ESET is committed to advancing women in STEM and cybersecurity, including a dedicated award for a San Diego recipient.
The cybersecurity industry continues to face a critical talent shortage. ESET is helping close the gender gap by investing in women who are ready to shape the future of digital defense.
Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to standout applicants pursuing education and career pathways in cybersecurity and STEM-related fields.
One award is dedicated to a San Diego recipient, recognizing the program’s homegrown roots.
of supporting women
in cybersecurity
Since 2016, ESET has supported women pursuing careers in cybersecurity by helping reduce barriers to education and opportunity.
While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented across the field—this reinforces the need for continued investment, access, and action.
Read the 2025 Workforce StudyThree simple steps to launch your career.
Complete the online form and upload your essay and required documentation before the deadline.
Our panel of cybersecurity and industry experts reviews and evaluates all anonymized applications.
Scholarship recipients will be notified directly, and the public announcement will go live shortly after.
Winning the ESET Cybersecurity Scholarship is just the beginning. Recipients are invited to join the Women in Cyber (WIC) Scholarship Alumni Mentorship Program, launched in 2025, connecting past and current scholars with mentorship opportunities. The program kicks off at the end of summer.
Meet a few of the recipients who are already changing the face of cybersecurity.
UC Berkeley AI Engineering & Human Systems
"This scholarship is critical support for my work integrating technical, educational, and policy-driven cybersecurity."
University of Pennsylvania Computer Science
"Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about people. This helps me build tech that defends with empathy, creativity, and humor."
UC Irvine Computer Science
"For women from restrictive backgrounds, it’s not just about breaking barriers—it’s about paving new paths so others can thrive."
University of Waterloo Computer Engineering
"I’ve often felt I had to work twice as hard to be seen. This award proves I belong—not just in this field, but at the forefront of it."
Concordia University Software Engineering
"By bridging research and community engagement, I’m working to build a more secure and inclusive cybersecurity ecosystem."
Applications open March 8 for the 2026 scholarship. Don't miss your chance to secure $10,000 for your studies.
Deadline to apply: April 8, 2026
Read full scholarship terms & conditions