The British Council has announced the second edition of its scholarship program for women with a STEM background who can show a financial need and want to encourage future generations of women to pursue STEM jobs.
This scholarship initiative seeks to expand STEM possibilities for girls and women. According to statistics from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), less than 30% of researchers globally are women, and only 30% of female students choose STEM-related subjects in higher education.
In addition, female enrollment in information and communications technology (three percent), natural science, mathematics, and statistics (five percent), and engineering, manufacturing, and construction (five percent) are relatively low globally (eight percent).
The British Council launched this scholarship initiative to encourage more women to study and pursue careers in STEM. The British Council STEM scholarship initiative, in collaboration with 26 British institutions, provides women with leadership potential with the opportunity to study at an accredited UK university. Women should take advantage of the British scholarship and fellowship program. This scholarship seeks exceptional candidates.
Eligible Countries
South Asia, America, East Asia, Egypt, Turkey, Ukraine
Scholarship Benefits
- Academic prestige – the UK’s universities are amongst the world’s leaders in STEM subjects
- Economic support will include tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees
- Special support for mothers
- English language support
Scholarship Criteria
- Be a woman or identify as a woman.
- Be a passport holder and permanent resident of one of the qualifying countries mentioned on the British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM website.
- Are eligible to study in the United Kingdom for the academic year September/October 2022-2023
- May establish the need for financial assistance
- Hold a bachelor’s degree that will allow them to enroll in one of the pre-selected postgraduate programs at a UK university (for Masters level) or finish all PhD components within the previous three years (for Early Academic Fellowships)
- Have applied to pursue an eligible postgraduate course in one of the program areas and at one of the UK university partners designated for each region, as mentioned on the Scholarship website.
- This application must be completed before submitting an application for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM.
- Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that would allow them to obtain acceptance into a postgraduate course at a UK university partner by submitting their application and be expected to begin their postgraduate study in the UK in 2022.
- Have not previously studied at the degree level or above in the UK, nor have you lately resided in the UK.
- Fulfill the English language requirement of the UK university partner.
- Using a means-test completed by the UK university partner, demonstrate the case for financial assistance requirements.
- Return to their place of citizenship for at least two years after their scholarship grant has expired.
- May achieve the requisite level of English for postgraduate study/research at a UK institution
- Are engaged in the field with work experience or a demonstrated interest in their subject area, are enthusiastic about their course of study, and eager to participate as devoted British Council scholarship alumni.
Scholars must additionally demonstrate in their application form that they are:
- Engaged in the field with job experience or a demonstrated interest in the program area for which they are applying.
- They are willing to demonstrate future contributions to capacity-building and socioeconomic advancement through the benefits obtained after graduating from UK higher education and returning to their home country.
- They can demonstrate a plan and a passion for engaging other women and girls in STEM from their home country.
- As a condition of applying for the bursary, they agree to have their personal information shared with the British Council.
- If they are given a scholarship, they promise to keep in touch with the British Council, work as an ambassador for the UK, and participate in events as a British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM alumna during and after their studies in the UK. Any participation in these activities during their studies in the UK will be limited to no more than five hours each term.
Scholars are not eligible for a British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM if they:
- You have dual British citizenship.
- Work for Her Majesty’s Government (including British Embassies/High Commissions- the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy- the Department for International Trade- the Ministry of Defence- and the Home Office).
- Work with the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM – qualifying nations as an employee, former employee, or related to an employee.
- Are presently receiving financial assistance or financing from another source for your educational program in the UK
- Have previously studied in the United Kingdom based on a UK Government-funded scholarship or a UK institutional scholarship/financial bursary.
How To Apply
Direct applications should be submitted to the participating institutions. Early Academic Fellowship deadlines range from 31 March to 29 April 2022; please double-check the date with the institution you want to apply to prevent disappointment. The deadline for applying for Masters Scholarships is still open for some countries. Before applying, please double-check that you satisfy all of the qualifying conditions. If you have applied, you will be notified directly by the institution regarding the status of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Are The Eligible Countries For British Council Scholarships For Women In Stem?
You must be a citizen of one of the following countries to apply: For both master’s Scholarships and Early Academic Fellowships: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam For Masters Scholarships only: Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Turkey, Ukraine.
What Special Support Is Available For Mothers?
Extra money is available for dependent children accompanying you to the UK; precise amounts will be provided to successful students upon admission.
Do I Need To Complete IELTS To Apply For This Scholarship?
You do not need to take IELTS to apply, but to be admitted to a program, you must show the appropriate level of English for your institution.
Is Funding Provided To Pay For The Ielts Proficiency Test? If So, How Do I Access This Funding?
Yes, you must pay the charges upfront; however, if you are given the scholarship and enroll at the UK host institution, the IELTS/English Language exam fees will be recovered. Please confirm the specific procedure with your host university.
Is Any Female With A Master’s Degree From A University Eligible To Apply For A Master Program In Uk Under A Stem Scholarship?
You may still apply if you already have a postgraduate qualification from your native country. However, you will be asked to show the increased value a postgraduate degree would provide you.
Which Country Is Best For A Scholarship?
Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia are among the prospective study abroad destinations that have drawn many students from across the globe owing to their excellent education systems and post-study employment prospects.
Do I Have To Return To My Native Country For At Least Two Years After Graduation?
The scholarship program’s ethos is built on giving back and returning home.
- Scholars must also demonstrate in their application form that they are active in the field with work experience or a demonstrated interest in the program area they are applying for.
- They are willing to demonstrate future contributions to capacity-building and socioeconomic advancement through the benefits obtained after graduating from UK higher education and returning to their home country.
The British Council, like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, will not allow you to stay in the UK. Following your scholarship’s end, you must return home for at least two years. A Graduate route visa cannot be obtained. Accepting a Women in STEM scholarship entails agreeing to return home for two years after the conclusion of your program.
How Long Will The University Take To Reply To The Application Since The Process Says We Need To Apply For Admission First And Then For The Scholarship?
This is determined by each institution. Please inquire with the institution about its unique approach and timescales.
Am I Eligible To Apply For Any Post-Graduate Degrees (At The Enlisted Universities) With 14 Years Of Education And Around 13 Years Of Professional Experience In Various Industries?
This does not have a time restriction. However, you must be able to show academic competence, financial need, and a career interest in STEM.
Can I Apply To More Than One University Listed On Your Website?
Yes, you may apply to many universities. However, if you are recommended for a scholarship at more than one institution, the review panel will make your allocation decision.
I Have A Law Degree, And A Master’s In Law, Too, But I Am Pursuing My Phd In Data Protection Laws And The Technology Aspect Of It. Can I Apply For The STEM Fellowship?
The scholarships are available to individuals who have previously earned a PhD and an undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
Who Can I Contact Regarding The Scholarship?
Please contact the institution in question if you have any queries about your course of study – each University has a link and a designated contact on the scholarship web page.
If you have any queries concerning the scholarships, please send an email to [email protected].
References
- https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/women_in_stem_scholarship_faqs_-_22.02.22.pdf
- https://fully-fundedscholarships.com/british-council-stem-scholarships-for-women-in-2022-online-applications/
- https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem
- https://www.scholarshipsads.com/british-council-scholarships-for-women-in-stem-20222023/
- https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/international/britishcouncil_scholarship_stem.cfm
