The British Council “Women in STEM” Scholarship programme for 2025–26 offers a compelling opportunity for women across the globe to pursue advanced studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at UK higher-education institutions. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know: the background and purpose of the initiative, eligibility and selection criteria, what the award covers, how to apply and practical tips for maximizing your chance of success.
Background & Purpose of the Women in STEM Scholarship
Why this scholarship exists
<pGlobally, women remain under-represented across STEM education and careers despite accounting for nearly half the world’s population and workforce. According to data from UNESCO, fewer than 30 % of researchers worldwide are women, and only around 30 % of female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. The British Council’s initiative aims to address these gaps by supporting female scholarship in disciplines that often remain dominated by men.
By providing targeted support for postgraduate STEM study in the UK, the programme seeks to:
- Enable women from eligible countries to access world-class UK education and research in STEM.
- Promote global collaboration, capacity building and innovation by developing a diverse STEM talent pipeline.
- Encourage recipients to return to their home countries after study and drive positive socio-economic change and gender equity in STEM fields.
Programme overview
The Women in STEM scholarship programme has been running for several years and is now open for the 2025–26 academic year in multiple regions. For example, the programme spans regions including South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Balkans and Central Asia. Through partnerships with UK universities, the British Council offers fully funded or near-fully funded master’s level awards to eligible female candidates. According to the British Council website, applications for 2025-26 are now open.
In recent years the programme was entering its sixth year globally, having awarded hundreds of scholarships across dozens of universities. The rising scale of the initiative reflects the urgent push for gender + STEM equity and international talent mobility.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Core eligibility requirements
To qualify for the Women in STEM scholarship, applicants must meet a set of defined criteria. While details vary slightly by region and participating university, the core requirements are as follows:
- Gender identification: Applicants must be women or identify as women (including cis-gender and trans women, and in some cases non-binary applicants depending on partner university policy).
- Nationality/residence: Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of an eligible country or territory as defined by the regional British Council office (for example, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Balkans, etc.).
- Academic qualification: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (undergraduate degree) that allows entry into one of the pre-selected master’s programmes at a UK university partner.
- English language ability: Applicants must meet the English language requirement of the chosen UK programme (and in some cases demonstrate ability via IELTS or equivalent exam — cost of the exam may be reimbursed for successful scholars).
- Start date: Applicants must be able to take up their course in the UK in academic year starting September/October 2025 (i.e., for 2025–26 entry).
- Financial need / socio-economic need: Applicants must demonstrate a need for financial support as part of the application process.
- Return requirement: Many partner universities require successful scholars to commit to returning to their country of citizenship for a minimum period (commonly two years) after completing their UK study.
Ineligible conditions – what to avoid
Applicants may be ruled ineligible under any of the following conditions:
- Holders of dual British citizenship or those who have previously studied in the UK at degree level or higher, or lived recently in the UK, may be excluded.
- Applicants who are already receiving full funding, or other UK-funded scholarship awards, for the same study may not qualify.
- Applicants who are employees, former employees, or in a close relationship with employees of the British Council, UK government departments, or participating universities may be excluded.
- In some region-specific schemes, applicants with dependents (children or spouse) may face restrictions on bringing those dependents to the UK under the student visa status. Applicants should check the exact terms for their regional scheme.
What the Scholarship Covers
Comprehensive coverage
The Women in STEM awards are typically “fully funded” or near-fully funded scholarships. The exact value can vary by university partner and region, but common components include:
- Tuition fees: Full payment of the university tuition fees for the eligible master’s programme.
- Living stipend: A monthly stipend to support accommodation and living costs while studying in the UK. For example, one partner university lists a stipend of £1,603 per month for 2025–26.
- Travel costs: Return economy-class airfare from the home country to the UK at the start of the course (and sometimes return at end) may be included.
- Visa and health coverage: Costs such as the UK student visa application fee, immigration health surcharge (NHS surcharge) and in some cases travel insurance may be covered.
