Microsoft Scholarships 2026: Types, Eligibility, and How to Apply

There are financial constraints that prevent talented students from pursuing their educational dreams. To help talented STEM students overcome these barriers, Microsoft offers scholarships that cover partial or full tuition costs – and in some cases provide internship opportunities, mentorship, and conference access alongside the financial award.

Microsoft has been a global leader in technology for over forty years. In recent decades the company has taken several steps to nurture academic excellence, particularly for students from underrepresented groups in technology. Here is everything you need to know about Microsoft’s scholarship programs in 2026.

Microsoft Scholarship Programs 2026 – Quick Reference

Note: Microsoft scholarship programs change in availability, eligibility, and application cycles each year. Verify all current programs at microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/scholarships before applying. 

1. Microsoft Tuition Scholarship

The Microsoft Tuition Scholarship is a merit-based award aimed at students who have displayed academic excellence and are pursuing a degree in computer science or a related STEM field. It provides financial assistance covering partial or full tuition fees for an academic year, rewarding scholarly brilliance and encouraging passion and dedication among young computer scientists.

The paid 12-week summer internship opportunity at Microsoft’s Redmond campus is a significant additional benefit beyond the financial award. This provides direct industry exposure and can significantly strengthen a student’s resume and future employment prospects. 

2. Microsoft Minority Scholarship (Women in Technology)

Microsoft offers the Women in Technology Scholarship as part of its broader commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. This scholarship specifically supports women and underrepresented groups who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science and related STEM fields.

Microsoft’s diversity-focused scholarships are part of the company’s larger initiative to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. The company aims to empower and enable students from underrepresented groups to realise their potential and bring fresh perspectives to the technology sector.

3. Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship

The Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship differs from the Minority Scholarship in several important respects. It is specifically targeted at high school seniors – not current college students – of African heritage who plan to pursue computer science, engineering, or related degrees.

Also Read: Tata Scholarship Cornell University 2026: Eligibility and Application Guide

4. Microsoft Scholarship for IT Professionals

The Microsoft Scholarship for IT Professionals is designed for individuals who are already working in the IT field but want to advance their skills and qualifications. This is a fully funded training program that provides both technical training and business education.

Since professionals in the technology field must constantly hone their skills to keep up with emerging technology, this scholarship addresses a real and ongoing need. Professionals dealing with rapidly evolving tools, platforms, and methodologies benefit from structured upskilling that this scholarship enables.

5. Microsoft Research PhD Scholarship

The Microsoft Research PhD Scholarship supports promising PhD students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing research in computing and engineering. Unlike the undergraduate-focused scholarships, this program provides a comprehensive package of support.

Common Eligibility Requirements Across Microsoft Scholarships

How to Apply for Microsoft Scholarships 2026

Microsoft scholarships follow an annual cycle. Applications typically open around September and close by January. Here is the standard process:

• Step 1: Visit microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/scholarships to see the current list of open scholarships and their specific eligibility requirements. Programs change each year.
• Step 2: Verify you meet all eligibility requirements for your target scholarship – country of study, field, GPA, heritage or diversity criteria, and academic level.
• Step 3: Gather required documents: academic transcripts, standardised test scores, CV/resume, and letters of recommendation.
• Step 4: Write a compelling personal essay. For most Microsoft scholarships, this should articulate your passion for technology, your leadership experience, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to the software industry.
• Step 5: Apply through the official Microsoft scholarship application portal. Deadlines are firm – late applications are not accepted.
• Step 6: Apply for the Microsoft summer internship simultaneously, if applicable. All Tuition Scholarship and BAM Scholarship recipients are considered for internships.

Postings for Microsoft scholarships can also be found on the websites of various colleges. These will indicate specific requirements including GPA minimums and eligible programs at partner institutions. 

The Graduate Women’s Scholarship – Special Application Rules

One Microsoft scholarship has notably different application rules: the Graduate Women’s Scholarship (for women entering a graduate CS program). Two important quirks from the original article apply:

• You yourself may NOT submit the application. The chair of your department must submit the application on your behalf.
• The department chair must submit via an online application form, including: curriculum vitae, transcript, two reference letters, and an essay from the applicant explaining how the scholarship will further your research.
• Completing any graduate-level coursework before your first year in one of the three eligible departments will disqualify you from this specific scholarship.

Scholarships and Education Loans: Using Both

Scholarships are great additions to full-degree programmes and can significantly reduce your financial burden. However, most scholarships are highly competitive and do not guarantee full funding – most students still need education loans to cover remaining costs.

GradRight FundRight connects you with 15+ lenders offering education loans for STEM programs at US, Canadian, and other international universities. When you secure both a scholarship and the best available education loan, you minimise the total cost of your education abroad.

Need an education loan to complement your Microsoft scholarship? FundRight by GradRight – 15+ lenders, zero paperwork, best loan terms. Apply on FundRight by GradRight

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