Aspiring female students in STEM fields now have a chance to pursue their dreams in the United Kingdom with the British Council's fully funded scholarships. These scholarships aim to support women from various countries who have a background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The British Council seeks women who are eager to inspire future generations to pursue STEM careers.
These scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, covering tuition fees, monthly stipends (for up to 12 months), and return economy-class travel. Additional benefits include coverage for IELTS exam fees (if applicable), visa costs, insurance/NHS surcharges, and even a child allowance where applicable. The monthly stipend is approximately £1,236, which caters to living costs, including accommodation.
To be eligible, applicants must identify as women and be passport holders and permanent residents of specific countries. These countries vary depending on the university offering the scholarship but often include India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Some scholarships are also available to women from Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, or Uzbekistan. For ASEAN countries, women from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand or Timor-Leste can apply.
Academically, applicants must have completed all components of an undergraduate degree. They should also meet the English language requirements of their chosen UK higher education institution. Furthermore, applicants should not have previously studied at a degree level or higher in the UK, or lived recently in the UK.
Successful applicants must agree to return to their country of citizenship or residence for a minimum of two years after the scholarship concludes. They should also be active in the STEM field, with work experience or a demonstrated interest in their chosen subject area. Moreover, they should demonstrate a plan and passion to engage other women and girls in STEM in their home country.
Several universities are participating in this initiative, including Brunel University, Queen Mary University of London, Durham University, Cranfield University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), and City St George's, University of London. Each university may have its own specific eligible programs. For instance, City St George's, University of London offers scholarships for MSc Civil Engineering Structures, MSc Advanced Aerospace Engineering with Sustainable Technologies, and other programs. Queen Mary University of London provides opportunities for programs like MSc Biodiversity and Conservation and MSc Biomedical Engineering.
The deadlines for applications vary by university, but many fall in April. For example, Durham University requires course applications by April 1st, 2026, and scholarship form submissions by April 30th, 2026. Brunel University has a deadline of April 30th, 2026. Queen Mary University of London has a deadline of April 19th, 2026.
These scholarships represent a significant opportunity for women in STEM to advance their education and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of their home countries. By addressing the financial barriers that many women face, the British Council aims to promote gender equality and increase female representation in STEM fields.