by Palo Alto Networks in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) · Any accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in the USA
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
💛 Partial Funding🟩 Active🎓 Undergraduate (Junior or Senior) and Graduate students🌍 United States📌 Merit and Need-based
March 27 (Varies annually, check TMCF website for current cycle)
Level
Undergraduate (Junior or Senior) and Graduate students
Acceptance
Varies based on annual funding and applicant pool
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
Palo Alto Networks in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) offers Palo Alto Networks Cyber Scholars Program, a funding opportunity designed for international students heading to United States. The award covers The scholarship provides a financial award of up to $5,000 to cover institutional costs such as tuition and fees for the academic year. and is open to undergraduate (junior or senior) and graduate students students studying cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or related stem fields. The scholarship runs for one academic year. Eligibility is generally based on open to U.S. citizens/residents who are enrolled at HBCUs/PBIs, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and majoring in Cybersecurity or relevant STEM disciplines. The application deadline is March 27 (Varies annually, check TMCF website for current cycle), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies based on annual funding and applicant pool. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for Palo Alto Networks Cyber Scholars Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
72%
Eligibility Match
20%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
7/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Competitive
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to $5,000 per academic year
⏳
Duration
One academic year
📅
Deadline
March 27 (Varies annually, check TMCF website for current cycle)
🔬
Fields
Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related STEM fields
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Approximately 10-20 awards)
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
Palo Alto Networks in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
📊
Acceptance
Varies based on annual funding and applicant pool
The Palo Alto Networks Cyber Scholars Program is a partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) designed to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). The program aims to bridge the diversity gap in the cybersecurity workforce by providing financial aid and professional pathways for students pursuing degrees in technology-focused fields.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to U.S. citizens/residents who are enrolled at HBCUs/PBIs, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and majoring in Cybersecurity or relevant STEM disciplines.
🏛️ Host University
Any accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in the USA
🤝 Sponsor
Palo Alto Networks
🔬 Fields of Study
Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related STEM fields
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship provides a financial award of up to $5,000 to cover institutional costs such as tuition and fees for the academic year.
🎯 Target Students
African American/Black students and minority groups attending HBCUs/PBIs
Networking opportunities with Palo Alto Networks recruiters, potential mentorship, and professional development resources.
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Students must re-apply annually and continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a full-time student at an HBCU or PBI; must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; must be a junior, senior, or graduate student; must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Junior or Senior) and Graduate students
📊 Minimum GPA
3.0 on a 4.0 scale
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficient in English
🍢 Age Limit
No specific age limit; must be an active student
💼 Work Experience
Not required, but relevant STEM projects or internships are preferred
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated leadership through school activities or community service is highly valued
💰 Financial Need
Required (Applicants must demonstrate financial need)
🎯 Target Students
African American/Black students and minority groups attending HBCUs/PBIs
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Video or written personal statement answering specific prompts about career goals in cybersecurity)
Rec Letters
Yes (One recommendation letter from a professor or faculty member)
Interview
No (Finalists may be subject to a review process, but formal interviews are rare)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (One recommendation letter from a professor or faculty member) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficient in English
Interview: No (Finalists may be subject to a review process, but formal interviews are rare)
Min GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
📋 Application Process
Highlight your passion for cybersecurity and how you plan to contribute to the industry. Ensure your resume clearly lists technical skills and any certifications you have earned.
💡 Insider Tip: Since this is a TMCF partnership, ensure your FAFSA is completed and your school's financial aid office has verified your unmet need.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
January (Varies annually)
⏰ Deadline
March 27 (Varies annually, check TMCF website for current cycle)
🎤 Interview
No (Finalists may be subject to a review process, but formal interviews are rare)
🎓 Study Starts
Fall Semester
January (Varies annually)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
March 27 (Varies annually, check TMCF website for current cycle)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No (Finalists may be subject to a review process, but formal interviews are rare)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Fall Semester
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, quality of essay/video response, and strength of recommendation.
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🇺🇸 Simons Foundation Collaboration Grants for Mathematicians
Open to U.S. citizens/residents who are enrolled at HBCUs/PBIs, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and majoring in Cybersecurity or relevant STEM disciplines.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship provides a financial award of up to $5,000 to cover institutional costs such as tuition and fees for the academic year.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is March 27 (Varies annually, check TMCF website for current cycle). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Competitive. Acceptance rate: Varies based on annual funding and applicant pool. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficient in English, Yes (One recommendation letter from a professor or faculty member) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.