The technology industry has long struggled with diversity and inclusivity. To bridge this gap, Google is offering a Conference Scholarship Program to support underrepresented groups in technology and business. This initiative helps students from marginalized communities attend key tech conferences, providing them with financial aid and opportunities to grow in their careers.
What is the Google Conference Scholarship?
Google’s Conference Scholarship Program aims to remove financial barriers that prevent talented individuals from participating in global tech discussions. The scholarships cover travel, accommodation, and registration costs, enabling recipients to present their research, network with industry professionals, and explore career opportunities within the technology sector. Virtual participation options are also available for those who cannot attend in person.
Who is Eligible?
Google defines underrepresented groups as:
- Women in technology
- Individuals from lower-income backgrounds
- People with disabilities
- Other marginalized communities with limited access to tech and business opportunities
Eligibility Criteria for African Applicants
To qualify for the scholarship in Africa, applicants must:
- Be a full-time student at a recognized university in Africa
- Have a research paper or academic article accepted for a relevant conference
- Be the sole or joint first author of the paper
- Not be a Google employee or from an embargoed country
Eligibility Criteria for Asia-Pacific (APAC) Applicants
Students applying from the APAC region must:
- Be enrolled full-time at a recognized university in Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, India, or Southeast Asia
- Have a research paper accepted for full publication at a top computer science conference where Google has research interests
- Have their paper accepted for oral or poster presentation (oral preferred)
- Be the primary author of the paper
- Not be receiving any other industry-sponsored travel grant
Why Apply for the Google Conference Scholarship?
Attending an international tech conference can be a game-changer for students and young professionals. Here’s how:
- Research Exposure – Present and showcase research at prestigious conferences.
- Networking Opportunities – Connect with industry leaders, researchers, and experts.
- Financial Support – Get assistance covering travel, accommodation, and conference fees.
- Industry Insights – Stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in technology and computer science.
This scholarship encourages diversity and inclusion by ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented individuals from accessing these opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested students must complete the Google Conference Scholarship application for their respective region. While the deadline has not been officially announced, Google encourages early applications, as processing and payment take between 5-8 weeks.
Application Process:
- Visit the Google Conference Scholarship Application Page.
- Select the region-specific application form.
- Provide required personal and academic details.
- Submit proof of accepted research paper and university enrollment.
- Wait for Google’s response regarding application status.
Claim Process for Approved Scholarships
- Once approved, the funds will be transferred to the applicant’s university.
- Students must follow their university’s reimbursement process to claim expenses.
- The payment process takes 5-8 weeks, so applicants should plan accordingly.
Google’s Conference Scholarship Program is an excellent opportunity for students from underrepresented backgrounds to gain exposure, present their work, and grow in the tech industry. By providing financial aid and access to global discussions, Google is taking a significant step toward inclusivity in technology.
If you’re a student looking to advance your career in tech, apply today and take a step towards shaping the future of technology!
For more details, visit the Google Conference Scholarships application page.