Microsoft Disability Scholarship 2025 – $20,000 for Students with Disabilities

Microsoft Disability Scholarship: Opportunity for Students with Disabilities in the U.S.

Table of Content

Overview of Microsoft Disability Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarship Benefits
Application Process and Application Deadline

Pursuing higher education can be a significant financial challenge, especially for students with disabilities. To support and empower students in technology-related fields, Microsoft offers the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, a prestigious award that provides financial assistance and career opportunities for eligible students. This scholarship aims to help students achieve their academic and professional aspirations while fostering innovation and inclusivity in the tech industry.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Disability Status: Must be a current high school senior living with a disability as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), including but not limited to:
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Mobility disabilities
- Cognitive disabilities
- Speech disabilities
- Other disabilities
Education Level: Must intend to enroll in a 2-year or 4-year accredited university, college, or vocational/technical school in the U.S. for the upcoming academic year.
Eligible Majors: The scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Information Systems
- Law
- Business
- Related fields (e.g., paralegal studies, pre-law, finance, business administration, marketing)
Interest in Technology: Applicants should demonstrate a passion for technology and a desire to build a career in the tech industry.
Leadership Qualities: Must showcase leadership experience in school or community activities.
Academic Performance: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) is required.
Financial Need: Candidates must require financial assistance for college education.
Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program.
Restrictions: Employees of Microsoft and their immediate family members are not eligible for this scholarship.

Scholarship Benefits

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship provides a total of $20,000, awarded in installments over four years:

$5,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years or until the recipient completes their bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
Scholarship renewal is subject to maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, continued enrollment in an eligible major, and remaining a full-time or half-time student.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following materials:

Future Academic & Career Plans: Details about the post-secondary institution they plan to attend and their educational and professional aspirations in technology.
Personal Information:
- List of activities, awards, and honors (preferably related to technology).
- Work experience details.
Financial Documentation: Information about financial need, including ongoing disability-related expenses if applicable.
Academic Transcript: Official high school transcript reflecting academic performance.
Essay: A written response (up to 3,000 characters) presenting an innovative technological idea that could improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The essay should explain how this innovation differs from existing solutions and its connection to the applicant’s future career in technology.
Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation from a school faculty member, staff, or a community leader who has supervised the applicant. Family members cannot serve as references.

Application Deadline

The next application cycle for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship opens on January 22, 2025, and applications will be accepted until March 13, 2025. Late or mailed applications will not be considered, as all submissions must be completed online.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply