About Microsoft Scholarships

Microsoft has a long-standing commitment to empowering the next generation of computer scientists, engineers, and technology leaders. Through its scholarship programs, Microsoft awards hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to exceptional students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and related STEM fields. These scholarships are more than just financial aid — they open doors to internships at Microsoft, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to a global community of tech innovators. Afghan students pursuing STEM degrees are eligible to apply for several Microsoft-funded opportunities.

Key Scholarship Programs

• Microsoft Scholarship Program (General): Full or partial tuition awards for undergraduate students in computer science and related fields — up to $20,000 per year
• Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship: Two-year fellowship for PhD students — covers tuition, stipend, and research funding (up to $50,000/year)
• Microsoft Tuition Scholarship: Covers tuition for underrepresented students in tech — up to $15,000
• Microsoft Diversity Conference Scholarship: Funds conference attendance for underrepresented groups in tech
• Microsoft AI for Good Scholarship: For students working on AI projects with social impact
• Microsoft Azure Grant Program: Cloud computing resources + stipend for research projects

Eligibility Requirements

• Nationality: Any nationality (Afghanistan is eligible); no citizenship restrictions for most programs
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program
• Major: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM field
• Academic Standing: Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (PhD Fellowship requires 3.5+)
• Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need for tuition-based scholarships
• Underrepresentation: Priority given to women, minorities, and students from underrepresented regions
• Leadership: Evidence of leadership, innovation, or community involvement in tech
• Essay: Strong personal statement about career goals and impact on the tech community
• Letters of Recommendation: 1–2 academic or professional references
• Work Samples: GitHub, portfolio, or published research (strongly recommended)

Application Details

Required Documents

• Completed Microsoft Scholarship application form
• Academic transcripts from current and previous institutions
• Personal statement (500–1,000 words) explaining your goals and how you'll use the scholarship
• Two letters of recommendation (academic advisors, professors, or supervisors)
• Resume or CV (detailed, with projects and internships)
• Portfolio or GitHub link with sample projects
• Proof of enrollment (official letter from your university)
• Financial need documentation (for need-based scholarships)
• Copy of passport or national ID
• Essay on a technology-related topic (varies by year)

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: December – January each year
• Deadline: Late January – Early February
• First Round Review: February – March
• Interviews (for finalists): March – April
• Final Selection: April – May
• Notifications Sent: May
• Scholarship Awarded: For the following academic year (August/September)

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence in computer science or related field
• Demonstrated technical skill and project depth
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in tech
• Financial need (for need-based scholarships)
• Quality and clarity of personal statement
• Leadership potential and community involvement
• Innovation and creativity in past projects
• Alignment with Microsoft's mission to empower every person and organization

Benefits Covered

• Full or partial tuition coverage (up to $20,000–$50,000/year depending on program)
• Paid internship opportunities at Microsoft (summer interns earn $7,000–$12,000/month)
• Mentorship from Microsoft engineers and researchers
• Access to Microsoft Azure, GitHub Copilot, and technical training resources
• Networking with the global Microsoft Scholars community
• Conference sponsorships (Microsoft Ignite, Build, etc.)
• Priority consideration for full-time roles after graduation
• Lifetime access to Microsoft alumni network