British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM Explained
Are you a woman with a degree in a STEM subject? Apply for a scholarship to study for a Master's Degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program in the UK.
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Who is the British Council?
The British Council is the UK's international cultural relations and educational opportunities organization.
The British Council builds connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and other countries through Arts and Culture initiatives, education, and English.
Founded in 1934, the British Council is a charity and receives 15% of core funding from the UK government.
What is the British Council's Women in STEM Scholarship?
The British Council's Women in STEM scholarship program partners with 21 UK universities, intending to benefit women from the Americas, South Asia, East Asia, western Balkans, central Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and Turkey.
It is aimed at women with a background in STEM who can demonstrate their need for financial support and wish to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM.
Women with a degree in a STEM subject? Can apply for a scholarship to study for a Master's Degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program at a UK university.
Women who have completed a PhD in STEM in the last three years can apply for an Early Academic Fellowship scholarship.
Why apply for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM
A British Council scholarship for women in STEM aims to increase opportunities for women in these fields. The UN Scientific Education and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported in 2019 that fewer than 30% of researchers worldwide were women, and only 30% of female students chose STEM-related fields in higher education.
Subject breakdown of females studying STEM subjects between 2017-18
| STEM Subject | Female | Male |
| Computer Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 19% | 81% |
| Physical sciences | 39% | 61% |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 37% | 63% |
What are the requirements for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM?
Applicants for Master's Scholarships and Early Academic Fellowships must meet the following requirements:
- You need to be a woman or identify as a woman.
- Be a passport holder and permanent resident in the following Eligible Regions:
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kosovo, Nepal or Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Serbia or Uzbekistan, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Montenegro, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Egypt.
- You must have applied to study an eligible postgraduate program in one of the program areas and at one of the following UK university partners assigned for each region as listed on the Scholarship website. Before applying for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM, you must apply for an eligible program.
- You must have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry into a postgraduate program at a UK university partner before you submit your application and start your postgraduate program in the UK.
- You have not previously studied at a degree level or higher in the UK or lived recently in the UK.
- You meet the English language requirement of the UK university partner.
- You can demonstrate your need for financial support via a means test conducted by the UK university partner.
- You return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship.
How to apply for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM?
Here are the steps to apply for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM:
- Students should apply directly to the participating universities
- You can make more than one application but need to apply through your chosen institution's international office
- For Early Academic Fellowships, you must have completed all components of a PhD in the last three years
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying for the scholarship
- After submitting your application, you will hear directly from the university about the status of your application.
What does the British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM cover?
Recipients of the British Council's Scholarship for Women in STEM will receive the following:
- Payment of tuition fees
- A monthly stipend at the rate of approximately £1,236 for up to 12 months to cover living costs, including accommodation
- If applicable, an accompanying child allowance for students consistent with UK visa requirements
- IELTS exam fee for students without a valid English test
- Return economy class travel from home country to the UK
- Study-related costs such as essential travel, materials, or thesis printing
- Other expenses, such as heavy baggage allowance
- Visa and insurance/NHS surcharge costs.
What are the benefits of a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM?
If you are a lucky recipient of a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM, you'll benefit from the following:
- English language support during your studies
- Academic prestige - the UK's universities are some of the world's leaders in STEM subjects
- Financial support includes travel costs, tuition fees, stipend, visa and health coverage fees
- Additional support for mothers
Browse our Master's Scholarships Directory for International Students.
Why may I not be eligible for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM?
You are not eligible for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM if you:
- Hold dual British citizenship.
- Are an employee, a former employee, or a relative of an employee of the British Government (including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for International Trade, the Ministry of Defense, the Home Office, British Embassies, and High Commissions.
- You are an employee, a former employee, or a relative* of an employee of the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM-eligible countries.
- You are receiving financial support towards your study program in the UK from another source.
- You have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship or a UK institutional scholarship or financial bursary.
*) Relatives are parents or stepparents, siblings or stepsiblings, children or stepchildren, spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (where the couple has been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years).
If you meet the eligibility criteria, have a passion for Science and Engineering subjects, and want to study in the UK, the British Council's Women in STEM scholarship may be an excellent option.
Explore even more scholarships for international students:
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