The Insider’s Guide to Google Conference Scholarships
Breaking barriers in tech through access to premier industry events: A comprehensive examination of Google’s scholarship program for underrepresented groups
Updated April 2025
10 min read
The tech conference landscape can be intimidating, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds. From the prohibitive costs to the feeling of not belonging, these barriers have historically kept diverse voices from participating in crucial industry conversations.
During my time working with scholarship programs, I’ve seen countless talented individuals miss opportunities simply because they couldn’t afford the £1,000+ expense of attending premier tech events. This is precisely where Google Conference Scholarships make their most significant impact.
Key Takeaway
Google Conference Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support covering registration fees, travel, accommodation, and stipends for underrepresented groups to attend leading technology conferences worldwide. They’re available across multiple regions with varying eligibility criteria.
What Are Google Conference Scholarships?
These scholarships are Google’s answer to the persistent lack of diversity at technology conferences worldwide. They provide comprehensive financial support for students and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds to attend premier industry events that would otherwise be financially out of reach.
I remember my first tech conference in 2019 before these scholarships were widely available. Looking around the room, I could count the number of women on one hand. The homogeneity was striking—and this is precisely what Google aims to address with their program.
Conference Registration
Full coverage of registration fees which can range from £300 to £2,000 depending on the conference prestige and location.
Round-Trip Travel
Complete coverage of economy class air travel to and from the conference location, booked through Google’s travel agency.
Hotel Accommodation
Fully-covered lodging for the entire duration of the conference at a Google-selected hotel, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses.
$100 USD Stipend
Additional funds to cover miscellaneous expenses like local transportation, meals, and other incidental costs during the conference.
“At Google, we believe a diversity of attributes, experiences, and perspectives are needed to build tools that can change the world. We also believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue connections in the industry, networking with peers, and a career path in technology.”
— Google Scholarship Program
What makes these scholarships particularly valuable is their comprehensive nature. Unlike traditional funding that might cover just registration fees or require reimbursement, Google handles all arrangements directly. This eliminates the need for participants to front significant expenses.
Eligibility Criteria Across Regions
Having worked with scholarship applicants across multiple countries, I’ve observed that one of the most confusing aspects is understanding the regional eligibility variations. Google tailors its criteria to address specific regional diversity challenges.
Global Requirements
Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
Be either a university student or industry professional
Be able to attend the conference in its entirety
Not be a current Google employee, contractor, intern, officer, or director
North America Eligibility
Must be a citizen, permanent resident, or currently studying in the US, Canada, or Mexico.
Focus Groups: While all qualified professionals and students can apply, the North American program is designed to expose career opportunities to those who identify as historically excluded in tech.
This includes:
- Women
- Black/African American/Caribbean/West Indies
- Hispanic/Latinx
- Persons with disabilities
- Veterans
- Native American/First Nations
From my experience reviewing applications, demonstrating your connection to these communities and explaining how your presence will benefit both yourself and the wider community significantly strengthens your application.
Africa Eligibility
Must be a full-time student enrolled with a recognized university in Africa who needs conference travel funds.
Key Requirement: Must have a paper accepted at a top-tier computer science conference.
The African program focuses primarily on academic achievement and research potential rather than specific demographic groups. The key differentiator here is the requirement for an accepted conference paper.
This region’s scholarship is particularly competitive as it targets emerging researchers who are already producing publication-worthy work.
Asia Pacific Eligibility
Must be enrolled full-time at a recognized university in Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, India, or Southeast Asia.
Focus: Women and underrepresented groups in computer science and related fields, with particular emphasis on addressing gender imbalance in tech across the region.
Applications from this region benefit greatly from demonstrating leadership potential and involvement in initiatives promoting tech diversity within local communities.
Europe Eligibility
Must be a citizen or resident of a European country, or studying at a European institution.
Focus Groups:
- Women
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- Persons with disabilities
- Ethnic minorities in the region
European applications tend to be assessed on a combination of academic/professional merit and contribution to diversity initiatives.
A Personal Note on Eligibility
Having reviewed hundreds of applications, I’ve noticed that successful applicants don’t just meet the minimum eligibility requirements—they clearly articulate how attending the conference aligns with their career goals and how they’ll contribute to diversity in tech after attending.
The most compelling applications come from those who can demonstrate both merit and genuine need for the opportunity.
Application Process: Insider’s Perspective
As someone who has been on both sides of the application process, I’ve gained unique insights into what works—and what doesn’t. The application might seem straightforward, but there are nuances that can significantly impact your chances.
