Study

Data for Good Scholarship

Data science has the ability to improve the world in a number of ways, particularly in terms of social good. By analyzing data, we can identify and address issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. For example, data science can help us understand the root causes of social issues and find ways to address them, such as by identifying patterns in crime data to help prevent future incidents or by analyzing healthcare data to improve patient outcomes. Data science can also help us to make more informed decisions that benefit society, such as by identifying ways to allocate resources more effectively or by predicting and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

The Data for Good Scholarship is aimed at students that are passionate about the power of data to bring about positive change and improve the lives of people around the world.

Key facts

Who is it for?

Students who are interested in using data and data science to address societal issues and to promote better informed policy-making.

How to apply

  • First, submit a standard application to the MDS programme.

    Your application for admission to a master’s programme must be submitted by either the Early Bird deadline (1 December) or Priority Deadlines (non-EU/EEA 15 January; EU/EEA 15 February). We recommend you apply as early as possible.
  • After receiving an admission offer, you will be invited to access the Funding Application. You will have two weeks to apply for scholarships.

    For the Data for Good Scholarship, write an essay stating one concrete example of how data could be used (or better used) to improve policymaking. Please be as specific as possible and consider questions like why this case would profit from the (better) use of data, what data you would use, how you would access/gather said data, how you would propose to use the data and what potential challenges you might encounter in doing so. You can also use a data-related project or code that you have worked on in the past as inspiration.

You may not apply for scholarships until after being admitted to a programme. You may only apply to one full scholarship per year.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview with a faculty member.

 

“The Data for Good Scholarship enabled me to pursue my studies and to connect with passionate and like-minded people with similar interests that come from various backgrounds.”

Luca Verona Vellage – Data for Good Scholarship, MDS 2025

“The Data for Good Scholarship enabled me to pursue my research interests wholeheartedly and enhanced my motivation. It waived off my financial load and allowed me to focus on my studies and how through the lens of data you can make society a better place.”

Nima Thing – Data for Good Scholarship, MDS 2025

“The Data for Good Scholarship has enabled me to go into my passion of coding and pursue projects related to sustainability.”

Elena Dreyer – Data for Good Scholarship, MDS 2025