Scholarships for Women in STEM: Opportunities in the UK & USA

Women remain underrepresented in many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. To address this gap and support gender diversity, numerous scholarships are specifically offered to women pursuing STEM education at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels in the UK and USA.

🇺🇸 Top STEM Scholarships for Women in the USA

1. AAUW International Fellowships (American Association of University Women)

Level: Graduate and Postgraduate
Eligibility: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Fields Covered: All disciplines, with many fellows in STEM
Benefits: Up to $50,000 (tuition, living expenses, research, and travel)
Deadline: November annually

2. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Eligibility: Women studying engineering or computer science in accredited U.S. programs
Fields Covered: Engineering, Technology, Computer Science
Benefits: $1,000–$15,000 per year
Application Opens: December–February

3. Microsoft Women’s Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate
Eligibility: Women enrolled in a STEM program, especially computer science or related fields
Fields Covered: Computer Science, Technology, Engineering
Benefits: Partial to full tuition, mentorship, and internship opportunities

4. Google Women Techmakers Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Eligibility: Women studying computer science, computer engineering, or closely related fields
Benefits: Scholarship funding + access to professional development and networking
Note: Now merged with the Generation Google Scholarship

5. STEM Women Graduate Fellowship (Zonta International – Amelia Earhart Fellowship)

Level: PhD
Eligibility: Women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences and engineering
Benefits: $10,000
Open to: All nationalities (must be studying at U.S. institutions)

🇬🇧 Top STEM Scholarships for Women in the UK

1. British Council Women in STEM Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Eligibility: Women from eligible countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Eastern Europe
Fields Covered: Sustainable energy, climate science, health, AI, engineering, etc.
Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, airfare, visa, and health coverage
Partner Universities: Includes University of Bristol, Strathclyde, Edinburgh, and more
Deadline: Typically January–March

2. Imperial College London – Women in Engineering Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Eligibility: Female students applying to engineering programs
Benefits: Up to full tuition and living costs; mentorship and networking opportunities

3. University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Global Scholarships (Women in STEM Focus)

Level: Master’s
Eligibility: International female students from specific countries in STEM programs
Benefits: Full tuition and living expenses
Deadline: April–May

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (Highly Competitive)

Level: Master’s and PhD
Eligibility: Non-UK citizens
Fields Covered: All subjects, including STEM
Benefits: Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs
Note: While not women-specific, many women in STEM are awarded this scholarship due to its inclusive focus on global impact and leadership

5. University-Specific Initiatives

Many UK universities offer targeted funding for women in STEM:

Oxford’s MPLS Division (Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences): Often provides bursaries for female students
University of Bath and University of Southampton: Offer partial to full funding to women in engineering and technology

✅ Tips for Applying to Women in STEM Scholarships

Highlight STEM Contributions
Showcase academic achievements, research, internships, or outreach in STEM fields.
Emphasize Your Leadership & Impact
Many scholarships seek women who will inspire others or improve access to STEM in their communities.
Tailor Your Personal Statement
Address your passion for your STEM field, career goals, and how the scholarship will help.
Gather Strong References
Ask for recommendations from professors or mentors who know your work in STEM.
Track Deadlines
Many scholarships have early deadlines—some as early as October or November for the following year.

Final Thoughts

Opportunities for women in STEM are expanding, but competition remains high. Scholarships in both the UK and USA offer more than just financial support—they also provide mentorship, networking, and platforms to drive real change in science and technology. With careful planning and a strong application, you can access world-class education and build a meaningful career in STEM.

Would you like help writing your scholarship essay or finding opportunities based on your country or degree level?