The deadline to apply is June 20, so read on to find out more
While each Black Hat event offers a variety of pass types to best fit attendees' schedules and content preferences, each event also features a separate registration path that some may not be aware of: the Black Hat Scholarship Program.
The Black Hat Scholarship Program is part of the wider Black Hat Community Program, and is geared toward the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The specific scholarship programs can vary per event, but always include at least one program for students. For example, this program at Black Hat USA 2025, taking place August 2-7, includes scholarships for students who are in their undergraduate or graduate programs in their universities, in addition to scholarships for U.S. military veterans.
Image features attendees walking through the entrance to the Business Hall during Black Hat USA 2024.
Applications generally open around six months ahead of each event and close around a month and a half before each event. After applications are received, the Black Hat team individually reviews each application and selects those who will be provided scholarships to the event. Those selected for these scholarships are then each granted a complimentary Briefings pass to access all Briefings content taking place on Wednesday, August 6 and Thursday, August 7. Through this program, scholarship recipients have the choice between receiving either an in-person pass or an On-Demand pass to view the recordings after the close of the event.
The applications for both scholarship programs at Black Hat USA will close on June 20 at 5:00 PM PT. More information on the individual programs and application processes, along with feedback and advice from recent recipients and the Black Hat Review Board, can be found below.
Black Hat USA Student Scholarship Program
To introduce the next generation of security professionals to the Black Hat community, Black Hat will be awarding complimentary Black Hat USA 2025 Briefings passes to a limited number of student applicants.
To be considered for the Black Hat USA Student Scholarship, each applicant must meet the following criteria:
One of the past Black Hat USA scholarship recipients recently shared, "Black Hat USA was the first conference I've ever been to, and I believe it fundamentally shaped my understanding of the cybersecurity industry. Being with other industry professionals as a student was very valuable, the community at Black Hat provided me with a lot of mentorship, and their advice has resonated with me ever since. I recommend this opportunity to all students like me. It will seriously deepen your technical knowledge, expand your professional network, and inspire you to find your place in this ever-evolving field."
More information on this program can be found HERE and all applications can be submitted HERE.
Black Hat Veterans Scholarship Program
Black Hat is proud to once again provide access to Black Hat USA 2025 for the U.S. military veterans community, by awarding complimentary Briefings passes to select applicants.
If you are a veteran or will soon be transitioning out of military service, you are invited to apply for one of these scholarships. To be considered for a scholarship, each applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of the event.
Additional Benefits and Recommendations from the Black Hat Review Board:
Matt Devost, CEO of OODA LLC and Black Hat Review Board member, shared, "This program highlights the opportunities available to veterans in the cybersecurity field, how their military experience aligns with the industry, and how the industry aligns with their mission-driven focus. Additionally, it allows for direct networking with the industry and access to a diverse platform of content and insightful talks. Lastly, potential employers and cybersecurity professionals can gain additional awareness with regards to how transitioning military personnel can provide value within their organizations and thus open direct hiring channels that might not have previously existed or been fully developed."
If you're unsure what you might want to include in your application, Devost recommended, "Be sure to let us know why you want to attend Black Hat and what you are hoping to get out of the experience. Feel free to highlight specific elements of the field that appeal to you and why. If you have a home lab, have engaged in self-learning online, or attended local events, it is always important to mention those activities."
More information on this program can be found HERE and applications can be submitted HERE.
For registration and additional information on Black Hat USA 2025, please visit www.blackhat.com/us-25/.
Top Sponsors and Partners of Black Hat USA 2025 include:
For the most up-to-date list of Sponsors from Black Hat USA 2025, please visit www.blackhat.com/us-25/event-sponsors.html.