ESET’s $35,000 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026 is Now Open

The gender gap in the digital defense industry remains a critical challenge, with women making up just 22% of the global cybersecurity workforce. To combat this, ESET, a global leader in digital security, has officially launched its 2026 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship

The Scholarship provides critical financial backing to female students pursuing STEM degrees within their home countries to bridge the industry’s gender gap.

This year, the program has expanded its reach across North America, Europe, and Asia, offering a total of $35,000 in North America alone. By removing financial barriers, ESET empowers women in the USA, Canada, Australia, India, and the UK to lead in the evolving digital defense landscape.

ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship Overview

• Host Organization: ESET.
• Total Funding Available: $35,000 USD (North America).
• Award Amount: Up to $10,000 USD (USA) | $5,000 CAD (Canada) | $5,000 AUD (Australia) | $5,000 USD (India).
• Funding Status: Financial Grant / Scholarship.
• Target Audience: Female students pursuing STEM or Cybersecurity degrees.
• Eligible Countries: USA, Canada, Australia, India, and the UK.
• Core Requirement: Minimum 3.0 GPA and enrollment in an accredited university.

Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship Funding & Regional Perks

The ESET Cybersecurity Scholarship for Women is tailored to support local students with specific regional benefits and professional tools.

Global & Regional Eligibility

To ensure your ESET Women Cybersecurity Scholarship application is valid, you must meet both the general global requirements and the specific restrictions of your home country.

Standardized Requirements for All:

• Gender: Applicants must identify as female.
• Academic Standing: Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (or regional B-grade equivalent).
• Career Goal: Must demonstrate a clear aspiration to work in the cybersecurity industry.

Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship Required Documents

Before beginning your ESET Cybersecurity Women Scholarship application, ensure you have the following documents ready in PDF format:

• Official Transcript, proof of your most recent academic performance.
• Letter of Recommendation, a signed letter from a professor, mentor, or employer who can vouch for your technical aptitude and character.
• Personal Essay (500-700 Words)
• Resume/CV
• Proof of Enrollment, an acceptance letter (for new students) or current registration document.

Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship Application Procedure

The submission method for the ESET Scholarship for Women in Cybersecurity depends entirely on your location. Follow the specific path for your region:

For USA, Canada, and Australia

1. Visit the Regional Portal, go to the official ESET scholarship page for your country.
2. Create an account on the Reviewr third-party portal via the official ESET country page.
3. Complete the Online Form and upload all PDFs (Transcript, Essay, Letter).
4. submit the form.

For India (Ashoka University)

In India, the scholarship is currently a closed partnership with Ashoka University. You do not apply on a general ESET website; you must be an internal student or an applicant to Ashoka.

1. Go to the Ashoka University Financial Aid/Scholarship portal.
2. Log In/Create Account, using your student credentials.
3. Locate the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship section and fill out the required details.
4. Submit Documents, upload your essay and academic records directly to the university system.

For United Kingdom (Bournemouth University)

In the UK, the scholarship is officially called the “ESET Women in Cyber Studentship.” It is not a general grant for any UK university; it is specifically for Bournemouth University (BU).

1. Go to the Bournemouth University (BU) Studentships page.
2. Find and click on the “ESET Women in Cyber Studentship” link.
3. Sign in to the BU student portal (or register as a new applicant).
4. Fill out the internal application form and upload your documents.

Why Choose Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship?

Selecting the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship is a strategic career move because it offers much more than a simple financial grant. This program acts as a professional springboard, granting you immediate entry into the prestigious ESET Alumni Club, a global community that facilitates networking and provides professional development opportunities that last long after your graduation.

Furthermore, the scholarship provides invaluable guidance through the Women in Cyber (WIC) Mentorship Program, where you are paired with senior ESET security researchers who offer direct insight and help you navigate the complexities of a career in digital defense.

For students in specific regions like India, the added benefit of a guaranteed summer internship allows you to apply your classroom knowledge in a real-world malware research environment, effectively bridging the gap between academic theory and high-level industry practice.

Deadlines for Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship

Ensure your Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship by ESET application is submitted via the official portal before these regional cutoff dates:

• USA & Canada: April 8, 2026
• Australia: April 19, 2026
• India (Ashoka University): May 30, 2026

Official Regional Application Links (2026)

To ensure your ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship application is reviewed correctly, you must use the official link specific to your home country. Applying through the wrong regional portal will result in an automatic disqualification.

• United States: ESET USA Application Portal
• Canada: ESET Canada Application Portal
• Australia: ESET Australia Application Portal
• India: Ashoka University – India Portal
• United Kingdom: Bournemouth University – UK Portal