Opening Soon | Applications Open in Autumn
The Microsoft Scholarship Program supports students from underrepresented groups pursuing STEM degrees at US universities, offering up to $10,000 for one academic year plus a direct opportunity to interview for a Microsoft internship. International students currently enrolled at US universities are eligible.
Scholarship Overview
| Closing date | Opens autumn |
| Student type | Students from underrepresented groups enrolled at U.S. universities |
| Level of study | Undergraduate or graduate (currently enrolled full-time) |
| Study area | Computer science, software engineering, and related STEM fields |
| Scholarship value | Up to $10,000 USD for one academic year (renewable in some cases) |
| Host country | United States of America |
| Offered by | Microsoft Corporation |
Note on Funding
The Microsoft Scholarship Program is a financial award, not a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare in the way that government-funded programs like Fulbright or Humphrey do. The award of up to $10,000 is a meaningful contribution toward tuition costs and can be combined with other university scholarships, grants, and financial aid. The scholarship’s greatest practical value for most recipients is the internship pipeline it provides which is a direct, structured pathway into one of the most sought-after employers in the global technology industry.
About the Microsoft Scholarship Program
Microsoft created this scholarship as part of its commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive global technology workforce. Women, students with disabilities, and students from Black, Hispanic, and other underrepresented communities remain significantly underrepresented in tech and this program is a direct investment in changing that.
Beyond the financial award, selected scholars receive an invitation to interview for a Microsoft internship which is a pathway into one of the most competitive and well-regarded internship programs in the global technology industry. For many recipients, this career access is more valuable than the scholarship itself.
Microsoft runs multiple scholarship tracks under different program names, targeting specific communities. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by track. Review all active programs on Microsoft’s official page and apply to the one that best matches your background.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Microsoft Scholarship Program provides the following support to selected scholars:
- Up to $10,000 for one academic year which is applied toward tuition or study-related expenses
- Internship interview opportunity: A formal invitation to enter Microsoft’s recruitment process ahead of the general applicant pool
- Mentorship: Some tracks pair scholars with Microsoft employees for career guidance
- Networking access: Connection to other Microsoft scholars and the broader Microsoft employee community
- Renewable in some cases, subject to continued enrolment and academic performance
- Professional recognition: Being named a Microsoft Scholar carries real credibility in the technology industry
The award does not cover living expenses, accommodation, or international travel. For maximum financial benefit, combine the Microsoft award with your university scholarships, grants, or assistantship funding.
Quick Tip
Microsoft offers several different scholarship tracks under different program names. Before you begin your application, visit Microsoft’s official scholarships page and review all currently active programs. Identify the track that most directly matches your background and eligibility and apply to that one specifically. Applying to a track you do not clearly fit will not strengthen your chances. A focused, well-matched application to the right track will always outperform a generic one submitted to every available option.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Currently enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s or master’s program at an accredited US university
- Studying computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field
- Member of a group underrepresented in technology, typically women, people with disabilities, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American students (varies by track)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Legally authorised to work in the US which is required for the internship component; international F-1 students with CPT or OPT eligibility typically qualify
- Not a current Microsoft employee or immediate family member of one
- Enrolled for the full upcoming academic year for which the award is granted
How Selection Works
Application Review
- Microsoft’s team reviews essays, transcripts, CV, and recommendation letters which assesses three things: technical capability, community impact, and leadership. A strong GPA matters, but essays and supporting materials are where your human story and contributions are evaluated.
Essay Evaluation
- Essays carry significant weight. Microsoft typically asks about your background as a member of an underrepresented group, your contributions to the technology field, and your career and community goals. The strongest essays are personal and specific, real experiences, real challenges, real impact. Generic aspirations do not stand out.
Final Selection and Notification
- Selected scholars are notified in spring. They then receive information about the financial award and an invitation to enter the internship interview process.
The Internship Interview
- This is a standard Microsoft technical interview including problem-solving questions, behavioural questions, and background discussion. Being a scholar does not guarantee an offer. You must perform well. But you enter the pipeline ahead of the general applicant pool, which is a meaningful advantage.
How to Apply
Step 1: Monitor Microsoft’s scholarships page from September
- Applications open in autumn; deadlines can be tight once the portal launches
Step 2: Identify the right track for you
- Review all active programs and apply only to the one where you clearly qualify
Step 3: Draft your essays before the application opens
- Prompts are consistent year to year; writing in advance gives you time to revise properly
Step 4: Update your technical portfolio
- Ensure GitHub repositories and projects are current, documented, and easy to find
Step 5: Request recommendations early
- Give referees four to six weeks’ notice; ask for letters covering both technical ability and community contribution
Step 6: Confirm your work authorisation
- Speak with your international student office about CPT or OPT eligibility before applying
Step 7: Submit a complete, reviewed application
- Check every section, attach your transcript, and do not submit a draft
Quick Tip
When preparing for the Microsoft internship interview that accompanies this scholarship, treat it with the same seriousness you would treat any major job application. Microsoft’s intern interviews are rigorous, they test both technical problem-solving and behavioural competencies. Do not assume that being a Microsoft Scholar guarantees an offer. Prepare thoroughly, practise with real interview questions, and approach the process with the same discipline you brought to your scholarship application.
Why the Microsoft Scholarship Program Stands Out
- Internship pipeline: Direct access to one of the most competitive and respected internship programs in global tech. A Microsoft internship opens doors across the entire industry
- Open to international students: One of the very few US corporate scholarships explicitly available to students on valid study visas. Most equivalent programs restrict eligibility to citizens or permanent residents
- Industry credibility: Being selected as a Microsoft Scholar signals to other employers, graduate programs, and research partners that your work meets a standard they trust
- Career-advancing, not just financial: The recognition, mentorship, and network access complement the money in ways that matter long after the award year ends
For international students currently enrolled in STEM programs at US universities who are from underrepresented groups in technology, the Microsoft Scholarship is one of the most immediately actionable and career-relevant awards on this list.
Official Website
Visit the official Microsoft scholarships page to view all currently active scholarship tracks, confirm eligibility requirements, and access the application portal when it opens in autumn.