List of Cybersecurity Scholarships for International Students 2026

Are you interested in an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD in cybersecurity? In 2026, cybersecurity scholarships will be an essential tool for international students as the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals rises with the growth of the digital world. It can be expensive to pursue a degree in cybersecurity, particularly for international students who must pay for tuition and living expenses. Without having to worry about crippling costs, these financial aids provide access to top-tier education in a field vital to international security. Cybersecurity financial supports allow students who want to study abroad to make their dreams come true. The top cybersecurity scholarships for international students are listed in this article. Let’s examine how these honors might influence your future.

Importance of Cybersecurity Scholarships

Financial constraints prevent many people from pursuing their dream of studying abroad. Scholarships for cybersecurity are more than just financial aid; they address an urgent need in the world. It is anticipated that there will still be a tremendous shortage of cybersecurity professionals by 2030, leaving millions of job positions open globally. Cyber security scholarships can help international students close this gap, leading to a two-way benefit for society and graduates. Cybersecurity scholarships allow talented individuals from Asia, Africa, or Latin America to enroll in prestigious cybersecurity programs. These honors enable you to make a significant contribution.

Even the most motivated students may become overwhelmed by the expense of studying overseas, including housing, tuition, and visa fees. Cybersecurity funding sources, especially fully funded ones, relieve this burden by paying the costs. These cybersecurity scholarships help you advance professionally and financially, letting you concentrate on learning rather than money. It serves as a lifeline for your goals. Employers view a degree supported by cybersecurity scholarships as a sign of expertise, which leads to winning high-demand positions. Thus, it is an investment in your future. A wide range of cyber security scholarships is available globally at the undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels.

Indeed, cyber security scholarships for international students tackle the growing global need for cybersecurity experts as cybercrime becomes more frequent and costly, causing a staggering $1 trillion in damages in 2020 alone. Events like manipulated water supplies and significant data leaks demonstrate the critical importance of hands-on cybersecurity education. Ultimately, all cybersecurity financial supports seek to close the worldwide skills shortage by developing knowledgeable, innovative, and collaborative cybersecurity professionals who can build a more secure digital world.

Top Cybersecurity Scholarships for International Students

Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship

In 2026, the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship will be a shining example for students from other countries. It is among the fully funded international scholarships for undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity programs. The SANS Technology Institute provides the Paller scholarship for non-US citizens dedicated to cybersecurity excellence. It enables exceptionally talented non-US citizens from at-risk regions to complete world-class cybersecurity programs at the institute. The SANS Paller scholarship is a non-residential program in the USA and does not require an F1 visa. Moreover, it does not provide eligibility to apply for an F1 visa. In keeping with Alan Paller’s legacy, this scholarship seeks to provide competent defenders to make the world safer.

“Alan Paller dedicated his life to vastly improving cybersecurity practitioners’ skills to thwart ever-increasing threats. Due to Alan’s commitment, hard work, and kindness, hundreds of thousands of students have become better cyber defenders. His legacy and lifetime dedication continue to embody the SANS mission.” – Ed Skoudis, President, SANS Technology Institute.

SANS Technology Institute

SANS offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs at the forefront of cybersecurity. It is one of the largest cybersecurity education providers in the United States and the only college dedicated to the field. The institute opens doors at every stage of your cybersecurity career. No other institution matches the depth and breadth of its hands-on, state-of-the-art cybersecurity courses. SANS is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA). Each year, cybersecurity employers send 40,000+ employees to take SANS courses and earn GIAC certifications, i.e., a testament to the real-world relevance and value of SANS training and the rigorous skills validation offered by GIAC.

Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

SANS seeks highly skilled, community-minded individuals aged 18 and older passionate about driving positive change and safeguarding people, organizations, and nations through cybersecurity. Are you eager to make a real impact? The institute offers world-class cybersecurity training to help you start or grow a meaningful career if you are a curious and driven problem solver. The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is open exclusively to non-American citizens. All classes and labs are delivered in English, so English language proficiency is essential. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and make selections without bias toward gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability.

What Does Paller Cyber Security Scholarship Cover?

