Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 British Council Women in STEM Scholarships

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 cohort of the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships, a flagship programme established to drive global change and foster gender equity in critical technical and scientific fields. The persistent and systemic underrepresentation of women in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics remains a major global challenge, impeding innovation and equitable development. Extensive research and data consistently identify a lack of access to quality higher education and specialised training as one of the leading, multifaceted factors perpetuating this gap. Barriers are often socio-economic, geographical, and cultural, limiting opportunities for talented women, particularly from marginalised or disadvantaged communities, to advance their expertise and leadership.

To directly confront and dismantle these barriers, the British Council’s Women in STEM scholarship programme has been strategically designed as a targeted intervention. The programme functions by awarding comprehensive, fully-funded scholarships that cover the entire cost of a rigorous, one-year master’s degree programme. These scholarships are not merely financial aids; they are holistic awards that facilitate a transformative academic and professional experience.

The programme specifically places scholars at the UK’s leading universities and renowned research institutions, institutions consistently ranked among the world’s best for scientific output, innovation, and academic excellence. By doing so, it creates a vital pathway for exceptional women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to access unparalleled resources, cutting-edge research facilities, and networks of global experts. The ultimate goal extends beyond individual qualification; it is to empower these women to return to their home countries as highly skilled professionals, innovators, and role models, thereby strengthening local STEM capacity, inspiring future generations, and contributing to long-term, sustainable socio-economic progress.

Eligibility Requirements

These criteria are applicable to:

• British Council Women in STEM Scholarships (consult the list of eligible countries for 2026-27)
• ASEAN Women in STEM Scholarships
• Scholarships for Women in Hong Kong (backed by the Sir Tang Shiu Kin Education Trust)
• Women in STEM Scholarships, Mexico (supported by Fundación Coppel and COPOCYT)
• Women in STEM Scholarships, Brazil
• any additional Women in STEM branded cohorts financed through this scheme.

Prospective scholars are required to:

1. Identify as a woman, according to UK legislation.
2. Possess permanent residency and a valid passport or travel document from an eligible country, enabling a UK visa application. A commitment must be made to return to their home country for at least two years post-scholarship, barring exceptional, unsafe circumstances.
3. Fulfill all entry requirements, including academic qualifications and English language proficiency, set by the chosen UK university.
4. Have finished an undergraduate degree. Final-year undergraduates may apply if they will graduate in time for UK enrolment.
5. Show financial need. The ability to fund UK studies privately or receive duplicate core funding from another source disqualifies applicants, though private savings for supplementary costs are allowed.
6. Priority will be awarded to candidates without substantial international or UK study experience (defined as over one month of study or enrolment in an international degree). Short visits like conferences are acceptable.
7. State their preferred course and institution when applying to multiple choices.
8. Possess the motivation and academic capability to succeed in a UK postgraduate taught course.
9. Exhibit activity in the STEM field, demonstrated through work experience or a proven interest.
10. Be prepared to support capacity-building and socio-economic progress in their home country after their UK master’s.
11. Consent to act as a UK ambassador, maintain contact with the British Council, and participate in Alumni UK activities.
12. Display a passion and concrete plan for engaging other women and girls in STEM from their home country.
13. Accept that their personal data will be shared with the British Council for assessment and promotion as an application condition.

How to Apply
Click here to apply

Benefits

The programme offers:

• Full scholarships: Valued at a minimum of £40,000, these cover tuition, a living stipend, travel, visas, health coverage, English language support, and monetary aid.
• Access to world-leading science and research universities: The UK, ranked second globally for science and research, hosts universities renowned for their excellence.
• Career opportunities: Exposure to the UK’s renowned STEM expertise allows scholars to advance their own careers and foster research and innovation back home.
• Alumni networks: A lasting platform for connection with UK alumni is provided.

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships.