Scholarships, bursaries and awards for current students
The following scholarships, bursaries, and awards are available to current computer science students throughout the year. We offer awards to energetic and committed computer science students - both undergraduate and graduate - involved with our community here in the Faculty of Computer Science.
An internal announcement will go out each year for nominations. This year's nomination deadline is December 8, 2023.
Please check with each scholarship and award eligibility if you intent to apply.
for any inquiries or questions regarding scholarships, awards and bursaries, reach out to csengage@dal.ca.
Snowball Gala Awards
The following awards will be awarded at the annual Snowball Gala hosted by the Computer Science Society (CSS). Ranging from $500 to $3,000, these awards recognize just how important community spirit and social development are to personal and academic growth.
The Ada Byron Award
$3000.00
Individuals must demonstrate leadership in and significant contributions towards increasing and promoting the involvement of women in computer science. For example, students may demonstrate this by playing a leadership role in events which encourage women to pursue careers in computer science.
- Providing a positive role model for women in computer science.
- Contributing voluntarily to the life of the Faculty of Computer Science and/or the broader Dalhousie University community;
- Being known as a congenial, reliable, mature person who is respected by peers and Faculty;
- Exemplifying motivation and encouragement;
- Demonstrating strong academic performance
Students do not apply for the award themselves but, rather, are nominated by peers/faculty/staff. At least one letter of nomination must be submitted in order to be considered.
In order to be considered, candidates must be in good academic standing and have been enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for that current academic year.
An announcement will go out each year about deadlines for submission.
The Leadership Award
$2000.00
Individuals must demonstrate leadership in and significant contributions towards building a community atmosphere within the Faculty of Computer Science. For example, students may demonstrate this by showing leadership in and contributing voluntarily to the life of the Faculty of Computer Science and/or the broader Dalhousie University Community.
- Being known as a congenial, reliable, mature person who is respected by peers and Faculty;
- Exemplifying motivation and encouragement;
- Demonstrating strong academic performance
Students do not apply for the award themselves but, rather, are nominated by peers/faculty/staff. At least one letter of nomination must be submitted in order to be considered.
In order to be considered, candidates must be in good academic standing and have been enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for that current academic year.
An announcement will go out each year about deadlines for submission.
The Citizenship Award
$1000.00
Individuals must demonstrate contributions towards building a community atmosphere within the Faculty of Computer Science. For example, students may demonstrate this by contributing voluntarily to the life of the Faculty of Computer Science and/or the broader Dalhousie University community.
- Being known as a congenial, reliable, mature person who is respected by peers and Faculty;
- Exemplifying motivation and encouragement;
- Demonstrating strong academic performance
Students do not apply for the award themselves but, rather, are nominated by peers/faculty/staff. At least one letter of nomination must be submitted in order to be considered.
In order to be considered, candidates must be in good academic standing and have been enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for that current academic year.
An announcement will go out each year about deadlines for submission.
Rosetti Awards
$1,500 - $2,500
The Gold, Silver and Bronze awards recognize the academic achievement of the top three students who are entering the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study.
Award Value:
- Gold $2,500
- Silver $2,00
- Bronze $1,500
All eligible students are automatically considered for the award. Selection of award recipients will be based solely on the cumulative GPA as recorded on the individual’s Dalhousie transcript at the time of the evaluation.
If there is a tie in the cumulative GPA for an award, the tie will be broken by the GPA across all courses listed or cross-listed as CSCI courses that the student has taken. IF a tie persists, then the award will be split across the recipients: A two-way tie for the highest GPA will see the Gold and Silver award values shared between the two recipients, while a two-way tie for second-highest GPA will see the Silver and Broze award values shared across the recipients.
A student is eligible for an award if:
- They were enrolled in a computer science major 20-credit program (BCS or BSc) with at least 2 credits per term in the student’s two academic terms prior to the award assessment and are in good standing in the student’s two academic terms prior ro the award of assessment and are in good standing in a computer science major 20-credit program at the time of award assessment.
- They have completed at least 5𝜂 − 5 credits towards their computer science degree requirements (including transfer credits).
