo is an established bootcamp with an online program in software development. Its Advantage Grant targets career changers eying the technology fields. They also offer an Open House Attendance Grant, which awards a one-time $100 grant to applicants who attended an open house.
Flatiron School
Scholarship Names: Merit Scholarship, Access Scholarship
Flatiron School offers several tech training courses in subjects ranging from data science to game design. To help open the doors to more people, they provide two scholarship programs: one for those who demonstrate exceptional abilities and passion, and one for those from an underrepresented group in tech.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Hack Reactor
Scholarship Names: Merit Scholarship, Represent Tech
Hack Reactor, which was acquired by Galvanize in 2018, offers both full-time and part-time software engineering bootcamps. Their scholarships are open to anyone who belongs to an underrepresented group, or who showcases strong technical skills.
Software Engineering Scholarships: Start Off Your Tech Journey on the Right Foot
Software engineering is a dynamic field that attracts individuals seeking fulfillment, job security, and rewarding compensation. From tech giants like Amazon and Google to coding schools like Flatiron or Hack Reactor, many corporations and institutions offer software engineering scholarships to make this career path accessible to as many people as possible.
Whether you are interested in a traditional university degree or an intensive coding bootcamp, software engineering scholarships can help you reduce the financial burden so that you can focus on what matters most: honing your craft.
Sources
1https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
2https://www.statista.com/statistics/1367003/in-demand-it-roles/
3https://careerkarma.com/blog/state-of-the-bootcamp-market-report-2024-statistics-and-share-analysis/
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
