Win £40,000+ full funding for master’s in STEM at top UK universities! Open to women from 40+ countries. Tuition, living costs, travel & visa covered.
- Scholarship Overview: Quick Facts Box
- What is the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships Programme?
- Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
- Scholarship Benefits: What You’ll Receive
- Eligible Countries and Participating Universities
- How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Pro Tips to Win This Scholarship
- Important Considerations
- FAQs About British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
- Similar Scholarships for Women in STEM
- Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Right for You?
What if being a woman passionate about science, technology, engineering, or mathematics could unlock £40,000+ in funding for a master’s degree at a world-class UK university? What if your gender—often a barrier in STEM fields—became your greatest advantage in accessing transformative education?
When I first encountered the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships programme, I was inspired by its mission and scope. This isn’t a token diversity initiative—it’s a comprehensive, strategic investment in addressing the global gender gap in STEM. Since its launch, the programme has awarded around 500 scholarships across 43 leading UK universities, creating a powerful network of women scientists, engineers, and researchers changing their fields and countries.
The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships 2026-2027 represent one of the most comprehensive funding packages available for women pursuing STEM master’s degrees. With full coverage of tuition, living expenses, travel, visa costs, health insurance, and even English language support—each scholarship worth a minimum of £40,000—this programme removes every financial barrier standing between you and world-class STEM education.
Whether you’re an aspiring engineer from Nigeria, a computer scientist from Pakistan, a biotechnologist from Indonesia, or a mathematician from Egypt—if you’re a woman with STEM ambitions and financial constraints, this scholarship could transform your career trajectory and amplify your impact back home.
Scholarship Overview: Quick Facts Box
| Scholarship Details | |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | British Council Women in STEM Scholarships |
| Offered By | British Council & Partner UK Universities |
| Award Amount | Minimum £40,000+ (full package) |
| Number of Awards | 84+ scholarships across multiple universities |
| Deadline | Varies by university (check individual deadlines) |
| Eligibility | Women from 40+ eligible countries |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree (1 year) |
| Field of Study | STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) |
| Renewable? | Full programme duration (1 year) |
| Application Difficulty | Competitive |
What is the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships Programme?
The British Council is the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, working across 100+ countries to build connections, create opportunities, and foster understanding. Last year alone, they reached over 80 million people directly through their arts, culture, education, and civil society programmes.
The Women in STEM Scholarships programme, now in its sixth consecutive year, addresses a critical global challenge: women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, particularly in leadership and research positions. This underrepresentation is especially acute for women from socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts who face compounded barriers of gender discrimination, financial constraints, and limited access to quality STEM education.
Programme Mission:
The scholarship provides funding for one-year master’s programmes at top-ranking UK universities and research institutions, specifically targeting women from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate:
Why This Programme Matters:
The UK ranks second globally for science and research excellence. By bringing talented women from around the world to study at world-leading institutions, the programme creates a multiplier effect: each scholar returns home with cutting-edge knowledge, international networks, and renewed commitment to advancing STEM and mentoring the next generation of women scientists.
I’ve seen how programmes like this transform not just individual careers but entire communities. When a woman engineer returns to Nigeria with expertise in renewable energy systems, or when a computer scientist brings AI skills back to Pakistan, or when a biotechnologist applies UK research methods to local health challenges—the impact radiates far beyond the individual.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
The British Council and participating universities have established clear eligibility criteria. You must meet ALL of the following requirements:
Gender Requirement:
Citizenship and Residency:
Academic Qualifications:
Financial Need:
International Exposure:
Academic and Professional Background:
Commitment and Engagement:
Administrative:
Scholarship Benefits: What You’ll Receive
This is one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages available. Here’s the complete breakdown:
Full Scholarship Package (Minimum £40,000 per scholar):
| Coverage Area | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% coverage of master’s programme tuition |
| Living Stipend | Monthly allowance for accommodation, food, and daily expenses |
| Travel Costs | Return flights (home country to UK and back) |
| Visa Costs | UK student visa application fees |
| Health Coverage | Health insurance/NHS surcharge fees |
| English Language Support | Pre-sessional or concurrent English language training if needed |
The Real Value:
When you total everything:
Total package value: £40,000-£50,000+
Beyond Financial Support:
As a Women in STEM Scholar, you also gain:
World-Leading Education:
Career Advancement:
Alumni Network:
Leadership Development:
This isn’t just funding—it’s comprehensive support designed to maximize your impact as a woman in STEM.
Eligible Countries and Participating Universities
The 2026-27 programme offers 84+ scholarships across regions. Here’s the complete breakdown:
AMERICAS (20 scholarships)
Brazil
Mexico
EAST ASIA (19 scholarships)
Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste
Indonesia
Malaysia
Thailand
Vietnam
Hong Kong
SOUTH ASIA (20 scholarships)
India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA (10 scholarships)
Egypt
WIDER EUROPE (15 scholarships)
Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Uzbekistan
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Guide
The application process requires applying separately to each university. Here’s your complete roadmap:
Step 1: Identify Your Eligible Country and Universities
Step 2: Research STEM Programmes
Step 3: Check University-Specific Information
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Standard requirements typically include:
Step 5: Apply to University Admission
Step 6: Apply for Women in STEM Scholarship
Step 7: Submit Before Deadlines
Step 8: Await Decision
For general questions about the programme, email: womeninstem.scholarships@britishcouncil.org
For course-specific questions, contact your target university directly
For complete information, visit the British Council Scholarship webpage.
