Information Security Undergraduate Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by ISC2 Foundation

Here’s a clearer, teacher-friendly version of the scholarship information. I organized it into short sections and a practical checklist so students can see at a glance what matters and what they need to do.

ISC2 Information Security Undergraduate Scholarship — Overview
This scholarship helps undergraduate students studying information security (or a closely related field) by providing awards of $1,000–$5,000. Up to 20 scholarships are available each year. The money is paid directly to the recipient’s school to cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and required materials — recipients do not receive a direct cash payment.

Key award rules
- Number and amount: Up to 20 awards; each between $1,000 and $5,000.
- Disbursement: Funds are sent to the educational institution with instructions to apply them to tuition, fees, books, or required materials.
- Acceptance deadline: If selected, you must accept the award within three weeks of notification or it will be offered to another applicant.
- Timing: All awards must be disbursed to the recipient’s institution by December 31 of the award year — awards will not roll over to the next year.
- Renewal: Awards do not renew automatically; you must reapply each year to be considered again.

Who is eligible
- Intend to pursue or be pursuing a degree focused on cybersecurity, information assurance, or a similar field in fall 2025.
- Pursuing an associate’s or undergraduate degree in 2025. (If you’ll have graduated from an undergraduate program by fall 2025, consider the ISC2 Graduate Scholarship instead.)
- Minimum GPA: 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). If you need to convert your GPA, use this calculator: https://applications.wes.org/igpa-calculator/
- Citizenship: Open to applicants from any country (U.S. citizenship not required).
- Attendance: On-campus or online; full-time or part-time; in the U.S. or internationally.
- Enrollment: You do not need to be currently enrolled to apply, but no funds will be disbursed until you are enrolled at a college or university.

What you must submit
- Unofficial transcripts from your current or most recent educational institution. (If you’re awarded, official transcripts are required before funds are sent.)
- One letter of recommendation that addresses:
a) How long and in what capacity the recommender has known you.
b) The skills or abilities you have that will help you complete your degree.
c) Any other information about you that should be considered.
Note: Academic references are preferred, but a professional reference is acceptable if it covers the points above.
- Resume or CV (maximum 3 pages).
- Answers to essay questions in the application. Each response must be 250 words maximum. The prompts:
1) Why should you be chosen for the ISC2 Cybersecurity Scholarship? What makes you stand out from your peers?
2) Why do you need this scholarship?
3) Describe your personal and educational background.
4) Why did you choose your major? What are your academic goals and what makes you likely to succeed in information security? What are your professional goals?
5) Describe any contributions to the cybersecurity field (volunteer work, articles, etc.), plus other hobbies or extracurriculars and what they mean to you. (Do not include links to articles.)
6) Anything else you want the reviewers to know about your application.

Selection and scoring
Applications are scored by members of ISC2 and scholarship sponsors (if applicable). Evaluation focuses on three categories:
- Passion — your interest and commitment to the field
- Merit — academic achievement, skills, experience, and potential for success
- Financial need — level of need for financial assistance

Practical checklist (what to do now)
- Confirm your eligibility (degree plan, GPA, enrollment plans for fall 2025).
- Gather unofficial transcripts and prepare to obtain official transcripts if awarded.
- Request an academic reference (or professional if needed) and give the recommender the three points to address.
- Update your resume/CV (keep it to three pages or fewer).
- Draft polished answers to the six essay prompts (250 words max each).
- Watch your email after applying — if selected you must accept the award within 3 weeks.

If you want, I can help you edit your essay responses, review a resume, or draft a request email to your recommender.