See below for frequently asked questions regarding the Microsoft Cloud and Data Scholarship Program.
What is the Microsoft Cloud and Data Scholarship?
- Microsoft and Udacity are partnering to offer 310 fully-funded scholarships in an effort to upskill individuals and prepare them for related Microsoft Certification Exams.
What does this program entail?
- This program is free of charge and available to all eligible learners who complete the application.
- There are two tracks for this program. The AI Engineer using Microsoft Azure Nanodegree Track (Advanced Practitioner Track) consists of a 3-month, self-guided learning journey. The Data Analysis and Visualization using Power BI Nanodegree Track (Beginner Foundational Track) consist of a 3-month, self-guided learning journey too.
How can I benefit from this program?
- Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects designed by industry experts, build their portfolio of skills and prepare themselves for careers in jobs of the future. Furthermore, upon graduating from either track, graduates will have the opportunity to take, at no cost, the Microsoft Certification Exam related to their Nanodegree. Graduates of AI Engineer using Microsoft Azure Nanodegree Track (Advanced Practitioner Track) would have the opportunity to take Exam AI-102: Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution. Graduates of the Data Analysis and Visualization using Power BI Nanodegree Track (Beginner Foundational Track) would have the opportunity to take Exam PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst.
What does the learner journey look like as part of this program?
- As a student in the program, your learning journey will be self-guided with support from tutors and an online community. Throughout your entire 3-month journey, you will have access to an online community platform, where you can get support from tutors and other students in the program!
What are the eligibility criteria to enroll?
- AI Engineer using Microsoft Azure Nanodegree Track (Advanced Practitioner Track)
- Submit the online application here
- Pass the technical assessment in the online application
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Data Analysis and Visualization using Power BI Nanodegree Track (Beginner Foundational Track)
- Submit the online application here
- Pass a series of basic Microsoft Excel questions in the online application -
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Individuals who identify as women, Black or Hispanic are encouraged to apply a
Are there any fees for enrollment?
- No, this is a free scholarship. Both tracks are free.
What is the duration program?
- The program is designed to run from April 26, 2022 to July 26, 2022. However, it is important to note that the program is self-paced and you can finish it in less than the designed duration if you are willing and able to do so.
What are the prerequisites for enrollment?
- For AI Engineer using Microsoft Azure, prerequisites include Python programming and other required skills:
- Python programming skills
- Understand the basics of object-oriented programming.
- Read basic Python syntax, including using white space in Python.
- Distinguish between object types like integers and strings in scripts.
- Use Python to build basic algorithms for simple programs and scripts that automate common tasks (i.e. renaming files).
- Write and run basic programming scripts in a terminal that include function definitions and loops.
- Other required skills
- Demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft Azure and the ability to navigate the Azure portal
- Familiarity with a variety of Azure data sources such as Azure Data Lake and Azure SQL
- Demonstrate knowledge of JSON and REST programming semantics and the ability to use APIs in application development
- Access to a computer and reliable internet
- For Data Analysis and Visualization using Power BI, a well-prepared learner is already able to:
- Use Microsoft Excel to organize and analyze data, including the use of basic functions (SUM, DIVIDE, AVERAGE, etc.) and creating basic formulae (a + b = c, for example)
- Create a table in Microsoft Excel, including filtering using column headers
- Access to a computer and reliable internet.
- In addition, learners need a Windows operating system to complete this Nanodegree, and will need to download and install free Power BI Desktop software. Supported operating system includes: Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, and Windows 11.
How do I apply for the program?
- You can apply for either the Practitioner or Foundational Track using this link.
When will the applications open/close?
- Applications open on March 15, 2022, and will close on April 18, 2022.
How will I know if I am accepted in the scholarship?
- We will contact you via email by April 22, 2022. So, please make sure to check your e-mail frequently that day. Please use one email for everything during the program, and make sure to check your SPAM folder to see if you received emails from our side.
Can I cancel an application I submitted?
- A fully submitted application cannot be deleted. Please ensure you are submitting accurate and correct information, and that you are committed to the program timelines before submitting your application.
Is this program online, in-person, or a combination of both?
- This is a fully online program. Throughout the cohort, students get to learn through online videos in their classroom and interact with peers and tutors on their community platform.
Will you provide us with any kind of career support?
- Within the program, there are career projects that are designed to support your professional pursuits. These projects involve improving your LinkedIn profile and optimizing your GitHub profile.
Can I change the email address that I have used to sign-up?
- You should maintain the same email address you used to apply for the Microsoft Cloud and Data Scholarship for the duration of your entire course in order to stay eligible for this Nanodegree program.
Can I withdraw/postpone studying after I am enrolled?
- There are no withdrawal or postponing options available in the scholarship. You should only join this program if you are committed to learning and graduating within the defined timeline of the program.
