British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM 2026–27 | Fully Funded UK Master’s Scholarships

The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM 2026–27 is a prestigious fully funded scholarship programme that enables women from eligible countries to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The initiative aims to reduce gender inequality in STEM education and careers by supporting talented women with academic potential and financial need.

About the Scholarship Programme

Women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM fields worldwide, particularly in advanced research and leadership roles. The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships were created to address this gap by providing access to high-quality education, professional development, and global exposure.

The programme is implemented in partnership with leading UK universities and supports women who are committed to contributing to STEM advancement and gender equality in their home countries.

Scholarship Coverage (Fully Funded)

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full tuition fees for a one-year UK Master’s degree
• Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses
• Travel and visa costs
• Health and insurance coverage
• English language support, where required

The total value of the scholarship is typically £40,000 or more, depending on the university and course.

Fields of Study

The scholarship supports Master’s programmes in STEM-related fields, including but not limited to:

• Engineering and Technology
• Computer Science and Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Environmental Science and Climate Studies
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Life Sciences and Biotechnology

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be women, as defined under UK law
• Be citizens or permanent residents of an eligible country or territory
• Hold an undergraduate degree that meets entry requirements for a UK Master’s programme
• Demonstrate financial need and inability to self-fund studies in the UK
• Meet English language proficiency requirements set by the host university
• Show a strong interest in advancing women’s participation in STEM
• Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship, unless exceptional circumstances apply

Number of Scholarships

Each year, up to 90 scholarships are awarded across approximately 30 eligible countries and territories, in collaboration with multiple UK universities.

Application Process

Applicants typically:

• Apply for eligible STEM Master’s courses at participating UK universities
• Submit a scholarship application according to the university’s guidelines
• May apply to multiple universities to improve their chances of selection

Selection is based on academic merit, financial need, motivation, and commitment to promoting gender equality in STEM.

Benefits Beyond Funding

Women selected for the programme become part of a global community and benefit from:

• Professional networking opportunities
• Leadership development and career support
• Engagement with academic and industry experts
• Opportunities to serve as ambassadors for women in STEM education

Why This Scholarship Matters

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships play a vital role in empowering women to lead innovation, research, and development worldwide. By removing financial barriers and providing world-class education, the programme helps create a more inclusive and diverse STEM ecosystem.