Women in STEM Scholarships 2026–27
The British Council funds fully funded one-year master’s scholarships in the UK for women from eligible countries — closing the gender gap in STEM and creating future leaders in research and innovation.
Deadline
24 Oct 2025
Donor
British Council
Grant Size
$100,000 – $500,000
Category
Scholarship
At a glance
45+ full scholarships for women to complete a UK master’s degree in STEM during 2026–27. Each scholarship covers tuition, living costs, travel, visa, IELTS and study-related expenses.
- Cohorts hosted by UK institutions (5 scholars per institution)
- Focus on intersectional diversity and candidates with financial need
- Institutional EDI commitment required
Programme overview
The British Council has launched the Women in STEM Scholarships 2026–27, offering opportunities for women from eligible countries to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree in the UK. The programme addresses the persistent gender gap in STEM by providing scholarships, mentoring, and networks to launch strong careers in research and innovation.
What the scholarship covers
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- IELTS exam fees
- Return travel & visa costs
- Insurance, study materials, and reasonable adjustment support
Cohort & institutional support
Each UK host institution will welcome five scholars as a cohort, with institutional co-funding or in-kind support expected where applicable. Institutions must demonstrate strong Equality, Diversity & Inclusion commitments and provide admissions, welfare, accommodation, mentoring and networking support.
Why this matters
Women remain underrepresented across research, leadership, and STEM employment — this initiative both increases immediate opportunities and builds long-term ties between UK institutions and participating countries, strengthening science and innovation ecosystems globally.
Key goals
- Increase access to UK master’s degrees for women in STEM.
- Encourage intersectional representation across race, class, religion, and disability.
- Create alumni networks to amplify impact back home.
- Support institutional capacity to host diverse international students.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following core criteria:
- Be a woman from one of the eligible countries and hold a valid passport.
- Meet the academic & entry requirements of the chosen UK host institution.
- Demonstrate financial need as part of the application.
- Motivation to pursue a STEM career that contributes to socio-economic advancement in their home country.
- Preference for candidates without prior international study experience.
Note: institutions will be required to shortlist and manage applications, and final selection will be made with the British Council to ensure geographic representation.
Benefits & Impact
What scholars get
- Full funding for tuition, living costs, exam & visa fees, travel and study-related costs.
- Access to university mentoring, labs, and industry networks in the UK.
- Alumni network opportunities to continue collaboration and influence policy or research at home.
Long-term impact
- Build capacity in STEM sectors across participating countries.
- Increase diversity in research and leadership roles.
- Create sustainable UK–country partnerships that support future cohorts.
Selection priorities
Preference will be given for intersectional diversity (considering race, class, religion and disability), demonstrated potential to contribute locally, and those with limited prior access to international study.
Ready to apply?
Application closes on 24 October 2025. Please apply through the British Council portal below — Asara shares this opportunity for our network to amplify access for eligible women in STEM.
Quick timeline
Promotion & Institutional selection
UK institutions shortlisted and confirmed cohorts.
Application deadline
All applications must be submitted by 24 October 2025 (UTC).
Academic year 2026–27
Scholarships commence at UK host institutions for the 2026–27 academic year.
Information presented by Asara for Humanity Network. For the official application and full eligibility details, please use the British Council link above.