Access to education is one contributing factor leading to the underrepresentation of women in STEM. The objective of this programme is to help address this situation by providing opportunities for women from the countries listed below to continue with their studies and research in STEM subjects. According to data from the UN Scientific Education and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), fewer than 30 percent of researchers worldwide are women and only 30 percent of female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM aim to support access to postgraduate education for women who can demonstrate their need for financial support and who wish to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM.

The scholarship covers:

• tuition fees
• a monthly stipend at the rate of £1,347 per month (for up to 12 months) to cover living costs, including accommodation
• IELTS exam fee (for scholars without a valid test of English)
• return economy-class travel from home country to the UK
• visa and insurance/NHS surcharge costs

'I needed financial aid; I couldn’t afford to study in the UK and pay the fees as well as the living costs. The scholarship also aligned with my passion for working in STEM. I liked that it promoted women’s empowerment.' —Basrah Bilal, Women in STEM Scholar 2023

In order to apply for this award, you must submit a separate scholarship application. You must also have first applied for one of the below one-year master's programmes for 2024 entry:

• MSc Biotechnology (Sustainable Biotechnologies)
• MSc Biotechnology (Healthcare Biotechnologies)
• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• MSc Automotive Technology
• MSc Architectural Engineering: Environmental Design
• MSc Environmental Engineering

Please note, these awards are available for our standalone master's courses only and do not include our pre-sessional courses.

To be eligible for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM, you must:

• identify as a woman
• be a passport holder and permanent resident of one of the following eligible countries:
  • Thailand
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
  • Cambodia
• have applied for one of our eligible master's course listed above for September 2024 entry
• have achieved a high second-class or first-class bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent in your undergraduate study
• have not previously studied at degree level or higher in the UK or lived recently in the UK
• demonstrate a strong case for financial support/socio-economic need
• return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your scholarship award has ended

You are not eligible for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM if you:

• hold dual British citizenship
• are an employee, a former employee, or relative* of an employee of His Majesty’s Government (including but not limited to: British Embassies/High Commissions, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Department for International Trade, the Ministry of Defence, and the Home Office)
• are an employee, a former employee, or relative* of an employee of the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• are currently in receipt of financial support or funding towards your study programme in the UK from any other source
• have previously studied in the UK at degree level or higher or lived recently in the UK

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. They build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. Last year they reached over 80 million people directly and 791 million people overall including online, and through broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, they are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. They receive a 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government.