ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026 | Empowering Women in Cybersecurity

January 26, 2026

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026 is a dedicated funding opportunity aimed at supporting women pursuing education and careers in cybersecurity and related STEM fields. Offered by global cybersecurity leader ESET, this scholarship helps close the gender gap in tech by awarding financial support to female students with strong potential in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing technology sectors worldwide, yet women remain significantly underrepresented. Initiatives like this scholarship help encourage more women to enter and excel in this critical field.

ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026 — Summary Table

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026
Provider	ESET
Focus Area	Cybersecurity & STEM
Target Applicants	Female undergraduate and graduate students
Award Value	Typically USD $5,000 (subject to confirmation)
Eligibility	Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college/university
Citizenship	Primarily U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline	Early April 2026 (historical timeline suggests around April 8)
Application Mode	Online submission with essay and documents

What Is the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship?

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship is part of a broader global effort by ESET to promote diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in the cybersecurity industry.

Launched more than a decade ago, the scholarship supports women who aspire to make an impact in tech and cybersecurity, a field where women currently represent a minority of professionals.

Since its inception, the program has awarded scholarships in multiple regions, including the United States and Canada, with expansion into Australia, the UK, and India in recent years.

Scholarship Value & Awards

While specific details for the 2026 cycle are not yet officially published, past editions of the scholarship typically include:

USD $5,000 awards to female students pursuing cybersecurity or related STEM studies
Multiple awards are available each year, depending on the region

In 2025, the program awarded around $45,000 in scholarships across the U.S. and Canada, including Cybersecurity Trailblazer and Future Leader awards. This trend signals that the 2026 program is likely to be significant in both value and scope.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)

To apply for the ESET Cybersecurity Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college or university in Canada.
Aspire to pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry

Why This Scholarship Matters

Despite cybersecurity being one of the fastest-growing fields globally, women remain underrepresented. According to recent industry reports, women account for less than one-fifth of cybersecurity professionals, highlighting a significant gender gap in the workforce.

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship aims to:

Empower women to pursue cybersecurity careers
Reduce financial barriers to education
Support the next generation of female tech leaders

By providing financial support and visibility to women in the field, the scholarship contributes to a more diverse and innovative cybersecurity community.

What You Need to Apply

To complete your application, submit an online form that includes:

Your transcript.
A letter of recommendation.
List of volunteer work or community service.
A personal essay (500-700 words) outlining your achievements, potential, or passion for cybersecurity.
To begin the application process, applicants must create an account or log in to Reviewr.

How to Apply

To apply and get more details about the scholarship, click here.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Here are practical tips to help you compete:

Write a standout essay that explains why cybersecurity matters to you
Highlight any tech projects, internships, or volunteer work
Include leadership or teamwork experiences
Ask recommenders for specific examples of your potential in tech
Submit before the deadline to avoid disqualification

Important Dates & Deadline

While the 2026 official deadline has not been formally released yet, historical application timelines for this scholarship in North America have fallen in early April — for example, April 8 in previous years.

Expected Application Deadline: Early April 2026
(Watch the official ESET scholarship website for exact dates once announced.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship?

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship is an international scholarship program designed to support women pursuing education and careers in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, and related technology fields. It aims to close the gender gap in the global cybersecurity workforce.

Who is eligible for the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026?

Applicants must be female students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited university or college, studying cybersecurity, IT, computer science, or closely related disciplines. Eligibility is open to students from any country.

Is the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship fully funded?

No. The scholarship is partially funded. It provides a cash award to support tuition, study materials, or academic expenses, along with recognition and visibility in the cybersecurity industry.

How much is the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship worth?

The scholarship award typically ranges between US$5,000 and $1,000, depending on the year and category. Exact amounts are confirmed in the official 2026 application announcement.

What documents are required to apply for the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship?