MastersFully Funded (includes monetary support, tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees, English language support)

British Council Scholarships for women in STEM

The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM aim to increase opportunities for women in STEM, strengthen female leadership in science and innovation, and promote a more diverse and gender-representative sector by providing funding for one-year master's degree programmes at top ranking universities and research institutions within the UK, for women from socioeconomically and disadvantaged contexts. The scholarship covers full costs including tuition, living stipends, travel, and healthcare. Applications for 2026-27 are closed, and results are due by June 2026. Future applicants should check the official website for updated information and specific eligibility criteria. The program emphasizes enhancing women’s careers in STEM and enabling them to promote research and innovation in their home country through exposure to UK expertise and global expertise. Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record, commitment to STEM, leadership potential, and an intention to contribute to their home country. Always refer to the official British Council page for comprehensive and current details.

Provider: Aga Khan Foundation
Host country: United Kingdom
Deadline: Varies by year and university (applications for 2026-27 are closed, shortlisting results by June 2026)

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

British Council Scholarships for women in STEM is open to African students applying to study in United Kingdom at the Masters level, with fully funded (includes monetary support, tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees, english language support) funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for United Kingdom
Funding: Fully Funded (includes monetary support, tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees, English language support)
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Varies by year and university (applications for 2026-27 are closed, shortlisting results by June 2026)

Key eligibility criteria

Women from socioeconomically and disadvantaged contexts pursuing Master's degrees in STEM fields.

What the fully funded (includes monetary support, tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees, english language support) award covers

Return airfare
Health insurance
Visa & residence costs

About the British Council Scholarships for women in STEM (2026)

# British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM: Comprehensive Applicant Brief ## Overview The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program is a significant initiative designed to address the persistent gender gap in STEM fields. This scholarship aims to empower women by providing access to world-class education and fostering female leadership in science and innovation. The program specifically targets women from socioeconomically and disadvantaged contexts, offering them the opportunity to pursue one-year Master's degree programs at leading UK universities and research institutions. The overarching goal is to promote a more diverse and gender-representative STEM sector globally, recognizing the significant underrepresentation and disparities faced by women in these professions. ## Benefits Recipients of the British Council Women in STEM scholarship receive comprehensive support, making it a fully funded opportunity. The program is meticulously designed to cover all essential aspects of studying abroad, ensuring scholars can focus entirely on their academic and professional development. Key benefits include: * **Full Scholarships:** This encompasses complete monetary support, alleviating financial burdens. * **Tuition Fees:** All academic tuition expenses for the one-year Master's degree program are covered. * **Living Stipends:** Scholars receive financial assistance to cover daily living costs throughout their study period. * **Travel and Visa Costs:** The scholarship covers expenses related to international travel to the UK and the necessary visa application fees. * **Health Coverage Fees:** Comprehensive health insurance is provided, ensuring access to medical care during their stay. * **English Language Support:** Assistance is available for improving English language proficiency, crucial for academic success in the UK. * **Access to World-Leading Science and Research Universities:** Scholars gain entry to prestigious UK universities renowned globally for their excellence in science and research. * **Career Opportunities:** The program is designed to enhance women's careers in STEM, equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills. It also facilitates the promotion of research and innovation in their home countries through exposure to the UK's esteemed STEM expertise. * **Alumni Networks:** Scholars become part of a long-lasting platform, connecting them with a global network of UK alumni and fellow Women in STEM scholars. ## Eligibility The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM are specifically for women from socioeconomically and disadvantaged contexts who wish to pursue a Master's degree in a STEM field. While the specific eligibility criteria are not fully detailed on the provided page, it is clear that the scholarship is designed to support individuals who face barriers to accessing higher education and pursuing STEM careers. Prospective applicants should consult the dedicated "Eligibility criteria for applicants" link on the official website for comprehensive and up-to-date requirements. The program generally targets a diverse range of countries, and candidates are typically expected to demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to contributing to STEM in their home countries. ## Required Documents The provided web page does not explicitly list the required documents for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM. However, applicants are typically expected to furnish a range of documents common to international scholarship applications and university admissions. These commonly include: * Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Proof of previous academic qualifications. * Proof of English Language Proficiency: Scores from tests like IELTS or TOEFL, if applicable. * Personal Statement or Essay: Outlining academic and career goals, and reasons for applying. * References/Letters of Recommendation: From academic or professional contacts. * Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: Detailing work experience, skills, and achievements. * Passport or Valid Identification: For identification and visa purposes. * Proof of financial need or disadvantaged background: As the scholarship targets women from socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts. Applicants are strongly advised to refer to the "Apply for a scholarship" and "Eligibility criteria for applicants" sections on the official British Council website for a definitive list of required documents for their specific application year and chosen university. ## How to Apply The application process for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM typically involves applying directly to participating UK universities. The main page indicates that applications for the 2026-27 academic year are already closed, and universities are currently reviewing submitted applications. Shortlisting results were scheduled to be communicated by universities in the first week of June 2026. For future application cycles, prospective applicants should: 1. **Identify Participating Universities:** Consult the official British Council website for a list of UK universities that partner with the Women in STEM scholarship program. 2. **Choose a Master's Program:** Select a one-year Master's degree program in a STEM field that aligns with their academic background and career aspirations. 3. **Review University-Specific Requirements:** Each university will have its own admissions criteria and application procedures in addition to the scholarship requirements. 4. **Complete University Application:** Submit a comprehensive application to the chosen university, indicating interest in the British Council Women in STEM scholarship. 5. **Submit Scholarship Application:** Depending on the university and scholarship structure, there may be a separate scholarship application form or a combined application. 6. **Adhere to Deadlines:** Pay close attention to both university application deadlines and scholarship application deadlines. These can vary significantly. For queries regarding the status of a submitted application, applicants are advised to contact the university to which they applied, as universities manage the assessment process. ## Key Dates The provided information indicates that applications for the 2026-27 academic year are **now closed**. The following key dates were mentioned for that cycle: * **Shortlisting Results Communication:** First week of June 2026. These results are communicated by the individual universities to which applicants applied. Prospective applicants for subsequent academic years should regularly check the official British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM website for updated key dates and application windows. Deadlines for future cycles will vary by year and university, so timely consultation of the official source is crucial. ## Selection Criteria While the specific, detailed selection criteria are not explicitly laid out on the main page, the overarching goals of the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM program provide strong indicators of what qualities and qualifications are valued in applicants. Given the program's focus, successful candidates are likely to demonstrate: * **Strong Academic Record:** While not explicitly stated, a competitive academic background will be essential for admission to top UK universities. * **Commitment to STEM:** A clear and compelling articulation of interest in STEM fields and how the Master's program will further their career in these areas. * **Potential for Leadership:** The program aims to strengthen female leadership, so applicants demonstrating leadership potential or aspirations will be highly regarded. * **Socioeconomic Disadvantage:** Since the scholarship targets women from socioeconomically and disadvantaged contexts, applicants will likely need to provide evidence or a compelling narrative regarding their background. * **Contribution to Home Country:** An expressed desire and plan to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to promote research and innovation in their home country. * **English Language Proficiency:** Sufficient English language skills to undertake a Master's degree in the UK. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and any specific requirements outlined by their chosen universities when preparing their applications. ## Tips Applying for a competitive scholarship like the British Council Women in STEM program requires careful preparation and strategic planning. Here are some tips for prospective applicants: * **Start Early:** Research participating universities and their program offerings well in advance of application deadlines. This allows ample time to gather documents, write essays, and prepare for language tests. * **Research Thoroughly:** Understand the specific Master's programs available and align your application with the British Council's goals of promoting women in STEM and leadership. * **Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:** Your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your passion for STEM, your career aspirations, and how this scholarship will enable you to make a significant impact in your home country. Emphasize your experiences, challenges overcome, and future contributions. * **Demonstrate Impact:** Highlight how your chosen field of study and your future work will contribute to addressing societal challenges, particularly in your home country. * **Collect Strong References:** Choose referees who know your academic and/or professional abilities well and can speak to your potential for success in a Master's program and your commitment to STEM. * **Address Eligibility Clearly:** Ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet all eligibility criteria, particularly regarding your socioeconomic background. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Errors in your application can detract from your credibility. Have multiple people review your essays and documents. * **Contact Universities Directly:** For specific questions about programs, admissions requirements, or the scholarship application process within their institution, reach out to the university admissions teams. * **Stay Organized:** Keep track of all deadlines, required documents, and communication with universities and the British Council. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM, prospective applicants should always refer to the official British Council website: [https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem](https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem) This brief has been constructed based on the content available on this official page. Any further inquiries or detailed eligibility questions should be directed to the resources provided on the official website, including specific university contacts for application status queries.

