British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM 2026: Fully Funded Master's Degrees in the UK (Worth £40,000+)

 

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM 2026

The gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) remains a persistent global challenge. Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, published less frequently, paid less, and face fewer leadership opportunities — despite evidence showing they are, on average, 8% more productive than their male counterparts.

To address this imbalance, the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship Programme offers fully funded opportunities for women to pursue one-year Master's degrees at top UK universities. Now in its sixth consecutive year, this transformative initiative is changing lives and empowering women to become leaders in science and innovation.

If you're looking for more scholarship opportunities for women, explore our comprehensive guide on scholarships for women: the best programs dedicated to African female students.

Quick Overview

Criteria	Details
Programme	British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
Funding	Fully Funded (Minimum £40,000)
Degree Level	Master's (1-year postgraduate taught)
Host Country	United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Partner Universities	43+ leading UK institutions
Academic Year	2026-27
Eligibility	Women from eligible countries
Application	Direct to participating universities
Total Scholarships Awarded	~500 since programme launch

About the British Council Women in STEM Programme

Programme Objectives

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships aim to:

• Increase opportunities for women in STEM fields globally
• Strengthen female leadership in science, research, and innovation
• Promote diversity and gender representation in the STEM sector
• Remove financial barriers to advanced STEM education
• Build capacity for socioeconomic advancement in scholars' home countries

Programme Impact

Achievement	Numbers
Years Running	6 consecutive years
Partner Universities	43 leading UK institutions
Scholarships Awarded	~500 worldwide
Scholarship Value	Minimum £40,000 each
Eligible Countries	30+ countries globally

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Each British Council Women in STEM Scholarship is worth a minimum of £40,000 and provides comprehensive support:

Financial Benefits

Benefit	Coverage
Tuition Fees	Full overseas tuition fees covered
Living Stipend	Monthly maintenance allowance
Airfare	Round-trip travel costs
Visa Costs	UK student visa fees
Health Coverage	NHS surcharge and health insurance
English Language Support	Pre-sessional English courses (if needed)
Initial Costs	Settlement and arrival expenses

Academic Benefits

• World-Class Education: Study at UK universities ranked among the best globally
• Research Excellence: Access to cutting-edge research facilities and faculty
• Career Advancement: Return home equipped to lead in research and innovation
• Alumni Networks: Join the prestigious UK global alumni community
• Professional Development: Workshops, mentoring, and career support

Eligible Countries and Regions

The programme operates across multiple regions worldwide. Here are the eligible countries for the 2026-27 academic year:

South Asia

• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka

Americas

• Mexico
• Brazil
• Other eligible countries (check official guidelines)

ASEAN Region

• Brunei Darussalam
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Lao PDR
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• The Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Vietnam

Other Regions

Additional scholarships may be available for countries in:

• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Middle East and North Africa
• Other regions (check official British Council website)

For students from Africa seeking fully funded opportunities, also explore fully funded scholarships for African students for more options.

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship 2026-27, applicants must:

Requirement	Details
Gender	Identify as a woman (as defined under UK legislation)
Citizenship	Be a permanent resident of an eligible country with valid passport
Academic Background	Hold a Bachelor's degree with results by July 2026
STEM Focus	Be active in STEM field with work experience or proven interest
Financial Need	Demonstrate case for financial support (cannot privately fund UK studies)
Commitment	Agree to return to home country for minimum 2 years after scholarship
Motivation	Show plan and passion to engage other women and girls in STEM

Additional Criteria

• No Previous UK Study: Preference given to those without significant UK study experience (over 1 month)
• Academic Ability: Must be motivated and academically able to benefit from UK postgraduate study
• Ambassador Role: Agree to act as UK ambassador and engage with alumni activities
• Data Sharing: Consent to data sharing with British Council for assessment and promotion

Who Cannot Apply?

You are NOT eligible if you:

• Hold dual British citizenship
• Are an employee, former employee, or relative of British government or British Council staff
• Have secured funding that duplicates the scholarship's core benefits
• Cannot demonstrate financial need

Participating Universities

The programme partners with 43 leading UK universities. Here are some participating institutions for 2026-27:

South Asia Programme (5 Universities)

University	Scholarships Available	Deadline
Queen Mary University of London	5 scholarships	April 19, 2026
University of Glasgow	Multiple	Varies
Cranfield University	Multiple	Varies
Additional universities	TBC	Check official page

Americas Programme (4 Universities)

20 scholarships available for applicants from Mexico, Brazil, and other Americas countries.

ASEAN Programme

Scholarships available through Cranfield University and other partner institutions for all 11 ASEAN member states.

Note: Each university has different application deadlines and eligible courses. Always check individual university websites for specific requirements.

How to Apply

• Check Eligibility
• Choose Your University and Programme
• Submit University Application
• Complete Scholarship Application Form
• Submit Required Documents
• Await Decision

Key Deadlines

Region/University	Application Deadline
Queen Mary University of London (South Asia)	April 19, 2026
General offer deadline	August 1, 2026
Undergraduate results deadline	July 13, 2026
Other universities	Varies (check individual sites)

Apply Now