Generation Google Scholarship: Women in Gaming 

The Generation Google Scholarship: Women in Gaming is a Google‑sponsored initiative that encourages women to pursue careers in video game programming, game engineering, design, and development. 

Launched in partnership with Stadia, Google’s gaming platform, the scholarship supports female students globally, and especially in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, who are studying gaming-related degrees.

Google’s mission with this scholarship is to promote gender diversity in the gaming industry.

By offering financial support and recognition, it seeks to empower the next generation of women game developers and creators.

Generation Google Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To apply for this scholarship, you must meet several important criteria:

1. Identify as female.
2. Be a resident of an eligible region: Africa, Europe, or the Middle East.
3. Be enrolled in or accepted for a full‑time Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme for your next academic year.
4. Study a gaming‑related field, such as video game programming, game engineering, or game design and development (or a closely related gaming discipline).
5. Have a strong academic record and display leadership potential.
6. Show a passion for gaming and for increasing women’s representation in the industry.
7. Not be a Google employee or closely connected (Google employees are not eligible).

What the Scholarship Covers

If selected, recipients receive a cash award of €7,000 (or the equivalent in local currency) for their educational costs. This funding is intended to support:

1. Tuition fees for the relevant gaming course.
2. Study resources, such as books and software or other gaming‑specific equipment.
3. Other academic-related costs (sometimes including technology needed for game development).

Payments are generally made to the student’s university, rather than directly to the student, so the funds go toward educational expenses.

Generation Google Scholarship Application Process

Here’s how you can apply:

1. Go to Google’s scholarship portal / the IIE (or regional) application site (check the EMEA or relevant region page when the call opens).
2. Fill out your application form, including personal details, current academic status, and future study plans.
3. Upload required documents, such as:
   • CV or resume
   • Academic transcripts
   • A letter of reference from a professor, supervisor, or mentor
   • Short essays answering prompts about leadership, your passion for gaming, and diversity in technology
4. Submit your application before the deadline for your region. In past years, EMEA applications closed around April or December (depending on cycle).
5. Wait for the selection process, where Google reviews your academic record, essays, and leadership commitment.

Generation Google Scholarship Selection Criteria

Google uses a holistic review method. Applicants are evaluated based on:

1. Academic excellence (grades, transcripts)
2. Leadership ability, demonstrated through projects, community involvement, or other roles.
3. Impact on diversity, or potential to contribute to a more inclusive gaming industry.
4. Motivation and passion for gaming and technology, particularly from a gender‑diversity standpoint.

Generation Google Scholarship Closing Date

For previous EMEA cycles, the closing dates have varied. 

For example, 23 April 2026 was a deadline for a Generation Google scholarship that includes gaming.

However, older gaming‑specific ads noted a 10 December closing date.

Because the dates may change each year, check Google’s official scholarship page when applications open.

Generation Google Scholarship Contact Details

If you have questions about the scholarship:

• Google’s official blog explains the program and its goals.
• For EMEA queries: generationgoogle-emea@iie.org

FAQs