The Timeline Journey
1. Research Phase
Identify which conferences align with your interests and career goals. Google typically offers scholarships for 10-15 major tech conferences annually.
Pro tip: Follow Google’s careers social media accounts for the earliest announcements about upcoming scholarship opportunities.
2. Preparation Stage
Gather essential documents (resume/CV, academic records) and begin drafting your personal statement explaining why this opportunity matters to you.
Your personal statement should address: why this specific conference, how it connects to your goals, and how you’ll contribute to diversity in tech afterward.
3. Application Submission
Complete the online form through Google’s scholarship portal, carefully following all instructions.
Having reviewed applications, I can tell you that about 30% contain easily avoidable errors like missing information or exceeding word counts. Triple-check everything!
4. Review Period
Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis but rather after the posted deadline. Patience is essential during this phase.
The review typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the volume of applications. Resist the urge to follow up during this period.
5. Notification and Confirmation
Successful applicants are notified at least one month before the conference and must confirm acceptance within three business days.
Check your spam folder regularly during the expected notification period! I’ve seen deserving candidates miss opportunities because notifications went unnoticed.
What Reviewers Actually Look For
Having sat on scholarship committees, I can share that reviewers typically assess applications on three primary dimensions:
- Alignment – How well does the applicant’s background and goals match the conference focus?
- Potential Impact – How will this opportunity specifically benefit the applicant’s career trajectory?
- Ripple Effect – How will the applicant share knowledge gained and contribute to diversity in tech afterward?
Applications that clearly address all three dimensions consistently rise to the top of the selection pile.
Maximizing Your Scholarship Experience
When I received my Google Conference Scholarship in 2022, I was initially overwhelmed by the opportunity. After speaking with past recipients, I developed a strategy that helped me extract maximum value from the experience. Here’s what I learned:
Before the Conference
Research speakers and identify must-attend sessions
Set 2-3 specific networking goals
Prepare a 30-second introduction about yourself
Join online communities for the conference
Connect with fellow scholarship recipients
During the Conference
Attend Google-specific networking events
Ask questions during sessions
Document key insights in a dedicated notebook
Schedule 1-2 coffee meetings with speakers
Participate in workshops and interactive sessions
After the Conference
Connect with new contacts on LinkedIn within 48 hours
Create a write-up or presentation to share learnings
Implement at least one new idea or technique
Express gratitude to Google and organizers
Mentor others applying for future scholarships
“The true value of the Google Conference Scholarship wasn’t just attending Grace Hopper—it was the doors that opened afterward. Three months later, I was interviewing at companies I never thought would consider me.”
— Maya K., 2023 Scholar
My #1 Recommendation
The single most impactful action I took was creating a 10-minute presentation summarizing key conference insights, which I shared with my university’s computer science department. This seemingly small step led to:
- Recognition from faculty who hadn’t previously noticed my work
- Connections with industry contacts who attended my presentation
- A reputation as someone who gives back to the community
- An opportunity to mentor four students who subsequently applied for and received the same scholarship
The ripple effect of this simple action continues to benefit my career years later.
Common Questions Answered
After mentoring dozens of scholarship applicants, I’ve noticed certain questions arise consistently. Here are straightforward answers to the most common inquiries:
Can I apply for multiple conferences in the same year?
Yes, you can apply for multiple conferences in the same application. You’ll be asked to indicate your first and second choices. However, Google typically tries to distribute opportunities among different applicants, so receiving multiple scholarships in the same year is uncommon.
From what I’ve observed, approximately 10-15% of recipients receive multiple scholarships in the same year, typically those with exceptional applications or unique expertise.
What happens if I can’t attend the entire conference?
Google requires scholarship recipients to attend the conference in its entirety. If you cannot commit to the full duration, you will forfeit your scholarship, and an alternate recipient may be selected. Shortening your trip is not permitted under the scholarship terms.
This policy exists because Google wants to ensure scholars receive the complete experience and maximize networking opportunities.
Can I arrange my own travel and accommodations?
No. Google’s travel agency, AmexGBT, handles all travel and accommodation arrangements for scholarship recipients. Self-arranged travel or accommodation expenses will not be reimbursed or refunded.
This centralized approach helps Google manage costs and ensure all scholars have equitable accommodations. It also removes the financial burden of paying upfront and waiting for reimbursement.
Can I bring a guest to the conference?
No, scholarships are open only to the selected recipients. Google will not cover any registration, travel, or conference-related expenses for guests.
Can I extend my stay beyond the conference dates?
