In 2026, the need for verified expertise has made professional certifications almost as valuable as college degrees. To make sure that skilled people can enter into high-growth industries without having to worry about money, many certifying bodies and tech giants have started specific scholarship programmes for the 2026/2027 cycle.
1. Awards for Finance and Project Management
CFA Institute Access Scholarship for 2026–2027
One of the best awards for people who want to work in finance.
- The Award: Lowers the cost of registering for the exam to $400, which is a savings of more than $800.
- Deadlines for 2026:
- The application period for the November 2026 exam was from February 10 to March 3, 2026.
- Next Window: The application period for the early 2027 exams should start in August or September 2026.
- Important Rule: If you register for the exam before getting your scholarship decision, your application will be cancelled.
PMI (Project Management Institute) Grants
The PMI Educational Foundation distributes out different awards to people who want to become PMP or CAPM.
- The award: individual scholarships worth between $1,000 and $2,500 to help pay for study materials and test fees.
- 2026 Deadlines: For the late-year cycle, regional chapter deadlines (like those for the PMI St Louis or Lagos chapters) usually fall around April 17, 2026.
- Eligibility: Students or professionals who live in the chapter’s specific geographic area are often given priority.
2. Scholarships for Tech and IT Certification
Google Career Certificates (Grow with Google)
Google is still working hard to get Coursera to certify more than a million people by 2026.
- The prize is full tuition scholarships for certifications in IT support, cybersecurity, data analytics, and UX design.
- The Google AI Professional Certificate scholarship now comes with a six-month voucher for specialised AI lab environments, starting in 2026.
- How to Apply: You can get it through partner NGOs like Ingressive for Good in Africa or directly through Coursera’s financial aid tab.
2026 Microsoft & Devosta Scholarship
A special programme for people who want to get Microsoft 365 and Exchange Administration credentials.
- The prize is full training and certification vouchers for the Microsoft 365 and Exchange Admin tracks.
- Status in 2026: Applications are open right now (April 2026). This is a “scratch-to-expert” programme for people who are new to cloud computing.
3. Grants for Specialised Inclusion
BAM 2026: The Black at Microsoft Scholarship
- The Award: Gives students of African descent who are studying for STEM degrees or certifications up to $10,000 once or $40,000 over four years.
- 2026 Status: The deadline for applications for the 2026 cycle was March 20, 2026.
- Preparing for 2027: Applications usually open again in January 2027.
Women in STEM (British Council)
For women from South Asia, East Asia, and the Americas who want to get professional master’s-level certifications in the UK.
- The award pays for full tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend.
- Most institutions have deadlines between March and May 2026 for the 2026/2027 intake.
4. Plan for getting certifications in 2026
- NIN Verification: For applicants from Nigeria and West Africa, Microsoft, Google, and CFA’s 2026 portals now use automated NIN verification. Check that your digital identity is up to date before you apply.
- Proof of Need: Unlike academic scholarships, professional certification grants (especially CFA) require a detailed personal statement explaining how the certification will affect your local economy, not just your salary.
- The “wait and see” rule: if you pay for the exam first and then ask for the scholarship later, many programs (like CFA Access) will not let you take the test. Always secure the funding before booking your exam date.
