CNCF’s diversity scholarship program provides support to those from traditionally underrepresented and/or marginalized groups in the technology and/or open source communities (including, but not limited to: persons identifying as LGBTQ, women, persons of color, and/or persons with disabilities) who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend CNCF events for financial reasons.

A few scholarships will be provided and recipients will receive up to $1,500 USD to reimburse actual travel expenses. The $1,500 USD can be used for the following: coach airfare, hotel (up to two nights), and/or ground transportation. Recipients will also receive complimentary registration for ServiceMeshCon.

Please note: You MUST register for KubeCon+CloudNativeCon in order to attend / participate / redeem your complimentary registration for the pre-conference co-located event that is ServiceMeshCon. KubeCon+CloudNativeCon registration is separate and at your own expense.

Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of need and impact. Selection will be made by an assembled group of reviewers who will assess each applicant’s request.

All application information will be kept confidential.

Information to Help Navigate the Visa Process

Start at the embassy or consulate website for the country you’re traveling to. Typically, you’ll fill out visa application forms online, print and mail them in, or hand-deliver them to the local consulate in your area. Some embassies/consulates will require you to make an in-person appointment.

On average, the process takes anywhere from two weeks to two months.

It is absolutely crucial that you meet all the requirements the embassy is asking from you.

Call your local embassy and ask for detailed instructions as to what documents they’ll need from you. Embassies are all different and the required documents can vary from country to country.

If your embassy/consulate requires an in-person appointment, and you are worried about availability and timing before the event, you might want to consider making an appointment now. If you’re only able to travel if granted a scholarship, you could choose an appointment date within a week of the scheduled scholarship notifications. That way you have the appointment if granted, and can cancel if you’re unable to attend. Be sure to check with the embassy if there are any fees associated with making or canceling an appointment.

Scholarship Applications Due: Friday, August 16, 2019

All Applicants Will be Notified by: Tuesday, September 3, 2019