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 | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
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 is a fully-funded scholarship programme for women pursuing one-year Master's degrees in STEM subjects at participating UK universities. Each scholarship is valued at a minimum of £40,000, which is approximately ₹49 lakh at current exchange rates. The comprehensive package covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend (at approximately £1,236 for up to 12 months to cover living costs, including accommodation), return economy-class travel from India to the UK, visa costs, health coverage fees (including the NHS surcharge), and English language support if required. Special support and additional funds for mothers with dependent children are also provided. The scholarship amounts are disbursed directly to cover these expenses; details on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts are not applicable as this is an international scholarship to study in the UK.
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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, a demonstrated need for financial support, a proven interest or work experience in the chosen STEM subject, and a clear plan and passion to engage other women and girls in STEM in their home country
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Preference is given to applicants who have not previously studied at a degree level or higher in the UK or had significant international exposure prior to this scholarship
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Applicants must also meet the academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen Master's programme at the UK university.
Renewal Policy
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The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM are primarily designed to fund one-year Master's degree programmes in the UK
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As such, they are typically awarded for the full duration of a single postgraduate course and do not generally have an annual renewal process in the context of multi-year scholarships
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The scholarship covers the eligible level of study once, subject to meeting progression requirements set by the university.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
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Research Participating Universities and Courses: Visit the official British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM webpage (linked as official source) to find the list of participating UK universities and the eligible STEM Master's programmes they offer.
- 2Apply to a UK University
Candidates must apply directly to their chosen participating UK university for an eligible postgraduate programme. Ensure you meet the university's specific entry requirements, including academic qualifications and English language proficiency. Deadlines for university applications vary, but for the 2026-27 academic year, they typically range from February to April 2026.
- 3Receive an Offer
You must be in receipt of an Academic Unconditional Firm offer of a place on one of the eligible courses by the scholarship's specified deadline (e.g., May 30, 2026, for Brunel University; August 1, 2026, for meeting conditions at Queen Mary University).
- 4Complete the Scholarship Application
After applying to the university, you may need to complete a separate British Council Women in STEM Application Form, often uploaded via the university's online application portal. This form will likely require demonstrating your financial need and commitment to STEM.
- 5Await Notification
Universities manage the assessment process. Shortlisting results for the 2026-27 academic year are expected to be communicated by the universities in the first week of June 2026. If you do not hear by the specified date, assume your application has been unsuccessful.
- 6Track Status
For queries regarding your application status, you must contact the university to which you applied directly, as they handle the assessment process and communication.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What does 'fully funded' mean for this scholarship?
Being 'fully funded' means the scholarship covers all major expenses associated with your study in the UK. This includes your full tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living costs (like accommodation and food), return international travel, visa application fees, and health coverage. It also provides support for English language courses if needed and additional funds for mothers with dependent children.
Do I need to apply to the university separately, or is there one application for both the scholarship and admission?
You must first apply for admission to an eligible Master's programme at one of the participating UK universities. The scholarship application is typically a separate process, often managed through the university's application portal once you have applied for a course or received an offer. It is crucial to check the specific application instructions and deadlines of your chosen university, as these can vary.
What happens after I complete my Master's degree with this scholarship?
Scholars are expected to return to their country of citizenship for a minimum period of two years after the scholarship ends, except in very exceptional circumstances. The programme aims to strengthen female leadership in science and innovation and encourages scholars to contribute to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement in their home countries. You will also become part of the British Council's alumni networks, providing opportunities for long-term professional connections.
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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.