British Council Unveils 90 Fully Funded STEM Scholarships for Women Across 30 Countries
The British Council has officially opened applications for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme for the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative offers 90 fully funded scholarships to female students from 30 countries and territories, aiming to pursue Master's degrees or fellowships at leading universities in the United Kingdom.
Addressing Gender Disparities in STEM Fields
The programme is strategically designed to tackle the persistent gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sectors. According to the British Council, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM professions, often publishing fewer research papers, earning lower salaries, and occupying fewer leadership roles compared to their male counterparts. Notably, studies indicate that women in STEM are, on average, eight per cent more productive, highlighting the untapped potential that this scholarship seeks to harness.
The scholarship programme seeks to increase opportunities for women in STEM, strengthen female leadership, and promote a more diverse, gender-balanced sector, the British Council emphasised in its announcement.
Comprehensive Financial and Academic Support
Selected candidates will benefit from extensive financial backing, which includes full tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa expenses, health insurance coverage, and English language support. Each scholarship is valued at a minimum of £40,000, ensuring that recipients can focus entirely on their academic pursuits without financial constraints.
In addition to monetary assistance, scholars will gain access to world-class research universities in the UK, a nation ranked second globally for scientific and research excellence. The programme also offers career-enhancing opportunities and lifelong professional connections through its established alumni network, fostering long-term success in STEM careers.
Eligibility and Application Details
Eligible applicants are women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to enrol in a one-year Master's programme or have recently completed a PhD. The British Council has partnered with 43 prestigious UK universities for this initiative, which is now in its sixth year, having awarded approximately 500 scholarships since its inception.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the British Council's official website to review the list of participating institutions, detailed eligibility criteria, and submit their applications. The application portal is currently open, with deadlines varying based on university requirements.
Related Scholarship Opportunities for Nigerian Students
In a related development, Nigerian students have access to a wide array of fully funded scholarships for the 2026 academic year. These opportunities span undergraduate, postgraduate, and research studies both internationally and domestically, covering fields such as engineering, medicine, social sciences, and technology. Key benefits typically include tuition waivers, accommodation allowances, and living stipends.
Additionally, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has opened applications for its 2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme. This programme offers fully funded MSc and PhD awards at partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. Benefits encompass tuition fees, return air tickets, accommodation, living allowances, and health insurance. For PhD candidates in the UK, studies will be conducted on a split-site basis between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna and selected UK institutions, with selection being highly competitive and merit-based.
Aspiring applicants are advised to meticulously check eligibility requirements, prepare necessary documentation well in advance, and submit applications before closing dates to maximise their chances of securing these valuable funding opportunities.