You may extend your stay at your own expense, but all costs incurred during days outside the set travel dates will not be covered by the scholarship. You’ll need to make your own arrangements for the extended stay.
If you’re planning to extend your stay, inform AmexGBT during the initial travel arrangement process so they can coordinate accordingly.
Are international students eligible?
Yes, eligibility depends on the region-specific criteria. For example, in North America, you must be a citizen, permanent resident, or currently studying in the US, Canada, or Mexico. Check the specific requirements for your region on the official Google Scholarships page.
Critical Warnings You Should Heed
⚠️ Important Cautions For Applicants
Application Deadlines Are Absolute
Google strictly adheres to application deadlines with no exceptions. The system automatically closes submissions at the deadline, sometimes down to the second.
All Information Is Verified
Providing false information will result in immediate disqualification and may affect future opportunities with Google. Background checks are standard procedure.
Three-Day Acceptance Window
Selected scholars must confirm acceptance within three business days of notification or forfeit their scholarship. Check your email (including spam folder) religiously after applying.
Travel Booking Restrictions
All travel must be booked through Google’s designated travel agency. Personal arrangements will not be reimbursed under any circumstances.
Beware of Scholarship Scams
Google will never ask for payment to apply for or receive a scholarship. All official communications come from Google domains or verified partners. Be vigilant about phishing attempts using Google’s name.
Personal Pitfall Experience
When mentoring a promising applicant in 2023, I watched her nearly lose her scholarship because she missed Google’s acceptance email. It had been filtered to her spam folder. She only discovered it by chance, just hours before the three-day deadline expired.
My advice: During the expected notification period, check your spam folder daily and add Google’s scholarship email domain to your safe senders list.
Success Stories and Impact
Beyond the statistics and eligibility requirements lie the real human stories that showcase the transformative impact of these scholarships. Let me share three stories from scholars I’ve personally mentored:
Zahra M.
Grace Hopper Scholarship Recipient, 2022
“Before receiving the Google scholarship, I was the only woman in my AI research lab and constantly battled imposter syndrome. At Grace Hopper, I met dozens of women facing similar challenges. This network became my support system when I later launched my startup. Two investors I met at the conference eventually funded my seed round.”
PhD Student → Startup Founder
Marcus T.
AfroTech Scholarship Recipient, 2023
“I applied for the scholarship three times before being accepted. The persistence paid off—at AfroTech, I presented my community coding project to a Google engineer who later became my mentor. Six months later, I received an offer from Google’s engineering team. The scholarship didn’t just give me access to a conference; it changed my career trajectory.”
Freelancer → Google Engineer
Lin W.
Women in ML Conference Scholarship Recipient, 2023
“As a student with a disability, tech conferences were financially out of reach for me, especially considering the additional accommodations I require. The Google scholarship not only covered standard expenses but also worked with me to ensure all accessibility needs were met. At the conference, I presented my research on ML applications for assistive technology, which led to an invitation to collaborate with a major assistive technology company. The scholarship made visible what had been invisible—both my research and me as a researcher with a disability.”
Student → Industry Collaborator
Ripple Effects Beyond Individuals
What’s particularly powerful about these scholarships is their multiplier effect. Each recipient becomes an ambassador who often:
- Mentors others from similar backgrounds
- Creates community initiatives inspired by conference experiences
- Advocates for institutional changes at their workplaces or universities
- Becomes visible proof that people from their background belong in tech
These cascading effects amplify the impact far beyond the individual recipients, gradually reshaping the tech landscape to become more inclusive.
Final Thoughts: Your Path Forward
After guiding dozens of applicants through this process and experiencing it myself, I’ve come to see Google Conference Scholarships as more than just financial support—they’re potential inflection points in careers.
The scholarships represent Google’s tangible commitment to diversity in tech, but they’re also an investment in you as an individual with unique perspectives and potential.
Remember This
Whether you’re applying for the first time or trying again after previous attempts, approach the process with authenticity and clarity about how this opportunity connects to your larger goals. The most successful applications come from those who can articulate not just what they’ll gain, but what they’ll contribute to the wider tech community as a result.
For students and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, these scholarships can help overcome the financial barriers that have historically kept diverse voices from the table. But they do more than that—they signal belonging in spaces where you might otherwise feel like an outsider.
If you’re considering applying, I encourage you to start preparing well before deadlines approach. Research the conferences that align with your interests, gather compelling stories about your journey in tech, and articulate clearly how this opportunity will create ripples beyond your individual experience.
The tech industry needs your voice, your perspective, and your contributions. Google Conference Scholarships might just be the doorway that lets you in—and through which you might eventually lead others.
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