British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
British Council · All India
| Scheme Name | British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM |
| Provided By | British Council |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 14 April 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
Comprehensive guide for British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
£40,000/mo (approx. ₹51.2 Lakh+)
The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM for the 2026-27 academic year are fully funded, with each scholarship valued at a minimum of £40,000 (approximately 4,200,000 INR, based on an exchange rate of 1 GBP = 105 INR). This comprehensive package covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend (e.g., £1,731.67 per month for up to 12 months as per some university partnerships), return economy-class travel, visa and NHS surcharge costs, health coverage fees, and English language support where required (including IELTS exam fees). Additional funds may be provided for dependent children for mothers. The scholarship amount is disbursed as a package directly covering these expenses rather than a lump sum cash payment to the individual. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable as this is an international scholarship.
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Gender:Must be a woman, as defined under UK legislation.
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Nationality/Residency:Be a permanent resident of, and hold a valid passport or recognised international travel document from, one of the eligible countries/regions partnering with the British Council for this scholarship. Eligible regions often include South Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka), Americas (e.g., Mexico, Brazil), East Asia, Western Balkans, Central Asia, and Turkey. Specific eligible countries vary by university partnership.
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Degree Level:Must have completed all components of an undergraduate degree in a STEM subject by the time of applying for the scholarship, or be in the final year of study and expected to complete it before enrolment onto the Master's course in the UK. The scholarship is for a one-year Master's degree programme in a STEM subject.
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Academic Requirement:Must meet the entry requirements of the chosen UK higher education institution for the course applied for, including academic equivalent qualifications and English language proficiency. Typically, this requires a high second-class or first-class bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent.
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Financial Need:Must demonstrate a clear need for financial support and not be able to privately fund their UK studies. Applicants should not be in receipt of financial support from any other source that duplicates the core benefits of the scholarship.
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Return to Home Country: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 return would be impossible or unsafe.
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Prior UK Study:Preference may be given to candidates who have not had significant international exposure or previously studied in the UK (including distance learning at UK universities or study at UK branch campuses abroad).
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Ambassadorial Role:Be willing to contribute to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement in their home country after graduating, and agree to maintain contact with the British Council, acting as an ambassador for the UK and engaging with Alumni UK activities.
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Engagement:Demonstrate a plan and passion to engage other women and girls in STEM from their home country.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters |
| Course / Stream | Masters |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Valid Passport
- ✓Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates (undergraduate degree)
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- ✓Personal Statement (explaining passion for STEM, leadership goals, and how the scholarship will help achieve them)
- ✓English Proficiency Test results (e.g., IELTS, if applicable and required by the university)
- ✓Two Professional or Academic Reference Letters
- ✓Completed university application form for an eligible Master's course
- ✓Completed British Council Women in STEM Scholarship application form (if separate from university application)
Selection Process
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Candidates are selected by the participating UK universities based on the strength of their application
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Key selection criteria include academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, a proven interest in the chosen STEM subject area, and a commitment to contributing to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement in their home country upon graduation
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Applicants must be women from eligible South Asian countries, including India, and hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a STEM subject
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Preference is often given to candidates who have not had significant prior international exposure or previously studied at degree level or higher in the UK
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Applicants must meet the specific academic and English language entry requirements of their chosen UK Higher Education Institution and be motivated to pursue and benefit from a UK postgraduate taught course
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They must also agree to return to their country of citizenship or residence for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends.
Renewal Policy
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This scholarship is primarily for one-year Master's degrees in the UK
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It is a one-time, fully funded award for the duration of the chosen postgraduate programme (typically 12 months)
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It is not designed for annual renewal for subsequent academic years or longer degree programmes beyond the initial Master's study.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Identify Eligible Universities and Courses
Visit the official British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM webpage and the websites of participating UK universities (e.g., University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, Queen Mary University of London, Brunel University London) to find a list of eligible Master's courses in STEM subjects for the 2026-27 academic year.
- 2Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including being a woman from India, possessing a relevant STEM undergraduate degree, demonstrating financial need, and meeting the English language requirements for your chosen university and course.
- 3Apply to the University
Submit an application directly to your chosen participating UK university for your preferred eligible Master's programme. This is typically done via the university's online application portal (e.g., UCAS or the university's direct portal).
- 4Complete Scholarship Application
Once you have applied to the university (or sometimes simultaneously, depending on the university's process), you will typically need to complete a separate scholarship application form. This form will require you to explain your suitability for the scholarship, including your motivation, academic potential, financial need, and plans to contribute to STEM in your home country.
- 5Submit Required Documents
Prepare and submit all necessary documents as requested by both the university for admission and the scholarship application. This may include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS scores), a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of financial need.
- 6Adhere to Deadlines
Pay close attention to the application deadlines for both the university course and the scholarship, as these can vary between institutions. Applications for the 2026-27 cycle closed around April-May 2026.
- 7Status Tracking
The British Council states that shortlisting outcomes for the 2026-27 cycle were communicated by the universities in the first week of June 2026. For queries regarding your application status, you should contact the specific university to which you applied, as they manage the assessment process and will notify successful candidates directly.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What does 'fully funded' mean for this scholarship?
The 'fully funded' scholarship covers all major expenses, including full tuition fees for a one-year Master's degree, a monthly living stipend, return economy-class travel to the UK, visa and NHS surcharge costs, health coverage, and English language support if required (including IELTS exam fees). For mothers, special support for dependent children may also be provided. It is a comprehensive package rather than a direct cash payment of the stated value.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I already hold a Master's degree?
Yes, if you already hold a postgraduate qualification from your home country, you are generally still eligible to apply for a Master's program under this scholarship. However, you would be expected to demonstrate the added value that an additional postgraduate qualification from the UK would provide to your career and your ability to contribute to STEM in your home country. The scholarship supports postgraduate study or an Early Academic Fellowship for PhD holders within the last three years.
What are my obligations after completing the scholarship?
Scholars are required to 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 return would be impossible or unsafe. You are also expected to demonstrate a plan and passion to engage other women and girls in STEM from your home country, and to maintain contact with the British Council, acting as an ambassador for the UK and engaging with alumni activities.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official British Council website before final submission.