collageYou probably know that most of the universities in Canada scholarships are not really focused on cyber security as a field of study, although it is an important aspect of both the business and corporate world. In the article I have summarized some of the scholarship programs that are delivered by different organizations and governments.
Software Engineering focuses on analysing the needs and requirements of users to design, deploy, and test new software. To develop applications, software engineers need to master in-demand programming languages, such as SQL, JavaScript, Java, C#, Python, PHP, and others. The work of software engineers has become increasingly important because technology and software applications are used in almost every industry. The demand for more complex software and the need to develop secure and trustworthy applications are some of the biggest challenges for software engineers.
Topics you can expect to study during a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Software Engineering include: computer programming, algorithms, data structures, human-computer interaction, web development, software project management, architecture and operating systems, security and usability, social responsibility and ethics, etc.
Software engineers usually work in teams. They can take on different types of projects, such as developing video games, applications used in business environments, software operating systems, and others. As a software engineer, you will spend a lot of time writing design specification documents and other files. This step is necessary to ensure that the process of software engineering is well organised.
Software engineers can either write code themselves or offer instructions/specifications to computer programmers and ask them to do it instead. They also take into account hardware limitation and spend time identifying potential problems and eliminating them before they happen.
After graduation, Software Engineering graduates find work as application developers, database administrators, game developers, software testers, web designers, software engineers, and others.
What is a Master in Cyber Security?
part of Computer Science & IT
Cyber Security also known as Information Technology (IT) Security focuses on protecting computers, networks, servers, mobile devices, and data from malicious attacks. The growing number of devices connected to the internet and new innovative attacks from cyber criminals represent some of the biggest challenges for Cyber Security experts.
Some of the topics you can expect to study during a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Cyber Security are: fundamental security design principles, IT systems components, script programming, cryptography, cyber threats, forensic accounting, legal and ethical issues, and others.
Cyber Security or IT Security professionals protect sensitive data for organisations from different fields, like banking, retailing, healthcare, education, social media, etc. As a Cyber Security expert, you are responsible for maintaining, evaluating, and improving the security infrastructure. Cyber Security specialists install firewalls, monitor network activity, back up data and create and implement security policies and procedures. If there is a web security breach, experts fix it as soon as possible and find ways to prevent future attacks.
Some of the skills you need to develop to become a successful IT security professional are analysis and problem solving, decision making, organisation and time management, attention to details, communication and creativity.
After graduation, Cyber Security students find work as cryptographers, information security officers, security engineers, penetration testers, forensics experts, security administrators, ethical hackers, etc.
Cybersecurity scholarships
This guide is designed to help students and those interested in learning more about potential cybersecurity scholarships. The guide includes information related to the kinds of scholarships available to cybersecurity students, where to look for scholarships, and what is required to be eligible for scholarships.
While degrees are extremely beneficial to those looking to enter the cybersecurity field, college and universities can be expensive and may feel out of reach to certain students. Fortunately, there are plenty of scholarships that exist to bridge this gap. Scholarships are offered by colleges themselves, non-profit organizations, and even well-known companies. A scholarship is money that can be used towards your degree, but unlike a loan you do not have to pay it back.
Beginning your scholarship search
It’s important to note that all scholarships are not created equal. Some scholarships have very specific eligibility requirements. Some scholarships have clauses which require the scholarship recipients to work at the organization that offered them the scholarship after they graduate or during their summer breaks. Aside from that, the financial awards given out vary drastically. Some scholarships will cover everything from tuition, fees, and books while others are for a smaller fixed amount such as $1,000.
Applying to scholarships often require some thought. Many of them will require written proposals that are a lot of work to produce. Because of this, students should do their research and ensure that they are both eligible for the scholarship they are applying to and that it’s a good fit for them.
Having a higher GPA will certainly provide students with a greater chance of receiving a scholarship that they apply for.
Preparing a strong cover letter and resume is an important step before applying to scholarships. Since students may not have much work experience, they should add academic achievements, awards, and extracurricular activities to their resume.
It’s also worth noting that each state often offers their own scholarships to students studying in that state.
