Apply now for a British Council Scholarship

The British Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Women in STEM Scholarships 2026/2027, an international initiative aimed at addressing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Programme Title: British Council Women in STEM Scholarships 2026/2027
Application Deadline: Varies by university; generally, applications open for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Funding Type: Fully funded postgraduate (Master’s) scholarships
Target Audience: Women from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields
Location: United Kingdom (universities across the UK)
Duration: One-year master’s degree

This program is designed to support women from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds to access advanced education in the UK, fostering leadership and innovation in their home countries through exposure to world-class research environments.

Despite their significant contributions, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields globally. The British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarships seek to change this narrative by providing full financial support and opportunities for women to pursue a one-year master’s degree in STEM at top UK universities.

This is the sixth year of the program, which has successfully partnered with 43 UK universities and supported nearly 500 scholars worldwide. The initiative emphasizes not only academic excellence but also leadership potential, community contribution, and a commitment to advancing women in STEM sectors.

Scholarship Details

What the Scholarship Covers

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships are comprehensive and fully funded, including:

Tuition fees for selected master’s programs in STEM fields at partner UK universities
Living stipends to support day-to-day expenses during the academic year
Travel and visa costs, covering round-trip flights and visa application fees

Health coverage to ensure medical needs are met during stay in the UK
English language support to assist non-native speakers in achieving required proficiency levels
Monetary support valued at a minimum of £40,000, making this a highly competitive and valuable opportunity

Benefits of the Program

Access to world-leading UK universities renowned for research and innovation
Opportunities to develop leadership skills and build professional networks

Exposure to cutting-edge research environments and industry best practices
The chance to lead STEM initiatives and foster development in their home countries
Long-term alumni networks for ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and career development

Impact and Opportunities

Scholars will gain invaluable experience in advanced research environments, equipping them to become leaders, innovators, and mentors in their communities. Many alumni have gone on to:

Lead national and regional STEM initiatives
Drive innovation and research within their sectors

Mentor young women and girls to pursue careers in STEM
Strengthen the global and regional STEM ecosystems through collaboration and knowledge exchange

The program emphasizes the importance of increasing gender diversity in STEM professions, addressing issues such as underrepresentation, pay gaps, and limited leadership opportunities for women. By supporting women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, the scholarship aims to promote greater inclusion and gender equality in science and technology.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to be considered for the scholarships. These include:

Women from one of the 30 eligible countries and territories, SEE FULL LIST OF ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES HERE
Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential
A commitment to contributing to STEM development in their communities

Eligibility to undertake a full-time, one-year master’s program in STEM at a UK university
Sufficient English language proficiency, with support available for non-native speakers

Applicants are advised to carefully review the detailed eligibility criteria available on the official British Council page before applying: Eligibility Criteria

Participating Universities and Courses

The scholarship program supports a variety of one-year master’s programs across leading UK universities.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the specific courses and university options listed on the official application portal. Candidates may apply to more than one university but must submit separate applications for each.

List of participating universities and courses can be found via the application portal.

Why Apply for the British Council Scholarship?

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships provide a unique opportunity for women to access top-quality education, build leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to their communities through science and innovation.

This initiative not only supports individual career development but also promotes diversity and inclusion within global STEM sectors.

Participants will join a vibrant community of women leaders in STEM, access extensive alumni networks, and gain the tools necessary to become change-makers in their fields.

Whether aiming to lead research projects, influence policy, or inspire future generations, scholarship recipients will be equipped to make impactful contributions at home and abroad.

MORE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Application Process

Applicants interested in the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships should follow these steps:

Review eligibility criteria carefully and ensure they meet all requirements.
Select preferred courses and universities from the list of participating institutions.
Prepare necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a personal statement demonstrating leadership potential and community contribution.
Submit online applications directly to the selected universities via their respective application portals.
Ensure applications are submitted before the published deadlines, which vary by university.

Once applications are submitted, candidates will receive communication from the universities regarding the status of their applications. Successful scholars will be notified and guided through the scholarship award process.

For questions about the application process, or if applicants need assistance, they are encouraged to contact the British Council at: womeninstem.scholarships@britishcouncil.org

Direct applications are accessible here: Apply for Women in STEM Scholarships

APPLY HERE NOW

British Council Women in STEM Scholarships 2026/2027

Job Description