Machine Learning (ML) has rapidly become one of the most impactful and in-demand fields in technology, influencing everything from healthcare and finance to entertainment and robotics. As a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), ML enables systems to learn from data and improve over time without being explicitly programmed. For students pursuing computer science degrees in the United States, specializing in machine learning can open the door to exciting careers—but the cost of education can be a barrier. Thankfully, numerous scholarships are available to support aspiring computer scientists with a focus on ML.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top scholarships in the USA for students pursuing computer science with a specialization in machine learning, including eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application tips.
1. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
Overview:
The NSF GRFP is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to graduate students in STEM fields, including computer science and machine learning.
-
U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
-
Pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees
-
Demonstrate academic excellence and strong research potential
Award Amount:
-
$37,000 annual stipend
-
$12,000 education allowance for tuition and fees
Why It’s Valuable:
This scholarship is highly competitive and recognized nationwide. It supports independent research and offers access to top labs and faculty across institutions.
2. Google PhD Fellowship – Machine Learning
Overview:
Offered by Google Research, this prestigious fellowship is designed for PhD students working in key areas like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.
Eligibility:
-
Enrolled full-time in a PhD program
-
Strong academic record
-
Research aligning with Google’s areas of interest
Award Amount:
-
Full tuition and fees
-
A stipend to cover living expenses
-
Opportunity to intern at Google
Why It’s Valuable:
This fellowship offers direct industry exposure and mentorship from Google’s world-class researchers. It’s a stepping stone into careers in tech research and development.
3. Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship
Overview:
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship is offered by the U.S. Department of Defense for students in technical fields, including machine learning.
Eligibility:
-
U.S. citizens
-
Pursuing a degree in a DoD-approved STEM discipline
-
Willing to work for the DoD after graduation
Award Amount:
-
Full tuition
-
Annual stipend between $25,000–$38,000
-
Paid summer internships
-
Guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation
Why It’s Valuable:
It provides full financial support and a clear path to employment in government research labs focused on national security and advanced technologies.
4. Facebook Fellowship Program (Meta Research PhD Fellowship)
Overview:
Meta’s research arm funds PhD students working on innovations in machine learning, AI, and data science.
Eligibility:
-
Full-time PhD students
-
Engaged in research areas relevant to Meta
-
Enrolled at an accredited university
Award Amount:
-
Tuition and fees paid
-
$42,000 annual stipend
-
Paid visit to Meta headquarters
Why It’s Valuable:
The Meta Fellowship offers great networking opportunities, access to cutting-edge research, and the chance to connect with leaders in the field.
5. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Overview:
This program is geared toward high school seniors from underserved communities who are pursuing computer science degrees.
Eligibility:
-
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
-
High school seniors with demonstrated financial need
-
Planning to study computer science in college
Award Amount:
-
$40,000 ($10,000 per year for 4 years)
-
Paid summer internship at Amazon
Why It’s Valuable:
It’s an early opportunity to gain industry experience and financial support while building a strong foundation in computer science and machine learning.
6. Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship
Overview:
This fellowship supports exceptional PhD students conducting research aligned with Microsoft’s interests in ML and AI.
Eligibility:
-
Enrolled in a PhD program in the U.S.
-
Conducting research in machine learning, deep learning, or AI
-
Demonstrate innovation and academic excellence
Award Amount:
-
Full tuition and fees
-
$42,000 stipend
-
Invitation to a research summit hosted by Microsoft
Why It’s Valuable:
Fellows gain mentorship, networking opportunities, and collaboration potential with Microsoft’s world-class researchers.
7. IBM PhD Fellowship Program
Overview:
IBM offers fellowships to outstanding PhD students in areas like machine learning, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
Eligibility:
-
Full-time PhD students
-
Strong academic record and demonstrated research ability
-
Nominated by faculty members
Award Amount:
-
Up to $25,000 in tuition
-
$35,000 in living expenses
-
Mentorship and internship opportunities
Why It’s Valuable:
IBM’s strong focus on research and innovation makes this fellowship ideal for those looking to work on real-world machine learning applications.
Application Tips for Machine Learning Scholarships
To improve your chances of receiving a competitive scholarship, consider the following tips:
-
Build a Strong Research Portfolio
-
Start working on ML projects early. Participate in research labs, publish papers, or contribute to open-source machine learning repositories.
-
-
Maintain High Academic Performance
-
Most scholarships require a high GPA and strong academic record, especially in technical courses like algorithms, data structures, and statistics.
-
-
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
-
Clearly explain your passion for machine learning, your long-term goals, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to the field.
-
-
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
-
Ask professors or mentors who know your research abilities well. A recommendation from a well-known figure in computer science can strengthen your application.
-
-
Tailor Each Application
-
Customize your essays and CV to match the goals and values of each scholarship provider. Highlight relevant coursework, experiences, and achievements.
-
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in machine learning through a computer science degree in the USA can be both exciting and challenging. Fortunately, a wide range of scholarships and fellowships can ease the financial burden and provide valuable professional opportunities. Whether you’re an undergraduate just starting your journey or a PhD student conducting cutting-edge research, these scholarships can propel your career in machine learning and AI.
Take the time to research each opportunity thoroughly, prepare your application materials with care, and don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors or advisors for guidance. With persistence and passion, you can secure the support you need to shape the future of technology.