- English language exam reimbursement: For applicants who must take IELTS or equivalent to satisfy the English language requirement, the cost of the test may be reimbursed (for successful scholars).
Examples of coverage from partner universities
One UK university partner lists the 2025-26 Women in STEM scholarship covering full tuition fees, 12-month stipend and return economy flight. Another institution lists the stipend at £1,603 per month in 2025–26 alongside full fees, travel and IELTS fee coverage for eligible scholars.
This level of support means that eligible women can pursue UK postgraduate STEM study with minimal direct cost — making the opportunity much more accessible for individuals from under-resourced circumstances.
Eligible Subject Areas & Partner Universities
Focus subject areas
The programme typically supports master’s courses in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Examples of eligible subject areas include (but are not limited to):
- Artificial intelligence, data science, computing and software engineering.
- Biomedical engineering, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences.
- Environmental engineering, climate change futures, sustainable development.
- Mechanical, civil, electrical or aerospace engineering; renewable energy systems.
- Materials science, structural engineering, robotics and intelligent systems.
Partner universities and region-specific details
The British Council partners with a number of UK universities, each applying its own eligible programmes and country-specific eligibility lists. For example:
- In Mexico and Brazil, a regional scheme offers 15 scholarships for women from these countries for 2025–26 entry, in partnership with three UK universities (for example, University of Essex offering five scholarships). Eligible programmes included Global Public Health; Artificial Intelligence; Biotechnology; Environmental Futures; Data Science; Robotics.
- In Southeast Asia, a scheme open to countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam is available for 2025–26 entry under the Women in STEM scholarship.
- In countries such as the Balkans/Central Asia, partner institutions include UK universities – for example, a university listing eligibility for students from Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Uzbekistan.
Because the eligible countries vary by university and region, you must check the website of the partner university and the local British Council office for the exact list relevant to your situation.
Course duration and timing
Most scholarships cover a one-year full-time taught master’s programme in the UK (12 months). The award typically requires you to start by September/October 2025 and complete the programme in one year. Some partner institutions may offer slightly longer or part-time variants, but the standard expectation is full-time 12-month masters lodging entry in 2025–26.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Research the programme and check eligibility
Begin by visiting the British Council website for your country or region and locate the Women in STEM scholarship page. Confirm whether your country is eligible for the 2025–26 intake and check which UK universities are participating partners for your region. Carefully read the eligibility criteria, deadlines and the specific eligible programmes at each university.
Step 2: Select your preferred university and course
Identify the UK university and master’s programme you wish to apply for (from the list of eligible programmes). Ensure your bachelor’s degree is suitable for entry into that programme and that you meet the English language requirement. Note that you may apply to more than one institution (each separately) but you must apply to each university individually.
Step 3: Apply for the master’s programme at the university
Most universities require you to have obtained an offer of admission (conditional or unconditional) from the institution before you can apply for the scholarship. Therefore, you often need to apply for the master’s programme first, complete the academic application (with transcripts, personal statement, references), and secure at least a provisional offer before the scholarship application deadline.
Step 4: Prepare the scholarship application
With the programme offer in hand (or indication that you are qualified), you then prepare the scholarship application. Key elements include:
- Personal statement explaining your academic background in STEM, your career aspirations, why you need financial support, and how you plan to contribute to STEM equity in your home country.
- Proof of financial need (for example income statements, scholarship status, family background) demonstrating why you require support.
- Academic transcripts showing your bachelor’s completion and any relevant work or research experience in your STEM field.
- English language test results or plan to obtain results. If you have not yet sat IELTS or equivalent, you should indicate how and when you will meet the requirement.
- Commitment to returning to your home country (or region) after completing your UK study, and ideally a plan for how you will engage other women in STEM or give back.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Ensure you mark the scholarship application deadline for the institution and region (for example many deadlines fall at 24 April or 30 April 2025) and submit all required documents via the university portal or the British Council local office as specified. Late or incomplete applications are generally not considered.
