Top Data Science Scholarships [+ How to Apply]

Data science is an exciting and in-demand field, offering substantial pay and opportunities for meaningful innovation. In fact, the job market is booming, with 35% growth in data science jobs expected through 2032 — about 12 times greater than the average for all occupations.

Because of how quickly the field is advancing, it’s important for established data scientists and hopefuls alike to invest in educational opportunities. This not only sets you apart from an employer’s perspective, but can increase your earning potential. Keep reading for an overview of scholarships that can support the exciting journey ahead into data science.

How to Find Data Science Scholarships

There is no shortage of sources for data science scholarships. This guide is intended to help focus your efforts and maximize your chances of securing financial support. Consider the following starting points:

Scholarship-specific websites

• Scholarships.com is a free, searchable college scholarship platform that matches your qualifications to available opportunities. Search scholarships by area of study, school year, residence state and special attributes. You can also use the website to keep track of deadlines.

• Fastweb connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships and financial aid tools. Sign up and create a profile to get a free, personalized list of recommendations.

• College Board offers scholarship information through a platform called BigFuture. Interests, affiliations, citizenship and intended profession are all taken into consideration before a list of opportunities is curated.

• Going Merry provides online and mobile application access to explore and compare college costs, student loan information and personalized scholarship lists.

• ScholarshipOwl vets opportunities based on your unique qualifications in order to deliver the most relevant results. Apply right on the ScholarshipOwl platform, eliminating the need to toggle between screens.

• Appily is a platform to browse up-to-date scholarships and connect with schools through a reverse admissions process — complete your profile and get admissions offers sent directly to you.

• Bold.org allows users to create or apply to scholarships, fellowships and grants. Explore thousands of opportunities by filtering your search based on more than a dozen categories. 

• USAHello provides educational information specifically for refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants and welcoming communities. Offerings range from free GED and citizenship test preparation to university and adult education scholarships.

• International Scholarships intends to simplify the process of finding funding for those wishing to study abroad. Anyone can browse the site for scholarship organizations and private sponsors, but only registered users (available for free) can see the contact details.

Financial aid office

Most colleges and universities have an on-campus financial aid office with workers equipped to answer questions about everything from scholarship opportunities to application requirements.

High school guidance department

One of the biggest responsibilities of a guidance counselor is to assist students in pursuing opportunities beyond high school. That includes providing information about scholarships, career pathways and application logistics.

Businesses and organizations

Businesses and organizations of all sizes commonly offer scholarships as a means to give back to the community and invest in future talent within specific industries. Opportunities are often made publicly available through online platforms, print media and educational institutions.

Professional associations 

Individuals in a shared occupation or industry rely on professional associations to network, fulfill professional development and collaborate. Scholarships are one way to support those coming up in a particular field of shared interest.

Community interest groups

These groups, often organized around social, environmental, cultural or civic issues, advocate for the well-being and interests of a community. One way of showing support is by offering scholarships to individuals who share the group’s commitment and values.

Scholarships for Masters in Data Science

We encourage you to visit each website for complete details and application requirements.

• ACM SIGHPC Computational & Data Science Fellowships
  • Amount: $15,000 annually for up to two years
  • Details: Established to promote diversity among students pursuing graduate degrees in data science and computational science; specifically women and students from racial/ethnic backgrounds but also students pursuing degrees anywhere in the world.
  • Application materials: 
    • Nomination by an advisor or soon-to-be advisor
    • CV and candidate statement
    • Brief endorsement by a current or former instructor, project supervisor or employer

• ASA Pride Scholarship
  • Amount: Information not available
  • Details: Applicants for this scholarship from the American Statistical Association must identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally and be enrolled in a statistics or data science graduate program (option to have completed a degree program within five years of the award date). 
  • Application materials: 
    • For self-nominations: CV or resume; personal statement; optional letter of support (peer letters encouraged) 
    • All other nominations: 1-2 page nomination letter; resume or CV; personal statement from candidate

• Google SVA Scholarship
  • Amount: Eight $10,000 scholarships 
  • Details: Designed for military veterans who are pursuing a degree in computer science or a related technical field. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. 
  • Application materials:
    • Resume or CV
    • Unofficial copy of current university transcripts
    • Two letters of reference from a professor, adviser or supervisor
    • Responses to essay prompts
    • Military service records — DD214

• Great Minds in STEM Scholarship
  • Amount: Merit-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 and non-merit based scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000  
  • Details: Applicants must pursue a science, technology, engineering or math degree. Recipients are welcome to attend the annual GMiS Conference, where they are presented their scholarships by the sponsor. 
  • Application materials: 
    • Written application
    • Personal statement addressing a topic determined by Great Minds in STEM 
    • Resume
    • One letter of recommendation from a friend, classmate, lab partner, roommate, teammate or fellow member of a campus or community organization
    • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member, teacher, mentor, advisor, counselor, principal, dean or MEP Director
    • Official school transcript that indicates a cumulative GPA based on a 4.0 scale
    • Photo (used for publication purposes)
    • Biographical sketch

• HIMSS Foundation Scholarships
  • Amount: Two $5,000 scholarships; one awarded to an undergraduate HIMSS student member and the other to a graduate student
  • Details: The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) provides a variety of scholarships for students interested in health information and technology. 
  • Application materials: 
    • Resume or CV
    • One letter of recommendation from a peer, colleague, manager or professor. 

• Orchard’s Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM
  • Amount: Three scholarships for $2,500, $1,000 and $500, respectively
  • Details: Available to women of color who are currently pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree 
  • Application materials:
    • Transcript
    • 400-800 word essay based on assigned prompt

• SMART Scholarship Program 
  • Amount:
    • Full tuition and education related educational expenses (meal plans, housing, and parking not included)
    • Stipend paid at a rate of $30,000 – $46,000 a year depending on degree level (may be prorated depending on award length)
    • Summer research internships ranging from 8 to 12 weeks
    • Health Insurance allowance of up to $2,500 per academic year
    • Miscellaneous allowance of up to $1,000 per academic year
    • An experienced mentor at a sponsoring facility
    • Employment placement at a Department of Defense (DoD) facility upon degree completion 
  • Details: For every year of degree funding, recipients commit to one year of work with the DoD as a civilian. The scholarship guarantees employment with the DoD after graduation. 
  • Application materials: 
    • Personal statement
    • Academic transcript
    • References

Tips for Applying to Data Science Scholarships

The application process can be overwhelming because of vast scholarship options and exhaustive materials required. Here are some tips to help simplify the process:

• Make sure you meet the criteria before applying. Applying to scholarships for which you do not meet the criteria is a quick way to waste time. Basic requirements are the first thing grantors look at to narrow the applicant pool.

• Leave enough time to gather all the application materials and write your essay (if required). You don’t want to be rushing to submit materials. Allow ample time to gather, review and revise everything you need to showcase your qualifications.

• Keep your scholarships organized in a spreadsheet. This method can help you track due dates, which is especially helpful when applying for multiple scholarships simultaneously.

• If you need reference letters, reach out early. Be respectful of other people’s time. Advisors, teachers, employers and anyone else you are hoping to obtain recommendation letters from are doing so as a courtesy. Give them plenty of time to organize what you need.

As you embark on your exciting educational journey, consider the University of San Diego’s online Master of Science in Applied Data Science program. Curriculum is developed by data science experts and key industry and government stakeholders to provide in-depth practical and technical training designed to position graduates for career success in this vitally important and fast-growing field. 

We even created a free resource, “7 Questions to Ask Before Selecting an Applied Data Science Master’s Degree Program,” to help you weigh key points while selecting a program.