Undergraduate scholarships
Scholarships are offered based upon a wide variety of requirements. Many scholarships are designed for minority groups based on things such as race, gender, and other similar factors. Before we dig into these types of scholarships, let’s have a look at some of the more generalized scholarships available for everyone. Let’s begin by looking at scholarships for undergraduates.
Central Intelligence Agency – Undergraduate Scholarship Program
For students interested in pursuing a government role after college, the CIA undergraduate scholarship program may be a good fit. Those attending college under the CIA’s scholarship must be enrolled full time at an accredited college or university. During the summers, these students work as at the CIA. After graduation, scholarship recipients are required to work at the CIA or a period equal to 1.5 times the length of the scholarship received.
Scholarship recipients who do not stay for the required period must reimburse the US government for the tuition they received. All positions require relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area during summer work tours. Find out more about the scholarship by visiting the CIA website: https://www.cia.gov/careers/
- Tuition assistance up to $18,000 per calendar year for tuition, mandatory fees and books
- Daily allowance for meals and incidentals during summer tours
- Reimbursement for transportation costs between school and Washington, DC
- Annual salary
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA)
Similar to the scholarship offered by the CIA, the NSA has a scholarship program of its own. This is another “scholarship for service” meaning that the student agrees to work with the organization after graduation or else they have to pay back all of the scholarship money that they have received.
Recipients of the Stokes Program will receive $30,000 a year for tuition. During the summers, they will intern at the NSA for 3 months. Just like in the CIA’s program, students must work at the NSA for 1.5 times the length of their scholarship after graduation. At this time they are given a yearly salary and all the benefits that come along with a full time position at the NSA. Learn more this NSA scholarship by visiting their website: https://www.federaljobs.net/blog/the-stokes-educational-scholarship-program-nsa/
(ISC)2 Scholarship – Undergraduate
The Center for Cyber Safety and Education and (ISC)2 offer both undergraduate and graduate scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each. Anyone studying in the cybersecurity field is eligible to apply for these scholarships regardless of citizenship.
The main requirement for the scholarship focuses on GPA. Undergraduate applications must have at least a 3.3 GPA. Read more about the (ISC)2 scholarships at https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships
- Up to 20 scholarships awarded to undergraduate applicants
- Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000
- If awarded the award will be sent to the school with instructions that it be applied to tuition, fees and books.
The Snort Scholarship
The Snort scholarship is offered by technology giant Cisco. Those awarded the Snort scholarship receive $10,000 to be used at an accredited college, university, or institution of their choice. The only requirements for this scholarship are that the applications can obtain a high school diploma by the year the scholarship would take effect or can provide reasonable evidence that they are seeking a degree in an applicable field.
In 2020, the Snort scholarship was awarded to two students. The scholarship typically runs between the months of April and May. More information about the Snort scholarship can be found here: https://snort.org/community/scholarship
- $10,000 awarded
- Can be used at any accredited college, university, or institution
- Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply to this scholarship
American Security Professional Fellowships
Heinz College awards a minimum scholarship of $10,000 per semester up to a full tuition scholarship to eligible students. If you are interested in an American Security Professional Fellowship, you must be a U.S. citizen who plans to enroll on a full-time basis and exemplifies a strong commitment to the field of IT Management.
Graduate scholarships
Many careers in the cybersecurity field require more advanced graduate degrees. Unfortunately, financial assistance for graduate degrees can be more difficult to come by than for undergraduate degrees. Below you will learn about some of the scholarships available for those pursing graduate degrees.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Scholarship
Available to those pursuing their master or doctorate degree, the GRFP is a good choice for graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors. In order to be eligible for the scholarship students much attend accredited institutions within the United States. Students can learn more about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Scholarship and apply on their website: https://nsfgrfp.org/applicants
- Up to a three-year annual stipend of $34,000
- An additional $12,000 education allowance for tuition and fees (paid to the institution)
- Freedom to conduct their research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education
(ISC)2 Scholarship – Graduate
As mentioned in the undergraduate section of this guide, The Center for Cyber Safety and Educationand (ISC)2offer both undergraduate and graduate scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each. The main difference between the undergraduate and graduate scholarships is that the GPA requirements are a bit higher for the graduate scholarship. Applications pursuing the graduate scholarship must have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Read more about this scholarship here: https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships
- Up to 20 scholarships awarded to graduate applicants
- Scholarships range from $1,000 – $5,000
- If awarded the award will be sent to the school with instructions that it be applied to tuition, fees and books.