- They have completed all year 𝜂 − 1 CSCI core courses
- The student must have at least one academic term of 2.0 credits (4 courses) or more to complete for their computer science degree at the time of award assessment. Students who have graduated are not eligible.
Students do not apply for the award themselves but, rather, are nominated by peers/faculty/staff. At least one letter of nomination must be submitted in order to be considered.
An announcement will go out each year about deadlines for submission.
Dr. Morven Gentleman Prize
$576.00
A student is eligible for an award if:
- The recipient is in second year and enrolled in project courses with community outreach (ie. CSCI 2691, CSCI 3691, CSCI 4691).
- Recipient must be in good academic standing.
- Recipient will be top performing student with a preference to someone who identifies as female.
- Recipient must be a student within the Faculty of Computer Science
Students do not apply for the award, automatic consideration.
An announcement will go out each year about deadlines for submission.
Dr. Arthur Sedgwick Memorial Award
$2,000
A student is eligible for an award if:
- The student must received his or her high school diploma in Nova Scotia
- The student must rank among the top 25% of the class (see note a)
- The student must have been a full-time undergraduate student in the Faculty of Computer Science in the term when CSCI 3132 was completed.
- The student must be a registered Dalhousie student in the fall term when the award is assessed.
- The student must not be a recipient of a gold, silver, or bronze award offered by the Faculty of Computer Science for the courses completed in the previous academic year.
The award will be assessed during the fall term. Students do not need to apply for the award.
An announcement will go out each year about deadlines for submission.
Industry Scholarships & Awards
The following scholarships are funded by industry partners.
Dash Hudson Scholarship
$5000.00
Dash Hudson cares about making data-backed decisions, helping customers, and fostering growth in the company and communities. Dash Hudson created this $5,000 scholarship to support the student community in their pursuit of education. Learning is a continuous process, and we understand the importance, challenges, and opportunities that postsecondary education gives individuals.
We hope that the Dash Hudson Scholarship will help BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour) students further their education without the strain that finances create for Nova Scotia students.
Dash Hudson Scholarship ($5,000) is now open for applications for students who:
- are enrolled in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University.
- self-identified as being BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour).
- can demonstrate high academic achievement (with a minimum CGPA of 3.0).
- preference to a student who is from Nova Scotia..
Deadline to apply: December 8, 2023, 4:30 pm
WeAreAllCS Leacross Leadership Scholarship
$10,000.00
The WeAreAllCS Leacross Leadership Scholarship was established in 2021 by the Leacross Foundation, awarding a female student currently enrolled in their third or fourth year in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University. The Leacross Foundation created this $10,000 scholarship to support female students to increase leadership while undergoing mentorship and training opportunities during their education.
WeAreAllCS Leacross Leadership Scholarship ($10,000) is for students who:
- are enrolled in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University
- identify as being female
- are enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of study
- can demonstrate high academic achievement (with a minimum CGPA of 3.0)
- can demonstrate leadership or volunteering in the community
Application are now closed.
MDA Geointelligence Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science
$5,000.00
The MDA Geointelligence Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science was established in 2022 by MDA Geointelligence to award a student in high academic standing, pursuing education for a space-related career during their study in the Faculty of Computer Science.
We thank MDA Geointelligence for their generosity and support of computer science students in pursuing their passion for technology and space-related career pathway.
Learn more about MDA Geointelligence.
MDA Geointelligence Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science ($5,000) is for students who:
- is enrolled in an undergraduate or a graduate program in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University.
- will demonstrate strong interest in pursuing computer science for a space-related career (i.e. participate in Dal Space Systems, ShiftKey Space App Hackathons or other related space-industry activities).
- can demonstrate high academic standing (CGPA 3.0 minimum).
Preference will be given to a recipient that self-identifies as being from an equity seeking community group that is underrepresented in the field (women, Black/African, Indigenous, racialized groups, sexual orientation, gender identity, persons with disabilities, etc.).
