Please note that under HESA regulations only institutions contributing data to HESA are permitted to access the data mining tools. If this applies to you, and you have an account, please login to access the tools. If you do not have an account please register.
The gender gap in STEM is well documented. Not only do women make up a small fraction of the workforce and research teams in STEM, but they are also published less, paid less and are less likely to reach positions of leadership than their male counterparts, despite being proven to be on average 8 per cent more productive.
Within the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships programme, Women in STEM scholarships provide funding for women from eligible countries to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Since 2020, we have delivered the programme in partnership with selected UK Universities and Research Institutions and has awarded over 400 scholarships. 
Key details
Eligibility: the call is open to higher education and research institutions in the UK. See full eligibility criteria in the call for proposals document below.
Scholarship period: scholars will be hosted during the 2026–27 academic year.
Participating countries: scholars will come from the 30 countries outlined in the call for proposals document below.
Application deadline: host institutions should submit their application by 24 October 2025.
Women in STEM scholarship goals
Significantly increase the number of opportunities for women from eligible countries to be able to complete a UK master’s degree in the 2026-27 academic year. 
Encourage participation from 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 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. 
Create strong and lasting connections with the UK through active engagement with Alumni UK network in the UK, 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. 
How to apply
Apply via our online grant platform
 
Registration is required on the platform (https://goingglobalpartnerships.grantplatform.com/) in order to access and submit an application.
 
Download all application documentation below.
 
An offline version of the application form is also available to download below for reference only.
 
Application deadline: 24 October 2025
 
For clarifications, please contact womeninstem.heps@britishcouncil.org
Keep up to date with the latest news from the British Council.
© 2023 British Council  
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.  
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

source