Application Deadline: Not specified
The application window is now open for the British Council’s fully funded Women in STEM scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year.
Overview of the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
The gender disparity within fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is extensively well documented. Women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM careers and research teams globally. Furthermore, compared to their male peers, women in STEM are published less, paid less and are less likely to reach positions of leadership. Interestingly, research indicates that women in STEM are on average eight per cent more productive than their male counterparts, underscoring the critical need for greater inclusion and support.
Purpose and Goals of the Women in STEM Scholarship Programme
In a bid to foster gender equality and enhance female participation, leadership, and innovation in STEM sectors, the British Council has launched the Women in STEM scholarships. This initiative aims to break down barriers by increasing educational opportunities for women, especially those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, who aspire to obtain a postgraduate degree in the UK.
Education access remains a pivotal factor in the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. The scholarship programme directly addresses this issue by offering comprehensive financial assistance for one-year master’s degrees at prestigious UK universities and research institutions renowned for their excellence in science and innovation.
What the Women in STEM Scholarships Offer
- Full financial support: Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel and visa costs, health insurance, and English language support. Each award is valued at a minimum of £40,000.
- Access to elite UK institutions: The UK ranks second worldwide for science and research excellence, providing recipients with a world-class academic and research environment.
- Career development: The programme enables women to advance their STEM careers and promote research and innovation upon returning to their home countries, leveraging expertise gained in the UK.
- Alumni connections: Scholars join a vibrant network of UK alumni, creating long-term professional and personal connections.
Entering its sixth year, the programme has partnered with 43 leading UK universities and awarded approximately 500 scholarships to date. For the 2026/27 cycle, British Council is collaborating with universities across the UK to offer up to 90 scholarships to female candidates from 30 eligible countries and territories. Interested applicants can find the full list of participating universities and eligible countries on the official apply for a scholarship page.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Candidates aspiring to apply for the British Council Women in STEM scholarships must meet the following requirements:
- Identify as a woman according to UK legal definitions.
- Hold permanent residency and a valid passport or recognized international travel document from one of the eligible countries, and be capable of obtaining a UK visa with their documentation.
- Commit to returning to their country of citizenship or residence for at least two years following the completion of their scholarship, unless exceptional circumstances prevent this due to safety or impossibility.
- Fulfil the entry criteria of the UK institution and master’s course applied for, including academic qualifications equivalent to UK standards and English language proficiency.
- Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree at the time of application submission. Candidates in their final undergraduate year may be considered provided they will graduate before enrolment and satisfy all matriculation requirements.
- Demonstrate genuine financial need, proving that they cannot self-fund their studies in the UK and are not receiving financial support from other sources that overlap with the scholarship benefits. For more details, Click here.
- Preference is given to applicants who have not had substantial international exposure or prior study experience in the UK, including distance learning or education at UK branch campuses abroad. Short-term visits such as conferences or study tours are allowed. Significant experience is defined as study or enrolment exceeding one month or completion of an international degree.
- Indicate their preferred course and institution when applying to multiple universities.
- Show strong motivation and academic capability to succeed in a UK postgraduate taught programme.
- Be actively engaged in STEM through work experience or demonstrate clear interest in their chosen subject area.
- Commit to contributing to capacity building and socio-economic development in their home country after completing their master’s degree in the UK.
- Agree to maintain ongoing communication with the British Council, serve as an ambassador for the UK, and participate in Alumni UK activities during and post-study.
- Possess a clear plan and enthusiasm for encouraging other women and girls in STEM within their home communities.
- Consent to having their personal data shared with the British Council for assessment and promotional purposes as a condition of application.
For those interested in applying, please Click Here To Apply.
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