Deadline to apply: December 8, 2023, 4:30 pm
Digital Nova Scotia Access Award
$5,000.00
Digital Nova Scotia works closely with its stakeholders and funding partners to develop and implement a wide variety of impactful programs and opportunities to foster Nova Scotia’s digital technologies industry. From diversity to youth initiatives, to a globally competitive workforce, Digital Nova Scotia aims to grow our digital economy. The intent is to support non- traditional pathways, a mature student (non high school) from upskilling, or a student from a different career. The impact of this award is to enable the student in their pursuit of computer science education. The award will be presented to the successful recipient at the annual Snowball event.
Digital Nova Scotia Access Award ($5,000) is for students who:
- Is entering an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University.
- Will be a mature student or someone who is coming to the university not directly from high school.
- Will demonstrate a passion for the field of computer science through learning, experience and engagement.
Preference is given to a student from the Skills for Hire Atlantic program, a student from Nova Scotia, and/or a student from the local rural community, or a first-generation student.
Applications opening soon.
Arvin Ramlakhan Scholarship for Change Champions
$1,500.00
The Arvin Ramlakhan Scholarship for Change Champions will be awarded annually to a student, in good academic standing that is currently enrolled in the Master of Digital Innovation program, to support the student in their pursuit of computer science education for effecting societal change.
We thank Arvin Ramlakhan for their generosity and support of computer science students in pursuing their passion for technology.
Arvin Ramlakhan Scholarship for Change Champions ($1,500) is for students who:
- Is currently enrolled in the Master of Digital Innovation program in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University.
- Will demonstrate a strong academic achievement.
- Will demonstrate interest in pursuing computer science to affect societal or impact the world to improve health outcomes.
Preference for recipients who aim to improve public health care or policy around health outcomes.
Deadline to apply: December 8, 2023, 4:30 pm
Industry Bursaries
Michael Shepherd and BDANS Bursary in Data Science and Machine Learning
$10,000.00
The establishment of the Michael Shepherd and The Big Data Alliance of Nova Scotia (BDANS) Bursary in Data Science and Machine Learning is to support a student in their pursuit of data science and/or machine learning. This bursary was named set up by The Big Data Congress and the corresponding Big Data Alliance of Nova Scotia, in honor of Michael Shepherd to recognize his significant contributions to the Congress's success and impact on the community and establishes a positive legacy by supporting deserving students in this field.
The Michael Shepherd and BDANS Bursary ($10,000) in Data Science and Machine Learning is for students who:
- are enrolled in a graduate program in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University.
- demonstrate financial need.
- demonstrate interest in pursuing data science and machine learning
Application opening soon.
Bursaries
Faculty of Computer Science Masters Student Bursary
$1,500 to $2,500
The Faculty of Computer Science is making bursary funds available to Masters students in its graduate programs. Priority will be given to students:
- Later in the program but within program timelines;
- Who have not received prior bursary funding;
- Who belong to groups that are known to have faced Canadian systemic barriers that nave negatively impacted their financial opportunities, notably Indigenous students and students of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians)
Students who apply to the bursary are expected to also be engaging alternate funding paths. Notably, domestic students are expected to apply for a Canadian Student Loan and a Provincial Student Loan. If you have not applied for these loans or are not eligible to apply, enclose an explanation or a non-eligibility letter.
International students can seek the FCS bursary to help fill a significant funding gap between the funding plan that was presented at the time of applying for a study permit and current expenses. You must provide the funding plan that was provided to obtain the study permit.
Eligibility criteria
- You must be experiencing financial shortfalls from reasonable educational expenses.
- You must be a registered full-time graduate student in a graduate program offered by the Faculty of Computer Science (MACS, MCS, MDI, MSc CBBI) within 2 years of starting the program.
- You must be completing your program at a reasonable pace (9 credit hours per term for MACS or MDI students, 6 credit hours per term with satisfactory research progress for MCS and MSc students).
- If a thesis student, you must have a supervisor recorded in GSIS and an up-to-date progress report.
- Students are expected to have explored all available resources outside the university before applying to the bursary program.
Applications close February 5th, 2024.