Google’s Conference Scholarships: A Push for Diversity in Tech

Google is offering a scholarship program to support underrepresented groups in technology and business, helping them attend key conferences in the tech industry and related fields. The initiative aims to remove financial barriers and increase inclusivity in spaces where certain groups have historically been underrepresented.

The scholarship covers travel, accommodation, and conference registration costs, allowing students to network with industry leaders, present research, and explore career opportunities. This support is particularly beneficial for students from lower-income backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and other marginalized communities.

Who is Eligible?

Google’s conference scholarships are available in multiple regions, including Africa and the Asia-Pacific (APAC). However, the eligibility criteria differ:

For Africa Region:

• Must be a full-time student at a recognized university in Africa.
• Must have a research paper accepted for presentation.
• Should be the sole or joint first author of the paper.
• Google employees and applicants from embargoed countries are not eligible.

For APAC Region:

• Must be a full-time student in Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, India, or Southeast Asia.
• Must have a paper accepted for full publication at a prominent computer science conference aligned with Google’s research interests.
• The paper must be accepted for oral or poster presentation (oral preferred).
• Should be the primary author of the paper.
• Must not be receiving any other industry-sponsored travel grant.

How to Apply

Interested students must submit their scholarship applications based on their region. While there is no announced deadline, early application is encouraged due to Google’s 5-8 week processing timeline. Approved funds are transferred to the applicant’s university, and students can claim expenses through their institution’s reimbursement process.

By investing in underrepresented students, Google is making strides toward creating a more diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem.