Women remain underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) globally, particularly in leadership, research, and upper-level technical roles.
Scholarships specifically targeting women in STEM can help bridge this gap by removing financial barriers, offering mentorship, and enabling access to high-quality education and networks.
In 2025, there are more opportunities than ever for women who want to pursue STEM degrees, at undergraduate, graduate, and research levels, with funding from governments, foundations, corporations, and international organisations.
This article explores key scholarship programs, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and tips to increase your chances of success.
Why Scholarships for Women in STEM are Important
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Closing gender gaps – Women often face social, economic, and cultural hurdles that limit access to STEM fields. Well-designed scholarships provide concrete support.
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Boosting innovation – Diverse STEM teams tend to be more creative and effective at solving complex problems. More women in STEM means broader perspectives.
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Creating role models – Scholarship winners often become leaders, mentors, and inspire younger girls.
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Career and economic empowerment – STEM fields tend to have higher salaries and growth; enabling women to enter these fields contributes to economic equality.
Key Scholarship Opportunities in 2025 for Women in STEM
Below are several prominent scholarships and programs available in 2025 for women (or those who identify as women) in STEM. Some are global, others regional or field-specific.
| Scholarship / Program | Level (Undergrad / Graduate / PhD / Postdoctoral) | Who Can Apply / Eligibility Highlights | What is Covered / Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Council Women in STEM Scholarships | Master’s | Women from selected countries (e.g. Mexico, Brazil for some cohorts) wanting to study STEM in UK. Must demonstrate financial need and academic credentials. | Tuition, living stipend, travel, visa, health coverage. Also covers IELTS/reimbursement in some cases. |
| ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships | Master’s | Women (or those identifying as women) from ASEAN member states + Timor-Leste with STEM backgrounds. Need financial support (need-based). | Fully funded master’s level in UK universities. Covers tuition and living costs. |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Graduate (Master’s, PhD) | Women from countries other than the United States, pursuing graduate studies; strong academic record and demonstrated leadership. | Grants for tuition, living expenses. Helps reduce financial burden of study abroad. |
| Schlumberger Foundation “Faculty for the Future” | PhD and Post-doctoral Research | Women from developing and emerging economies. Research-oriented, committed to returning to home country after studies. | Research funding, tuition, living allowance to support academic research. |
| Amelia Earhart Fellowship (Zonta International) | PhD / Doctoral level | Women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences. | Grant (USD10,000), recognition, network of international female researchers. |
| Google Women Techmakers Scholarship | Undergraduate / Graduate | Women in computer science / related technical fields; excellence, leadership, character are considered. | Financial awards, mentoring, networking, possibly internship opportunities. |
| Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships | Undergrad / Graduate | Women in engineering or engineering‐related fields. Some scholarships in the U.S., but also international options / chapters. | Amounts vary; may cover tuition, fees, with possibilities for renewals. |
| Microsoft Women in STEM Scholarship | Varies (often undergrad / graduate) | Women studying technology-related degrees; diversity and excellence are often part of the consideration. | Grants, sometimes tuition or partial tuition, plus often mentorship or access to Microsoft’s network. |
| L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program | PhD / Postdoctoral | Women researchers in life and physical sciences. Strong research record and proposal needed. | Research grants, recognition, potentially career-building support. |
| Zonta International Women in STEM Scholarships | Undergrad / Graduate | Women pursuing STEM degrees; evidence of academic merit, leadership, and contributions. | Financial award; amounts vary depending on region and scholarship specifics. |
Regional / Field-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships are targeted by region (e.g. ASEAN, or specific countries) or by specific STEM fields (e.g. aerospace, environmental science, AI). Examples:
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British Council Women in STEM (Malaysia / Brunel University), offers scholarships in environmental engineering, power systems, AI, sustainable energy, etc.
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Young Women in STEM Scholarships, smaller awards targeting low-income backgrounds to promote entry into STEM at the undergrad/graduate level.
What to Watch Out for: Eligibility, Deadlines, & Requirements
When applying for Women-in-STEM scholarships, these are common factors to check:
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Academic Qualifications: Strong grades, sometimes a minimum GPA; sometimes proof of specific prerequisites.
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Field of Study: Some scholarships are only for certain STEM disciplines (engineering, computer science, environmental science, biomedical, etc.).
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Level of Study: Undergrad, master’s, PhD, postdoctoral; many awards are for graduate or research levels.
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Nationality / Region: Some are global; many target specific countries or regions (like ASEAN, Latin America, Africa).
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Financial Need: Many women in STEM scholarships are need-based or require demonstration of financial hardship.
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Application Materials: Essays / Statement of Purpose, Recommendations, Research proposal (for PhD), proof of prior work or volunteer experience, sometimes standardized test scores or English proficiency.
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Deadline Timing: Many deadlines fall early in the year (Jan–May), but some vary by program and institution. It’s important to check the specific deadline.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
To increase your chance of winning one of these scholarships:
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Start Early: Many applications require gathering official transcripts, writing essays, getting recommendations. Begin months ahead.
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Tailor Your Essays / SOP: Show your passion for your STEM field, any projects or research you’ve done, your long-term goals, especially how your work might impact your country or community.
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Highlight Leadership & Impact: Scholarships often favor applicants who have led something, volunteered, or contributed beyond academics.
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Build a Strong Research Proposal (if applicable): For PhD and research grants, this is key. A clear topic, methodology, and potential impact will help.
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Seek Mentors: Past winners, professors, or professionals in your field can review your application and give feedback.
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Check All Requirements: Never miss a document, proof, or form. A missing transcript or delayed recommendation can disqualify your application.
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Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t put all hopes on one; applying to 3-5 options gives better odds.
Recent/New Developments (2025) to Watch
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The Women in STEM Scholarships by British Council continues expanding to include more partner universities & diverse countries like Mexico and Brazil.
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The ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships is active in offering opportunities for master’s programs for ASEAN & Timor-Leste candidates.
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Many scholarships are now including mentorship, networking, and extra career-support services alongside just funding. This holistic support is becoming more common.
Conclusion
Scholarships for women in STEM in 2025 present promising pathways for academic achievement, research, and future career success. Whether you want to pursue undergraduate engineering, post-graduate research in AI, environmental science, or aerospace, there are strong opportunities if you know where to look and how to apply.
If you are interested, start by matching scholarships to your field, region, and level of study. Prepare your application thoroughly, emphasise your unique strengths, and apply early. The right scholarship can not only cover your financial needs but also open doors in mentorship, networks, and broader impact.