The Paller scholarship fully funds online courses but does not include travel and lodging expenses for students attending in-person courses. Students at the SANS Technology Institute take one course (refer to the following tracks) at a time, and most courses conclude with an industry-recognized GIAC certification exam. The scholarship includes all course fees, materials, and GIAC certification exams. It offers two scholarship tracks:

• The New to Cyber Track is for people who want to enter the field of cybersecurity and have at least 48 college credits. No prior technical experience is required. Students in this track will be considered for our undergraduate certificate and bachelor’s degree programs in Applied Cybersecurity.
• The Experienced Student Track is for people with a bachelor’s degree and IT or information security experience. Students in this track will be considered for our highly technical graduate certificate programs and our Master of Science program in Information Security Engineering.

Paller Scholarships Application Deadline

If you want to apply for year 202(n+1) (example: 2026 if n=5), you need to check the announcement by SANS Technology Institute in August 202(n) (example: August 2025 if n=5). Usually, in October 202(n) (example: October 2025 if n=5), applications will open for 202(n+1) (example: 2026 if n=5). When the next scholarship window opens in October 2025, international students who are non-US citizens can apply online through the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship portal. A downloadable scholarship application guide will be available at that time.

ISC2 Cyber Security Scholarships

ISC2 and its Center for Cyber Safety and Education are strongly committed to encouraging and supporting students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields. They offer a variety of cyber security scholarships for international students, including the ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarship, ISC2 Graduate Scholarship, and the Center AI Workshop Scholarship. These programs aim to help close the global cybersecurity workforce gap, currently estimated at 3.4 million professionals, by equipping future cybersecurity experts worldwide with the financial support needed to prepare for rewarding careers in this vital industry.

ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarships

The ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarship supports students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields. Open to international and American students (on-campus or online), awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and must be used for tuition, fees, books, or materials. Applicants need a minimum 3.3 GPA and must submit transcripts, a resume, one recommendation letter, and responses to short essay questions. Up to 20 scholarships are awarded annually based on passion, merit, and financial need. Awards are disbursed to institutions, not directly to recipients.

ISC2 Graduate Scholarships

The ISC2 Graduate Scholarship is among the master’s scholarships designated to cybersecurity graduate students who pursue a master’s or PhD in cybersecurity. Open to international and US-citizen students (online or in-person), it awards up to 20 scholarships annually, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and submit transcripts, a resume, one recommendation letter, and answers to short essay questions. Recipients do not receive funds directly; awards are sent to institutions for tuition and related expenses. Awards are based on passion, merit, and financial need and must be accepted within three weeks. Applications open in January 202(n) and close in March 202(n) for the degree starting in fall 202(n) (example: 2025 if n=5).

Center AI Workshop Scholarship

The Center AI Workshop Scholarship offers up to 10 scholarships for ISC2’s virtual Securing AI workshop, taking place in September 2025. This two-day event helps mid- to senior-level cybersecurity professionals explore how to harness AI’s potential while managing risks. Scholarships cover workshop registration, self-study materials, and access to a dedicated Slack community. Applicants must have at least five years of cybersecurity experience and be in (or pursuing) a role requiring strategic AI understanding. Preference is given to job seekers. Applications open in May 202(n) and close in June 202(n) (example: 2025 if n=5). Selection is based on passion, merit, financial need, and work experience.

ISC2 Women’s Scholarships

The ISC2 Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarships support women pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields at any level (associate, undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate). Up to 10 scholarships from $1,000 to $5,000 will be awarded each academic year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and submit transcripts, a CV, a letter of recommendation, and essay responses. Awards are sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution. Open to students worldwide (online or on-campus, full- or part-time), this scholarship emphasizes passion, merit, and financial need. Applications open in January 202(n) and close in March 202(n), with notifications in June 202(n) (example: 2025 if n=5).

Erasmus Mundus Cybersecurity Scholarships for Master’s

Alongside dozens of Erasmus Mundus scholarships in science, technology, humanities, engineering, and other fields, the Erasmus+ program also offers scholarships specifically in cybersecurity. For example, the CYBERUS and CyberMACS master’s programs provide cybersecurity scholarships for international students. These programs strongly emphasize hands-on learning through internships, group projects, participation in international cybersecurity competitions, and exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges. For instance, CYBERUS fosters teamwork, innovative thinking, and rapid problem-solving through events such as Capture the Flag competitions and hackathons.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Cybersecurity (CYBERUS)

CYBERUS is a two-year international master’s program in cybersecurity. The majority of the program, over 70%, focuses on technical skills, with core courses in areas like cryptography, network security, and penetration testing. You can choose two specialized paths taught in English, as (1) IoT Cybersecurity at Université Bretagne Sud (UBS) and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB); (2) Software Cybersecurity at UBS and the University of Luxembourg (UL). Each specialization also includes specific courses, and all students participate in a Winter School in Estonia that centers on cyber operations. You must be fluent in English and have a basic understanding of French. Successful applicants can receive scholarships of €1,400 per month and waived tuition fees.

