UK scholarships open for women pursuing STEM degrees

The British Council has announced a new round of fully funded scholarships for women interested in studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the United Kingdom for the 2026–27 academic year.

Now in its sixth year, the Women in STEM Scholarship Programme is part of the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships initiative. The program aims to increase opportunities for women in STEM disciplines, encourage female leadership in science and innovation, and foster a more inclusive and diverse STEM community.

The scholarships support one-year master’s degree programs at top universities and research institutions across the UK. Since its launch, the initiative has collaborated with 43 UK universities and awarded approximately 500 scholarships to women around the world.

Each scholarship for the 2026–27 intake is valued at a minimum of £40,000. The funding covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, visa fees, health insurance, and English language support.

In total, 90 scholarships will be offered globally across 30 countries. Of these, 25 scholarships are specifically reserved for applicants from South Asia through partnerships with five UK universities.

According to James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council in Pakistan, the initiative demonstrates the organization’s dedication to supporting talented Pakistani women by giving them access to high-quality education in the UK and helping them become future leaders in STEM fields.

Dr. Jen Bardsley, Global Head of Enabling Research and Science at the British Council, noted that the program aims to remove barriers that often prevent women from entering STEM careers while encouraging greater diversity in scientific research and innovation.

Applications for the Women in STEM scholarships are open until late April 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline.