Deadline: 24-Oct-2025
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 contributes to significantly increasing the number of opportunities for women from eligible countries to be able to complete a UK master’s degree in the 2026-27 academic year, particularly encouraging women whose identities include multiple intersecting factors, including race, class, and religion, providing the selected scholars with a foundation to launch their careers in higher education and research in their home country, enabling women scholars to promote and enhance science and innovation in their home country through their exposure to the expertise in the UK’s renowned STEM research sector, creating strong and lasting connections with the UK through active engagement with Alumni UK network in the UK, directly contributing towards supporting the success of the alumni network and this programme in future iterations of the Scholarship, and providing a platform for the countries included in this call and the UK to work together to address the significant challenge of the global gender gap in STEM.
The scholarships aim to close the gender gap in STEM, where women continue to be underrepresented in research, leadership, and employment despite evidence of high productivity and impact.
For the 2026-27 academic year, at least 45 full scholarships will be awarded, each covering tuition fees, living expenses, IELTS exam fees, travel, visa, insurance, study-related costs, and reasonable adjustment support for scholars with disabilities. Each UK institution will host a cohort of five scholars, funded at £200,000, and will also be expected to provide co-funding or in-kind contributions where applicable.
Institutions selected to participate must demonstrate commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, and ensure comprehensive support for international students throughout their stay. This includes assistance with admissions, accommodation, visa processes, welfare, mentoring, and networking opportunities with industry. Universities will manage applications, shortlist candidates, and work with the British Council on the final selection to ensure geographic representation across the eligible countries.
Eligibility requires applicants to be women from one of the eligible countries, hold a valid passport, meet the entry requirements of the selected UK institution, demonstrate financial need, and show motivation to pursue a STEM career contributing to socio-economic advancement in their home country. Preference will be given to candidates without prior international study experience.
Through this initiative, the British Council continues to build pathways for women to contribute to science, research, and innovation, while strengthening long-term collaborations between the UK and participating countries. Application closes on 24 October 2025.
For more information, visit British Council.