Computer Science & IT

Computer science and IT bursaries fund study in software development, cybersecurity, data and networks. The funders include telecommunications companies, banks, technology firms and coding academies, and some also offer learnerships and graduate programmes for people who prefer a work-based route.

Demand for these skills is high, so competition for the best awards is strong. However, the range of opportunities is also wider than in many fields, because IT skills are needed in almost every industry, from mining to retail.

What funders usually ask for:

• Good marks, especially in Mathematics.
• Registration for a recognised IT, computer science or engineering qualification.
• Sometimes an aptitude test, coding challenge or portfolio of projects.
• Interest in a particular area, such as cybersecurity or data analysis.

If you can show work you have built, such as a small app or website, mention it in your application. It proves your interest more convincingly than marks alone. Our computer science and IT funding guide covers the career options and a long list of opportunities, and our learnerships page lists work-based routes into IT.