Step 6: Await decision and follow next steps
After submission, universities in partnership with the British Council will review your application and notify you of the outcome. If successful, you will be required to accept the offer, meet any additional conditions (e.g., visa, health insurance, registration) and prepare for arrival in the UK. Many scholars also join an orientation or alumni network organised by the British Council.
Tips for a Successful Application
Highlight your STEM passion and impact
Your personal statement should clearly demonstrate your genuine interest and background in a STEM subject (for example, project work, internships, research, volunteering). Show how you intend to apply your UK master’s study to address local or global challenges and how you will engage with women and girls in STEM after your return.
Demonstrate financial need transparently
Because financial need is a key selection criterion, clearly explain why you require the scholarship to succeed (e.g., economic background, lack of other funding, under-resourced context). Provide real evidence (family income, lack of funding, local barriers) rather than vague statements.
Choose the right programme match
Make sure your bachelor’s degree aligns strongly with the chosen master’s programme in the UK. Unrealistic programme choice (e.g., moving from unrelated undergraduate subject) may reduce your chances. Alignment shows you are ready for the course.
Plan your return and contribution
A core objective of the programme is that scholars return to their home country and contribute to STEM advancement. Outline a credible plan for your post-study contribution: mentoring women in STEM, research, innovation, teaching or entrepreneurship. This shows alignment with the programme mission.
Meet all deadlines and follow instructions closely
Many applications are disqualified due to missing documents or deadline breaches. Keep track of deadlines for both university admission and scholarship application. Check if you have to apply to the university first, then the scholarship. Ensure your documents are translated where necessary and uploaded correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I already live in the UK?
Generally no — most partner universities and British Council offices exclude applicants who have previously studied at degree level in the UK or lived there recently. The objective is to enable access for those currently outside the UK system.
Do I need to apply to multiple universities?
You may apply to more than one eligible university and scholarship combination, but each application is separate and must meet the specific requirements of each institution and the regional British Council scheme.
When will I hear the results?
Notification dates vary by university, but many universities set decision dates in June/July 2025 for 2025–26 entry. After you accept the scholarship, you will need to fulfil the remaining requirements (visa application, registration, travel planning) before the September UK course start.
Are part-time or distance courses eligible?
No — the scholarship is primarily designed for full-time, on-campus one-year master’s programmes. Distance learning or part-time models are typically not eligible unless stated by the university partner.
Can I bring my children or dependents to the UK on this scholarship?
In most cases, the student visa associated with the one-year taught master’s course does not permit dependents (children, spouse) to accompany the scholar unless specified by the university and scheme. Applicants with caring responsibilities should check the regional scheme’s terms carefully.
Strategic Value: Why This Scholarship Matters
The Women in STEM scholarship is not simply a financial award — it represents a strategic investment in future STEM leadership and gender equity. For the individual scholar it means access to world-class education, professional networks, exposure to cutting-edge research and career growth. For the home country, it means building a cadre of women scientists, engineers and technologists who can drive innovation, mentor others and bolster national capacities.
Consider following the journey of one region: In South Asia, for instance, women hold only a small share of STEM professions (in Bangladesh women comprise just 14 % of STEM professionals according to a national assessment). The scholarship directly supports women from these contexts to gain credentials in UK fields such as data science, robotics or environmental engineering — fields essential for global sustainable development. Through this route, the host country gains specialists and role-models who can inspire the next generation.
Conclusion
The British Council Women in STEM Scholarship for 2025–26 offers a world-class pathway for talented women from eligible countries to undertake a master’s degree in a STEM discipline at a UK university with substantial financial support. It is structured to reduce barriers, promote global STEM equity and foster lasting impact both for the scholar and their home country. If you hold a relevant bachelor’s qualification, meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to driving change in STEM, this award could be a transformational opportunity. Be sure to carefully review your regional scheme’s eligibility, select the right university and course, prepare strong documentation demonstrating your STEM commitment and financial need, and submit your complete application by the deadline. Wishing all applicants success in making the most of this exceptional opportunity.