British Council Women in STEM Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded)

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The United Kingdom remains one of the world’s leading destinations for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, with universities consistently ranked among the global top 100 and strong industry connections in research, innovation, and technology. The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships program, launched to support gender equality in STEM fields, is one of the most generous and impactful fully funded master’s scholarships available to women from selected countries. Also apply for Karnten Healthcare and Nursing Scholarship

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For the 2026/27 academic year (courses starting September/October 2026), the British Council expects to award up to 90 scholarships across more than 30 eligible countries and territories. Each scholarship is partnered with a leading UK university and covers virtually all major costs, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their studies and future careers.

What Are the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships?

The program is funded by the British Council and the UK government to increase the number of women from selected countries who pursue postgraduate STEM education in the UK. Scholars study full-time one-year master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or related interdisciplinary fields at a partner UK university.

Key facts:

  • Fully funded master’s (1 year)
  • Up to 90 awards globally (number per country varies)
  • Open only to women from eligible countries/territories
  • No IELTS required at application stage for most universities (conditional offers often include language conditions)
  • Application is made directly to the partner university (not through British Council)
  • Results usually announced April–June 2026

Scholars join a powerful alumni network and receive ongoing career support from the British Council.

Scholarship Coverage – Fully Funded Package

The scholarship is comprehensive and typically includes:

  • Full tuition fees (often £15,000–£30,000 depending on the university and program)
  • Monthly living stipend (usually £1,200–£1,500/month, adjusted for location)
  • Return economy airfare from home country to UK
  • Visa application fees and support
  • Health surcharge / NHS access
  • Arrival allowance / settling-in support
  • Some universities also cover IELTS test fees (if required later)

Living costs are not fully covered in every case, but the stipend is realistic for most UK cities outside London.

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify if you meet all of these:

  • Identify as a woman
  • Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries/territories (list updated annually – usually includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East, and others)
  • Not hold dual British citizenship
  • Have completed (or be about to complete) an undergraduate degree that meets UK master’s entry requirements
  • Demonstrate financial need / inability to self-fund UK studies without scholarship
  • Show strong academic merit and leadership potential
  • Intend to return to your home country after graduation to contribute to STEM fields
  • Meet university-specific entry requirements (including English language – IELTS often waived at application stage)

No strict age limit. No work experience required.

Strong opinion: The financial need criterion is real and assessed seriously. Be honest and clear in explaining why you need the scholarship.

Also apply for:

Eligible Countries & Partner Universities

The British Council allocates scholarships by region/country. Common eligible countries include:

  • Pakistan
  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • Nepal
  • Sri Lanka
  • Nigeria
  • Kenya
  • Ghana
  • Egypt
  • Jordan
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Vietnam
  • Mexico
  • Brazil
  • Colombia

(Full updated list published late 2025 – usually 30+ countries/territories)

Each country has 2–6 partner universities (examples from previous cycles):

  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Exeter
  • University of East Anglia

STEM fields covered: Engineering (all branches), Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Public Health, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and related interdisciplinary areas.

Required Documents

Standard university application + scholarship consideration:

  • Passport copy
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate & transcripts
  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate – many universities waive at application stage)
  • CV/resume
  • Personal statement / motivation letter
  • 1–2 academic or professional references
  • Proof of financial need (income statements, family financial situation, bank records – format varies by university)

Living Costs in UK (Beyond Scholarship)

Varies by city (Numbeo Jan 2026):

  • London: £1,500–2,200/month
  • Manchester/Birmingham: £1,000–1,500/month
  • Smaller cities (Exeter, Southampton): £900–1,300/month

Rent £500–900 shared, food £250–400. Stipend usually covers most costs outside London.

Why Apply for British Council Women in STEM?

  • Full funding at top UK universities
  • Focus on empowering women in STEM
  • Strong alumni network and career support
  • One-year master’s – quick return home to contribute
  • Many universities waive IELTS at application stage
  • High employability and leadership opportunities

Contrarian view: Very competitive (90 awards globally). But country quotas and holistic review (merit + need + impact) give strong candidates real chances.

Application Checklist

  • Confirm your country is eligible (list updates late 2025)
  • Choose 1–2 eligible programs at partner universities
  • Prepare strong motivation letter (impact focus)
  • Gather financial need evidence
  • Secure references
  • Apply directly to university before their deadline (Jan–April 2026)
  • Track application status

How to Apply for British Council Women in STEM Scholarships?

  1. Wait for the official website below
  2. Visit britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/women-in-stem-scholarships
  3. Select your country/territory → see allocated universities and eligible programs
  4. Choose 1–2 programs at partner universities
  5. Apply directly to the university via their postgraduate portal (not through British Council)
  6. Indicate interest in the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship
  7. Submit all required documents (including financial need evidence)
  8. University assesses both admission and scholarship eligibility
  9. Results: April–June 2026 (varies by university)

VISIT HERE TO APPLY FOR THE BRITISH COUNCIL STEM SCHOLARSHIP

Tip: The motivation letter and financial need statement are critical. Be specific about your career goals and how the scholarship will help you contribute to STEM in your home country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying to non-partner universities. Generic motivation letter. Incomplete financial need proof. Late submission. Not meeting program entry requirements.

PAA: Fully funded? Yes (tuition + stipend + travel + insurance). Deadline? Varies by university (Jan–April 2026). No IELTS at application? Yes for many universities.

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