Scholarships for women
While women make up roughly half of the workforce, only about 28% of the STEM fields are made up of female employees. More specifically, women make up about 20% of the cybersecurity workforce. However, as more women graduate with computer science degrees, this number is growing. Fortunately, organizations are happy to invest in bringing more female talent in by offering plenty of scholarships for women pursuing these careers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR WOMEN IN CYBERSECURITY GUIDE.
KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship and Internship
KnowBe4 specializes in security awareness training and simulated phishing campaigns. The KnowBe4 scholarships offers women pursuing cybersecurity careers $10,000 to be used for tuition, fees, and books. In addition, the scholarship is paired with a 3-month paid internship at KnowBe4 during the summer. More information can be found at the KnowBe4 scholarship here: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/knowbe4-womens-cyber-scholarships-
- $10,000 to be used for tuition, fees, and books
- 3-month paid internships (rate of pay varies based on education level)
- Scholarship recipient responsible for travel and lodging for internship
(ISC)2 Women in Information Security Scholarship
Applicants pursuing this scholarship must be female and currently pursuing a degree with a focus on cybersecurity. This scholarship can be applied towards undergraduate or graduate degrees. Women awarded this scholarship will receive a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. Students wishing to apply for this scholarship should maintain at least a 3.3 GPA. Read more about this scholarship here: https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/womens-scholarships
- $1,000 – $6,000
- Up to 10 women awarded this scholarship
- Applicable to both graduate and undergraduate students
SWSIS (Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security) Program Scholarship
The SWSIS scholarship is specifically for women pursuing their bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to cybersecurity. In order to be eligible for the SWSIS scholarship, applicants must either be enrolled or be accepted at an accredited U.S. institution. This scholarship is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. As of 2019, SWSIS has provided scholarships to 90 women so far. Read more about this scholarship here: https://cra.org/cra-wp/scholarships-and-awards/scholarships/swsis/#overview
- Up to $10,000
- Women working towards Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in cybersecurity
Women Techmakers Scholars Program (Formerly Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Program)
Google offers three scholarships in memory of Dr. Anita Borg including the Women Techmakers Scholarship for computer science. North American students are awarded $10,000 USD for students in the U.S. and $5,000 CAD for Canadian students. Women are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they have a high school diploma or equivalent, are currently enrolled at an accredited institution, and are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree.
- $10,000 USD for students in U.S.
- $5,000 CAD for students in Canada
- Women working towards Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree
VIP’s Women in Technology Scholarship
Visionary Integration Professional’s offers multiple $2,500 scholarships to women pursuing two- or four-year degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, and other related fields. Applicants must apply by April 1st to be eligible for that year’s scholarship. More information regarding this scholarship can be found at: https://www.trustvip.com/company/community-service-and-support/
- Multiple scholarships awarded
- $2,500 each
- Women pursuing two- or four- year degrees
WOMEN in Technology Fellowships
Heinz College offers a limited number of half-tuition Women in Technology Fellowships each year. These fellowships are awarded to exceptional students joining the MSISPM program. Awards will be based on the student’s potential for excellence and leadership in the field of information technology and management. Preference will be given to (i) students who have demonstrated interest and commitment to the promotion of women in technology-related fields, (ii) students with a major/ minor in gender studies/ theory, (iii) graduates of HBCU’s and HSI’s, (iv) students who are first in their family to attend graduate school, and/ or (v) students for whom English is their second language.
Scholarships for veterans
Military veterans looking to reenter the civilian workforce by entering cybersecurity careers are eligible for specialized scholarships.
Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program
Cisco partnered with Onward to Opportunity to offer the Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program. This scholarship is a little different from other scholarships we’ve discussed in the guide because rathe than provide financial support for a college or university, this scholarship is for free training and certification from Cisco itself. Veterans that receive this scholarship can take the Cisco CCNA course and certification.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The U.S Department of Veteran’s Affairs offers the Yellow Ribbon Program to veterans who are pursuing a higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. While this scholarship isn’t specific to cybersecurity careers, it can absolutely be used towards a cybersecurity degree. Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program here: va.gov/education/about-gibill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
This scholarship is reserved for undergraduate only. The War Veteran offers merit-based scholarship of $2,500 to active duty members of the military or honorably discharged U.S. military veterans. Applicants
of this scholarship must be currently pursuing careers in an eligible STEM major at an accredited university. Find out more about this scholarship here: https://www.afcea.org/site/?q=foundation/scholarships/war-veterans
MS in Cyber Security in Canada is offered by a handful of universities under different degree types like Master of Science, Master of Applied Science, Master of Engineering, etc. The duration of MS in Cyber Security in Canada varies from 1- 2 years. The cost of studying this program ranges between 17,239 CAD – 31,290 CAD annually. Though there are only a handful of universities in Canada that offer cybersecurity or information security degrees, plenty of vocational short-term degrees are available to look out for. These short-term programs are a shortcut to industry-like standards and learnings.
Check out tips and tricks for writing SOP!
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a related field is the basic eligibility to get enrolled in MS in Cyber Security in universities of Canada. You will need a score of 73-76% score. Documents like LORs and SOPs add substantial value to your applications. Graduates with MS in Cyber Security can find jobs in Canada with IT industry giants such as Deloitte, TD Canada Trust, Bell, CGI, Ernest & Young (EY). Starting annual salary of any individual with a master’s in Cyber Security in Canada is 42,716 CAD. Immigrating to Canada after pursuing higher education with one of the Canadian universities is also easier and so is finding a job in the global market.
cyber security scholarships in canada
MS in Cyber Security in Canada Top Universities
Degrees in IT/Cybersecurity help students in learning the implementation of security measures, ensuring privacy, authenticity, and integrity of electronic data for banking systems, corporate networks, and personal computers. The table below contains information about the universities of Canada offering MS in cybersecurity.
| University | Program | Course Duration | Annual Tuition Fee (in CAD) | Brochure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University | Master of Applied Science in Information Systems Security | 2 years | 19,598 | Brochure |
| Master of Engineering in Information Systems Security | 2 years | 19,598 | ||
| University of New Brunswick | Master of Applied Cybersecurity | 1 year | 22,622 | Brochure |
| University of Ontario Institute of Technology | Master of Information Technology Security | 2 years | 22,794 | Brochure |
Where Concordia University offers two types of degrees in masters in cybersecurity, there are a variety of short-term programs in Canada available to cybersecurity aspirants. Some of these are as follows:
- Centennial Colleges: PG Certificate in Cyber Security
- University of Winnipeg: PG Diploma in Network Security
- Red River College: PG Diploma in Information Security
If you wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in cybersecurity from Canada, you can go for the short-term diploma or certificate programs as the duration and cost of these programs is usually lesser than a masters degree.
how to become a cyber security analyst in canada
The Diploma in Cybersecurity Analyst Practicum from the Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB) could be the right program for you!
This one-year diploma can equip you with all the knowledge and expertise for an entry-level role in the bustling cybersecurity industry in Canada. The program curriculum is specially designed to fit the dynamic needs of the industry. It can allow you to learn interactively through exciting presentations, assignments and assessments.
What are the career prospects of becoming a cybersecurity analyst?
As a cybersecurity analyst, you can find multiple career roles in the industry to choose from. Dominant and well-paying industries, including automobile development, healthcare and pharmaceuticals and fin-tech companies, hire cybersecurity analysts. Your cybersecurity background can also prepare you for domains like e-commerce and electronics manufacturing.
As per information from the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), diploma holders in cybersecurity analysis can get entry-level jobs in the industry. These include roles like associate analyst, cybersecurity or IT executive, and cybersecurity risk analyst. However, you can progress to better-paying roles by acquiring further qualifications in the subject.
The pay prospects for a cybersecurity analyst are impressive too. According to Payscale.com, an average analyst can make around CA$ 65,547 annually in Canada.
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