What the Fully Funded (includes monetary support, tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees, English language support) British Council Scholarships for women in STEM covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Return airfare
Health insurance
Visa & residence costs

British Council Scholarships for women in STEM eligibility for United Kingdom applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Women from socioeconomically and disadvantaged contexts pursuing Master's degrees in STEM fields.

Documents required for the British Council Scholarships for women in STEM application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the British Council Scholarships for women in STEM 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Women from socioeconomically and disadvantaged contexts pursuing Master's degrees in STEM fields.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host UK university first via UCAS (undergraduate) or the postgraduate portal. Most UK scholarship sponsors will not assess your funding application without a conditional offer letter.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Book IELTS Academic for UKVI (target 6.5+ for UG/taught Master's, 7.0+ for research). Request sealed PDF transcripts, brief 2–3 referees in writing, and prepare your passport bio page at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Varies by year and university (applications for 2026-27 are closed, shortlisting results by June 2026) (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Aga Khan Foundation will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.
8
Plan your UK Student visa and arrival
Once funded, accept your university place to trigger your CAS, book a UKVI-approved TB test (£80–£200), then apply for the Student visa (£524 + £776/year IHS). Budget 3–6 weeks of processing and collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival.

British Council Scholarships for women in STEM deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the British Council Scholarships for women in STEM?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Aga Khan Foundation, and be able to relocate to United Kingdom for the duration of the programme.

Is the British Council Scholarships for women in STEM fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded (includes monetary support, tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees, English language support). Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Varies by year and university (applications for 2026-27 are closed, shortlisting results by June 2026). Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

What UK visa do I need for the British Council Scholarships for women in STEM?+

Most scholarship holders enter the UK on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4). You apply after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university, and must show proof of funds, your scholarship award letter, and a valid TB test certificate (required for most African nationals). Apply at least 3 months before your course start date.

Sources

UK Student visa

What English-language score do UK universities require?+

UK universities typically require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for undergraduate and taught Masters, and 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5) for research degrees and competitive programmes. For the Student visa itself, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI unless your degree was taught entirely in English in a majority-English-speaking country.

Can I stay and work in the UK after my scholarship ends?+

Yes — the Graduate Route lets you stay for 2 years after completing an undergraduate or Masters degree (3 years for a PhD) to work or look for work at any skill level, with no sponsorship required. You must apply before your Student visa expires and have completed your course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

Sources

Graduate visa

UK student guides

Free, country-specific guides to plan the rest of your UK study journey — from visa to first paycheck.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.

By destination

Study in UK