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 announcement will go out about each scholarship and award when the application opens.
Please check with each scholarship and award eligibility if you intent to apply.
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.
Industry Scholarships
The following scholarships are funded by industry partners.
Dash Hudson Scholarship
$5000.00
The Dash Hudson Scholarship is awarded to students who self-identify as BIPOC, preferably from Nova Scotia in Computer Science. 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 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).
Applications are now closed.
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.).
Applications are now closed.
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.
- Will change or impact the world to improve health outcomes.
Preference for recipients who aim to improve public health care or policy around health outcomes.
Applications will open October 2023.
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.