Apply for British Council Women in STEM Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline: Varies by university (typically March – May 2026)

About the Scholarships

The British Council’s initiative focuses on providing educational access to women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. It offers full scholarships for one-year master’s degree programmes at top-ranking UK universities and research institutions. The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships programme is part of the UK government’s broader commitment to gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Recognising that women remain underrepresented in STEM fields globally and that socioeconomic barriers disproportionately affect women from low-income backgrounds this scholarship aims to create pathways for talented women to access world-class UK education and become leaders in their fields.

The programme is delivered in partnership with UK universities and research institutions, all of which are globally recognised for their excellence in science and research. The UK is ranked second in the world for science and research, offering scholars access to cutting-edge facilities, leading academics, and innovative research environments.

Scholarship Benefits

The programme provides:

• Full scholarships – including monetary support, tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees, and English language support. Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £40,000
• Access to world-leading science and research universities – UK universities are globally recognised for science and research excellence. The UK is ranked second in the world for science and research
• Career opportunities – the scholarships help enhance women’s careers in STEM and enable them to promote research and innovation in their home country through their exposure to expertise in the UK’s renowned STEM fields
• Alumni networks – the scholarships provide a long-lasting platform to connect with UK alumni through Alumni UK, a global network of former UK scholarship recipients

Additional Support:

• English language support to help scholars meet university entry requirements
• Visa application assistance and coverage of visa costs
• Health coverage fees (Immigration Health Surcharge)
• Travel to and from the UK

Eligibility Requirements

General Eligibility:

• Be a woman, as defined under UK legislation
• Be a permanent resident of, and hold a valid passport or recognised international travel document from, one of the eligible countries listed below, and be able to obtain a UK visa using the documentation they hold
• Agree to return to their country of citizenship or residence for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends, except in very exceptional circumstances where return would be impossible or unsafe
• Meet the entry requirement of the UK higher education institution for the course they apply for, including academic equivalent qualifications and English language proficiency
• Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree at the time of submitting the application for the scholarship. Students in the final year of their undergraduate degree may be considered if they will have completed their degree in time for enrolment to the master’s course in the UK and meet all matriculation requirements
• Demonstrate a case for financial support – applicants must not be able to privately fund their UK studies and must not be in receipt of financial support from any other source that duplicates the core benefits of the scholarship. Private savings that can top up the scholarship are permitted
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not had any significant international exposure or previously studied in the UK (including distance learning at UK universities or study at UK branch campuses abroad). Significant experience is defined as a period of study over one month, or enrolment on or completion of an international degree course. Short-term visits such as study tours or conferences are permitted
• Indicate their preference for course and institution if applying to multiple institutions
• Be motivated and academically able to follow and benefit from a UK postgraduate taught course
• Be active in the STEM field with work experience or with a proven interest in the proposed subject area
• Be willing to contribute to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement in their home country after graduating from the master’s course in the UK
• Agree to maintain contact with the British Council and act as an ambassador for the UK, and engage with Alumni UK activities during and after their master’s course in the UK
• Demonstrate a plan and a passion to engage other women and girls in STEM from their home country
• Agree to their personal data being shared with the British Council for assessment and purposes of promotional activity, as a condition of applying for the scholarship

Eligible Countries:

The specific list of eligible countries varies by university and scholarship cohort. Typically, eligible countries include nations across:

• South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal)
• East Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia)
• Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and others)

Applicants should check the specific eligibility criteria for their chosen university and course.

Additional Eligibility for Specific Awards

Scholarships for Women in Hong Kong:

• An award is available in the following general study areas: economics, law, management, project planning, international relations, diplomacy, education, business administration, environmental studies, political science, and social sciences
• Applicants must be permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Region of the People’s Republic of China and hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region permanent identity card at the time of application

Scholarship Award Supported by COPOCYT:

• Applicants for the scholarship award supported by COPOCYT must be from San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Eligible STEM Fields

Scholarships are available for one-year master’s programmes in a wide range of STEM disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Biological and life sciences
• Chemistry
• Physics and astronomy
• Mathematics and statistics
• Computer science and information technology
• Engineering (all disciplines)
• Environmental science and sustainability
• Earth sciences and geology
• Materials science
• Data science and artificial intelligence
• Robotics and automation
• Medical sciences and biotechnology
• Agricultural sciences and food technology

Some scholarships may also be available for social sciences that intersect with STEM, such as science and technology policy, innovation management, and environmental economics.

What the Scholarships Look For

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships seek candidates who demonstrate:

Academic Excellence:

• Strong undergraduate degree results
• Ability to meet UK university entry requirements
• Motivation and capacity to benefit from a UK postgraduate course

Financial Need:

• Clear case for financial support
• Inability to privately fund UK studies
• No duplicate funding from other sources

Commitment to STEM:

• Active engagement in STEM through work experience, research, or study
• Proven interest in the proposed subject area
• Plan to continue working in STEM after graduation

Leadership and Ambassadorship:

• Passion for engaging other women and girls in STEM
• Willingness to contribute to capacity-building in home country
• Commitment to acting as an ambassador for the UK

Limited International Exposure:

• Preference for candidates without significant previous study abroad experience
• Short-term visits (conferences, study tours) are permitted

Application Process

Click on the link to the application website to apply. The application process typically involves:

Step 1: Research Eligible Programmes

• Identify UK universities offering eligible STEM master’s programmes
• Check specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship (varies by university)

Step 2: Apply for Admission

• Submit an application for admission to your chosen master’s programme(s)
• Meet academic and English language requirements

Step 3: Apply for Scholarship

• Complete the scholarship application form (via university or British Council portal)
• Submit required supporting documents:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Personal statement outlining motivation and career goals
• Financial need statement
• Letters of recommendation (typically 2)
• Plan for engaging women and girls in STEM in home country

Step 4: Interview (if shortlisted)

• Some universities may require an interview as part of the selection process

Step 5: Notification

• Successful applicants will be notified by the university or British Council

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary by university and scholarship cohort. Typically:

• University application deadlines: January – May 2026 (depending on institution)
• Scholarship application deadlines: March – May 2026

Key Dates for 2026-2027 Academic Year:

• Most UK master’s programmes begin in September/October 2026
• Applications for admission and scholarships typically close 3-6 months before the start date

Applicants are strongly advised to check specific deadlines for their chosen university and course well in advance.

Why These Scholarships Matter

Women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM fields globally, particularly in leadership positions and research roles. This underrepresentation is even more pronounced among women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, who face additional barriers to accessing higher education and international study.

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships address these barriers by:

• Removing financial obstacles through comprehensive funding (tuition, living costs, travel, visas, health coverage)
• Providing access to world-class UK universities and research environments
• Building confidence and capacity through exposure to UK expertise and networks
• Creating role models who will inspire other women and girls in their home countries
• Strengthening STEM ecosystems in developing countries as scholars return and contribute to local capacity-building

Scholars return to their home countries equipped with advanced knowledge, research skills, and professional networks. They are better positioned to:

• Lead research projects and teams
• Teach and mentor the next generation of women in STEM
• Influence policy and practice in their fields
• Drive innovation and economic development
• Challenge gender stereotypes and advocate for equity

By investing in women’s STEM education, the British Council is investing in sustainable development, gender equality, and global scientific progress.

Click here to apply

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