UK universities can now apply for grants to host women scholars on fully funded scholarships to complete a one-year master's degree in a STEM subject, during the 2025-26 academic year.

About Women in STEM

Access to education is one contributing factor leading to the underrepresentation of women in STEM. Now in its fifth year, our Women in STEM global scholarships scheme is helping address this situation by providing opportunities for women from selected countries to continue with their studies and research in STEM subjects.

Since 2020, we have delivered the scheme in partnership with selected UK universities and research institutions, which have awarded over 300 scholarships. 

Key details

The call is open to eligible universities and research institutions in the UK.

International scholars will be hosted during the 2025-26 academic year, and will come from the selected countries outlined in the call documentation.

Find full application details in the documents below.

Women in STEM scholarship goals

• Significantly increase the number of opportunities for women from the eligible countries outlined in the Call for Proposals document, to enable them to complete a UK master’s degree in the 2025-26 academic year. 
• Ensure scholar selection will be based on an individual’s academic potential and their demonstrated case for financial support. We will be particularly encouraging of women whose identities include multiple intersecting factors, including race, class, and religion.
• Provide the selected scholars with a foundation to launch their careers in Higher Education and Research back in their home country. 
• Enable individuals to promote and enhance Science and Innovation in their home country through their exposure to the expertise in the UK’s renowned STEM research sector. 
• Ensure scholars create strong and lasting connections with the UK, either through active engagement in the alumni network, directly contributing towards/supporting the success of this scheme in future iterations of the scholarship. 
• Provide a platform for the countries included in this call and the UK to work together to address the significant challenge of the gender gap in STEM.