Master of Applied Cybersecurity (CyberMACS)

CyberMACS is a two-year international master’s program in applied cybersecurity. You will study at two of three European universities, Kadir Has University in Turkey, SRH Berlin University in Germany, or Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in North Macedonia, graduating with a joint or double degree. The program connects you with the cybersecurity industry through internships, company visits, and input into what you learn. Backed by the Erasmus+ Program, CyberMACS focuses on top-notch education, covering the basics and advanced areas of cybersecurity. It also includes training in essential soft skills and entrepreneurship, plus an internship and a master’s thesis. With a stipend of €1,400 per month and waived tuition fees, the program encourages women and students with disabilities to apply.

How to Apply for Cybersecurity Scholarships

Researching Eligibility and Deadlines

A comprehensive research is the first step in successfully targeting cybersecurity scholarships. Check each cybersecurity scholarship’s eligibility and requirements. For example, ISC2 scholarships are open to all nationalities, while the Paller Scholarship is only available to non-US citizens. Paller’s deadline is October 2025, while most ISC2 funding windows are closed in March. Examine all application requirements, such as recommendation letters, essays, and transcripts. Adapt your search to your objectives, degree level, and background. Scholarships for cybersecurity encourage preparation; get started early to stand out and increase your chances. Therefore, visit each scholarship’s website for details.

Crafting a Winning Application

Competition will be fierce in 2026 as cybersecurity scholarships draw talent worldwide. Showcase your unique experiences, such as coding projects, hackathons, or tech volunteer work, and your grades. You can improve your application by earning certifications like CompTIA Security+. Practice technical skills and problem-solving under pressure as you prepare for a scholarship interview. To improve your application materials, look for mentors because their criticism will help you become more competitive.

When it comes to cybersecurity scholarships, your application is your voice. Some scholarship applications may require a personal essay (e.g., motivation letter, cover letter, or statement of interest). Write a motivation letter that connects your love of cybersecurity to your desired career path, such as defending communities against online attacks. It must demonstrate your knowledge of the subject and emphasize your dedication to international security in your scholarship applications. Selection committees for cybersecurity scholarships honor tenacity and style, so emphasize your unique qualities. Your story is your strength, so make it unforgettable.

Exhibit problem-solving abilities and practical cybersecurity experience in your academic CV. Showcase your research contributions, certifications, and internships. For professionalism and clarity, proofread your resume carefully. Scholarships for cybersecurity encourage commitment, so make yours stand out and leave a lasting impression. Your commitment to excellence ensures that your academic resume is not just a standard document but a dynamic representation of your academic achievements, skills, and aspirations.

Post-Scholarship Career Opportunities

Learning never ends; cybersecurity scholarships are a starting point, not a destination. After graduation, stay interested by obtaining advanced degrees, workshops, or certifications. Thanks to these scholarships, you can stay ahead and broaden your knowledge through industry conferences and research partnerships. The goal of a cybersecurity scholarship could be echoed by your efforts to protect countries, companies, or individuals from breaches. Scholarships in cybersecurity continue the tradition of protection. The next generation of cybersecurity leaders is strengthened through community service and mentoring. Accept the journey, because you are a part of something greater.

Gaining a cybersecurity scholarship opens doors to prosperous professions. Graduates can find employment as analysts, engineers, or consultants, often earning over $100,000 a year. As cyber threats change, demand rises, creating opportunities in the government, banking, and healthcare industries. Employers around the world value the diverse perspectives that international students bring. Career prospects can be further improved by networking through industry events, internships, and scholarship programs. You stay competitive by pursuing ongoing education and earning certifications like CISSP or CEH. Cybersecurity scholarships help you start your career and pay for your education. Take advantage of this chance to make an impact.

Conclusion

There is hope and opportunity in the list of cybersecurity scholarships for international students, like the Paller Scholarship or the ISC2 Women’s Scholarship. These scholarships enable you to study cybersecurity at any degree level without worrying about money. Take immediate action and review student living costs in UK and student living costs in USA to get more insights about student life. Such scholarships in cyber security are your pass to a field influencing the digital age. Investigate, apply, and keep going, and remember that scholarships honor hard work and foresight. Your future in cybersecurity is waiting for you if you start now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)