Apply to host Women in STEM Scholars (United Kingdom)

Objective

• Access to education is one contributing factor leading to the underrepresentation of women in STEM.

Funding Information

• The grant amount for each cohort is £180,000, which the British Council will pay as a grant in advance to the UK Higher Education Institutions or Research Institution selected for that cohort in December 2024, after successful signing of Grant Agreements.

Eligible Projects

• In particular, the British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM project will:
  • Significantly increase the number of opportunities for women from eligible countries able 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, demonstrated case for financial support and first significant international experience (i.e., lack of previous opportunities for studying in the UK or other non-ODA countries).
  • They will be particularly encouraging of women whose identities include multiple intersecting factors, including race, class, and religion. This scholarship is open for women and anyone identifying as a woman.
  • Provide the selected scholars with a foundation to launch their careers in higher education and research in their home country.
  • Enable women scholars 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 through active engagement with Alumni UK network in the, directly contributing towards supporting the success of the alumni network and this programme 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 global gender gap in STEM.

Expected Deliverables 

• The grant given to the university should be administered as a scholarship for the selected scholars. The scholarship should cover all costs (up to agreed limits for each element) associated with the programme study including:
  • Tuition fees.
  • Up to 12-months monthly stipend at the rate of £1603 per month to cover costs of living, including accommodation. The stipend should align with any increase in rates set by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for HMG awarded scholarships.
  • IELTS exam fee (for scholars without a valid test of English).
  • Return economy-class travel from home country to UK.
  • Study-related costs, such as essential travel, materials, equipment, thesis printing etc.
  • Visa and insurance NHS surcharge costs.
  • Ad hoc costs (heavy baggage allowance, etc.)
  • Reasonable adjustments costs for scholars with disabilities

Eligibility Criteria

• The following guidelines should be considered for the selection of scholars. Scholars must:
  • The call is open to eligible universities and research institutions in the UK.
  • Be or identify as a woman.
  • Be a passport holder and permanent resident of one of the eligible countries.
  • Meet the entry requirement of the UK Higher Education Institution for the course they apply for, including academic equivalents and English language.
  • The candidate must have completed all components of an undergraduate degree at the time of submitting the application for the scholarship; British Council can consider final awards pending on a case-by-case basis.
  • Demonstrate case for financial support socio-economic need10
  • Not be in receipt of financial support or funding towards their study programme in the UK from any other source and not be able to privately fund their UK studies. Preference should be given to candidates who have not had any international exposure prior to this scheme. International experience will also include any third country other than the UK.
  • Have not previously studied at degree level or higher in the UK or lived recently in the UK. Distance learning at a UK university or study at a UK branch campus in another country will also be considered as studying in the UK.
  • Indicate their preference for course and institution in the case of applying to multiple institutions.
  • Meet the English language requirement of the UK Higher Education Institution.
  • Be motivated and academically able to follow and benefit from a UK postgraduate taught course.
  • Be active in the field with work experience or with a proven interest in the proposed subject area.
  • Be willing to demonstrate future contribution to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement of their home country through the benefits achieved after graduating from UK higher education.
  • Agree to maintain contact with the British Council and act as an ambassador for the UK and engage with activities as part of a Scholarships for Women in STEM alumnus during and after their studies in the UK.
  • Demonstrate a plan and a passion to engage other women and girls in STEM from their home country.
  • Agree to their personal data being shared with the British Council for purposes of assessment and promotional activity, as a condition of applying for the scholarship. Agree to return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after their scholarship award has ended.

Ineligibility Criteria

• A candidate will not be eligible for a British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM if they:
  • Hold dual British citizenship.
  • Are an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee of Her Majesty’s Government (including but not limited to: British Embassies High Commissions; Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT); Department for International Trade; the Ministry of Defence; and the Home Office)
  • Are an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee of the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM – eligible countries.
  • Are currently in receipt of financial support or funding towards your study programme in the UK from any other source.
  • Have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship or a UK institutional scholarship financial bursary, as well as those who privately funded their UK studies.

For more information, visit British Council.