Pro Tips to Win This Scholarship
Having observed successful STEM scholarship applications, here’s what makes candidates stand out:
1. Demonstrate Clear STEM Trajectory Don’t just claim interest in STEM—show it:
2. Articulate Specific Impact Plans Generic statements about “helping my country” won’t work. Be concrete:
3. Show Financial Need Honestly Be transparent about your circumstances:
4. Highlight Gender Equity Commitment This scholarship specifically targets women advancing gender equity in STEM:
5. Choose Your University and Programme Strategically Match yourself to programmes where you’ll excel:
6. Craft Compelling Personal Narrative Your personal statement should tell a coherent story:
7. Secure Strong References Choose referees who can speak to:
In my observation, scholarship winners combine three elements: strong STEM credentials, demonstrated commitment to gender equity in STEM, and concrete plans for community impact—not vague aspirations.
Important Considerations
Key Points to Remember:
Return Requirement: You must commit to returning home for minimum two years after graduation. This isn’t optional—it’s a core programme requirement ensuring scholars contribute to home country development.
No Duplicate Funding: You cannot receive other scholarships that duplicate core benefits. However, you can have private savings to supplement the scholarship.
Alumni Engagement: You’ll be expected to remain active in British Council alumni networks, serve as UK ambassador, and participate in alumni activities. This is part of the scholarship commitment.
English Language: If your English isn’t yet at required levels, the scholarship includes English language support—a valuable benefit many scholarships don’t offer.
Application to Multiple Universities: You can apply to multiple universities, increasing your chances, but you must complete separate applications for each.
Varying Deadlines: Unlike many scholarship programmes with single deadlines, each university sets its own timeline. Track these carefully!
FAQs About British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
1. I’m from Nigeria. Which universities can I apply to?
Unfortunately, Nigeria is not currently listed among the eligible countries for 2026-27. Check the British Council website regularly as eligible countries may change in future years, or explore other scholarships in this series.
2. Can I apply if I completed my undergraduate degree five years ago?
Yes! There’s no restriction on how long ago you completed your undergraduate degree, as long as you meet all other criteria.
3. What STEM fields are eligible?
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in all their forms—from computer science to biomedical engineering, from environmental science to data analytics, from physics to biotechnology.
4. Do I need prior UK experience?
No! In fact, preference is given to candidates without previous UK study. This scholarship prioritizes those who haven’t had international educational opportunities.
5. What if I’m married or have children?
The scholarship typically covers the individual scholar. Family support isn’t usually included, so you’d need to plan for dependents separately or study solo for the year.
6. Can men apply?
No, this scholarship is specifically for women addressing gender disparities in STEM fields.
7. How competitive is this scholarship?
Competitive, but with 84+ scholarships across multiple universities and regions, there are numerous opportunities. Strong applications addressing all criteria have genuine chances of success.
Similar Scholarships for Women in STEM
While the British Council programme is exceptional, here are other STEM scholarships for women:
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
For African students pursuing STEM and other fields
Award: Full funding at partner universities
Learn more: Mastercard Foundation
2. Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program
For women in computer science and related fields
Award: $10,000 (regional) to $50,000 (international)
Learn more: Google Women Techmakers
3. AAUW International Fellowships
For women pursuing graduate study in the US
Award: $18,000-$30,000
Learn more: AAUW
4. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science
For women scientists in various regions
Award: Research grants and fellowships
Learn more: L’Oréal Foundation
5. University-Specific Women in STEM Scholarships
Many UK universities offer dedicated women in STEM funding
Research: Individual university scholarship pages
Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Right for You?
This scholarship is ideal if you:
You might want to explore alternatives if:
Here’s my honest assessment: The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships represent one of the most comprehensive and impactful funding programmes available for women in science. With £40,000+ full funding, access to world-leading universities, and a global network of women scientists—this scholarship can genuinely transform your career trajectory and your capacity to drive STEM advancement in your country.
The programme’s emphasis on gender equity, financial access, and home country impact reveals its true purpose: creating a generation of women STEM leaders who will return home and break down the barriers that prevented previous generations from reaching their potential.
The UK is ranked second globally for science and research. This scholarship ensures that women from 40+ countries can access this excellence, regardless of financial circumstances.
Start your journey today. Research universities accepting applications from your country. Explore their STEM master’s programmes. Begin preparing your applications, focusing on demonstrating your STEM passion, gender equity commitment, and concrete impact plans.
For general programme questions, email womeninstem.scholarships@britishcouncil.org. For course-specific inquiries, contact universities directly.
Visit the British Council Scholarship webpage for complete university lists, application links, and detailed information.
Your fully-funded master’s in STEM at a world-class UK university—and your platform to inspire the next generation of women scientists—awaits.
Are you a woman with STEM dreams? Share this with others who could benefit. Drop your questions in the comments—together, we’re closing the gender gap in STEM, one scholar at a time!
