British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM initiative provides fully funded opportunities for women from eligible countries to pursue a one-year master’s degree at leading universities across the United Kingdom. Now in its fifth consecutive year, the program has made a significant impact by awarding over 400 scholarships to date, empowering women to advance their academic and professional careers in STEM fields.
| Host Country | UK |
| Host Institute | Various |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligible Nationality | International |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | One year |
| Opening Date | Open |
| Closing Date | Various through May 2025 |
The gender disparity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is a persistent issue globally. Women are significantly underrepresented in STEM professions, comprising a small fraction of the workforce, research teams, and leadership positions. Despite being 8% more productive on average than their male counterparts, women face barriers such as lower publication rates, reduced pay, and limited access to leadership roles. One major contributing factor is unequal access to education.
Table of Contents
Scholarships for 2025-26 Academic Year
Applications for British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM for the 2025-26 academic year are now open. The program collaborates with selected UK universities to offer scholarships for women across 24 countries/territories.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Recipients of the scholarship will enjoy:
- Academic Prestige: Study at renowned UK universities with cutting-edge research facilities.
- Financial Support: Full coverage of tuition fees, living stipend (£1,347 per month for up to 12 months), travel costs, visa fees, and health coverage.
- IELTS Exam Reimbursement: Costs for the IELTS exam will be reimbursed for successful applicants.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to a global alumni network and opportunities to inspire future generations of women in STEM.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to women and individuals identifying as women who meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a passport holder and permanent resident of one of the eligible countries/territories.
- Educational Background: Must have an undergraduate degree enabling entry into one of the pre-selected postgraduate courses at a UK university.
- English Proficiency: Meet the required level of English for postgraduate study in the UK.
- Financial Need: Demonstrate a need for financial support.
- Field Engagement: Active work experience or proven interest in their subject area is required.
- Passion and Commitment: Applicants must show enthusiasm for their chosen field and willingness to engage as British Council scholarship alumni after graduation.
Ineligibility Conditions
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Hold dual British citizenship or have previously studied in the UK with funding from UK government scholarships or institutional bursaries.
- Are employees or relatives of employees of His Majesty’s Government or the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM program?
Join the “DAAD Scholarships for All” Facebook group to unlock the doors to a brighter future through scholarship opportunities!
How to Apply
The application process involves two parallel submissions:
- Apply for a postgraduate course at a participating UK university via its official website.
- Submit an application for the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship through the respective university’s portal.
Key Points to Remember:
- Deadlines vary across universities; check individual university websites carefully to avoid missing out.
- Applications must be submitted directly to your chosen universities; there is no application submission required on the British Council website itself.
For broader inquiries about the scholarship program, applicants can contact womeninstem.scholarships@britishcouncil.org.
Impact of Women in STEM Scholarships
This initiative aims to empower women by increasing their representation in STEM fields globally while addressing socio-economic barriers to education. According to UNESCO data, fewer than 30% of researchers worldwide are women, and female enrollment in STEM-related fields remains disproportionately low, especially in areas like Information Technology (3%) and Engineering (8%). Increasing diversity in STEM not only enriches science and industry but also fosters innovation by bringing varied perspectives into problem-solving.
Conclusion
The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM represent a transformative opportunity for aspiring female leaders in the science and technology fields worldwide. By offering comprehensive financial support and fostering academic excellence, this program contributes significantly toward closing the gender gap in STEM professions while inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers that shape our world.
For more details on eligibility criteria and participating universities, visit the British Council website or contact your local British Council office today!
More Scholarships?
Fully Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships for International Students
International Student Excellence Scholarship at the University of Auckland
Fully Funded MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
Australia Awards Scholarships for International Students
Join the “USA Scholarship Network” Facebook group
