Bending Spoons EmployAbility Computer Science Scholarship

What you get

You get a one-off payment of 10,000 EUR for your studies, for example tuition fees, books, materials or equipment. Three of these scholarships are awarded each year. The money comes from Bending Spoons, one of Europe's larger tech companies, and the scheme is run by EmployAbility, an organisation that supports disabled and neurodivergent students. The aim is to help these students build a career in tech.

Who can apply

• Health condition: You have a disability, are neurodivergent, or have a mental-health or other long-term health condition. This covers, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD, visual or hearing impairment, diabetes, epilepsy, depression and anxiety disorders.
• Degree: You are enrolled in, or accepted for, a bachelor's or master's programme.
• Field of study: You study computer science, computer engineering, informatics or a closely related technical subject.
• Where you study: Your university is an accredited institution in the UK or Europe.
• Residence: You live in Europe or the UK during your studies.
• Grades: You have a strong academic record.
• Interest: You can show a clear passion for computer science in your application essays.

How to apply

You apply online through EmployAbility, not directly with Bending Spoons. You need your CV, academic transcripts, one reference letter from a professor, tutor or supervisor, and short essays about your passion for computer science and a technical project you worked on. The deadline is in early April, and you hear the result in July. There is no interview. Selection compares the overall strength of your essays and documents against all other applicants.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut narrowly. You must have a qualifying health condition, study a computer-science subject in the UK or Europe, and write strong essays. That keeps the applicant pool smaller than for open scholarships. But with only three places and a wide geographic reach, the essays are what decide it. If you clearly fit the criteria and put real effort into the essays and reference, your prospects are solid.