The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM support women who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a top UK university. The programme exists to close a well-known gap: women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and limited access to funding is a big part of the reason. This award is aimed squarely at women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who have the ability but not the means to study abroad.
Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £40,000 and is designed to be a full package that includes; tuition, living costs, travel, visa fees, health coverage and English language support. For an African woman working in, or passionate about, a STEM field, this is a chance to train at institutions in a country ranked second in the world for science and research, and then take that expertise home.
This is the 2026-2027 cycle. Note that the deadline is not fixed centrally. It varies by university, so the timeline depends on the institution and course you choose.
Scholarship benefits
- A full scholarship worth a minimum of £40,000 per award.
- Tuition fees covered in full.
- A living stipend to cover accommodation and daily costs.
- Travel and UK visa costs.
- Health coverage fees.
- English language support.
- Access to world-leading UK science and research universities.
- Career development in STEM and the chance to drive research and innovation back home.
- Membership of a lasting UK alumni network.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a woman, as defined under UK legislation.
✔ You are a permanent resident of, and hold a valid passport or recognised travel document from, one of the eligible countries listed by the British Council, and can obtain a UK visa with that documentation.
✔ You agree to return to your country of citizenship or residence for at least two years after the scholarship ends (except in exceptional circumstances where return would be impossible or unsafe).
✔ You meet the entry requirements of the UK institution and course, including academic equivalence and English language proficiency.
✔ You have completed all components of your undergraduate degree at the time of applying (final-year students may be considered if they will finish in time to enrol).
✔ You can demonstrate genuine financial need — you cannot privately fund your studies and are not receiving other funding that duplicates the core benefits (private savings used to top up are allowed).
✔ You have not had significant international exposure or previously studied in the UK (preference is given here; short visits, study tours and conferences are fine).
✔ You are academically able and motivated to complete a UK postgraduate taught course.
✔ You are active in STEM with relevant work experience or a proven interest in your subject area.
✔ You are willing to contribute to capacity-building and socio-economic development at home after graduating.
✔ You agree to stay in contact with the British Council, act as a UK ambassador, and engage with Alumni UK activities.
✔ You can show a plan and passion for engaging other women and girls in STEM in your home country.
✔ You consent to your personal data being shared with the British Council for assessment and promotion.
Application tips for African students
- Confirm your country is on the eligible list first. The award is tied to a specific set of eligible countries before investing time, check the official British Council page to confirm your country of residence qualifies for this cycle.
- Book your English test early. You must meet each university’s English proficiency requirement, usually via IELTS or TOEFL. Test slots fill up in many African cities, and scores take time to arrive, so schedule well ahead of the course deadline.
- Get transcripts certified and, if needed, translated. UK institutions assess academic equivalence, so order official transcripts and degree certificates early and have certified English translations ready if yours are in another language.
- Make your financial-need case clearly. This scholarship targets women who cannot self-fund. Be honest and specific about your circumstances rather than vague, the case for support is central to selection.
- Show your STEM commitment with evidence. Point to real work experience, projects, or a demonstrated interest in your subject, and connect it to how you will contribute to development at home.
- Build the community angle into your application. Selectors want to see a concrete plan to engage other women and girls in STEM. Describe an actual idea, a mentoring scheme, a school outreach, a network not just good intentions.
- Track each university’s deadline separately. Because deadlines vary by institution, note the specific closing date for every course you target and apply well before it, leaving room for document delays.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the British Council’s Women in STEM programme, and because participating universities set their own deadlines, you should apply directly in line with your chosen institution’s timeline. Indicate your preferred course and institution if you are applying to more than one. For full details, the eligible-country list, and the application route, visit the official page: British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Women as defined under UK legislation, who are permanent residents of one of the British Council’s eligible countries, hold valid travel documents, have completed an undergraduate degree, and can demonstrate financial need. You must also be active in or genuinely committed to a STEM field.
What does the scholarship cover?
It is a full scholarship worth at least £40,000, covering tuition fees, a living stipend, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees and English language support.
What level of study does it fund?
It funds one-year taught master’s degree programmes at UK universities.
Is there an English language requirement?
Yes. You must meet the English proficiency requirement of the UK institution and course you apply to, typically demonstrated through an accepted test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Check the specific requirement for your chosen course.
What is the deadline?
There is no single deadline. It varies by university. Check the closing date for each institution and course you are interested in on the official page.
Do I have to return home after the scholarship?
Yes. Applicants must agree to return to their country of citizenship or residence for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends, except in very exceptional circumstances where returning would be impossible or unsafe.