The British Council launches a scholarship programme to support women to pursue postgraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) in the United Kingdom (UK).
The scholarship will give over 100 women from 20 countries in the Americas, South Asia and East Asia the opportunity to obtain their postgraduate degree in the UK to further develop their careers in science.
According to data from the UN Scientific Education and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), fewer than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women and only 30 per cent of female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. Globally, the enrolment of female students in areas related to STEM is particularly low, specifically for Information and Communications Technology (three per cent), natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (five per cent), and engineering, manufacturing and construction (eight per cent).
‘We want to contribute to closing the gender gap in STEM and help advance the broader effort towards gender equality,’ shared British Council in the Philippines Country Director Pilar Aramayo-Prudencio. ‘Our Women and Girls in STEM programmes around the world are designed with a lifecycle approach in mind – from inspiring young girls to stay in STEM to supporting women working in STEM fields to reach positions of leadership and to network with their peers in their region and in the UK.’
The Women in STEM scholarship will cover tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees. The scholarship welcomes applications from women with dependants. It also has a provision for scholars who might need a short pre-sessional English course to achieve the language level needed for their studies.
Eligible countries in Southeast Asia are as follows: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Women from the Philippines wishing to pursue studies in Energy Transition and Climate Change, Health and Life-Sciences and Agriculture are encouraged to apply.
‘UK universities are globally-recognised for research excellence. This is a fantastic opportunity for qualified and talented women from the Philippines to live and study in the UK. Successful candidates will not only enhance their careers in STEM; they will also be able to promote research and innovation in the Philippines, connect with researchers in the UK, and inspire the next generation of Filipino women in STEM,’ Aramayo-Prudencio added.
All potential candidates must apply directly to the following universities: University of Glasgow, Liverpool John Moores University or University of Stirling.
Applications for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM are open until mid-March 2021.
For more information about the scholarship, visit www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem
FAQ
What does the scholarship scheme cover?
The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM includes tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees. The scholarship also has a special support for mothers. If needed, students can apply for a pre-sessional English course to improve their language skills.
When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline to apply for the British Council scholarship is mid-March 2021. Each participating university establishes their own deadlines for applications to their programmes. Please consult the university website for further details.
Can women with children apply to the scholarship?
Yes, support will be given to women travelling with dependant children.
Where can I find more information regarding the scholarship?
You can visit our website, www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem. This has general information about the scholarship, as well as the links to each participating university.
Who can I contact regarding the scholarship?
Each university has a link and a person in charge of this scholarship. You can find more information in our webpage. If you wish to contact the British Council, kindly email [email protected]
Which postgraduate degrees are included in the scheme?
Each university has published a list of programmes that scholars can apply to. Please refer to the university’s webpage for the full list of programmes available.
Is there an age limit to apply?
No, there is no age limit for this scholarship.
Which are the eligible countries?
You have to be a passport holder and a permanent resident of one of the following countries to apply:
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.
• East Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
• South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria, other requirements for application and/or Covid-19 restrictions, kindly reach out directly to the universities you will be applying to.
How many scholarships are there?
There are over 100 scholarships available. There are 45 scholarships available in the Americas, 48 in South Asia and 15 in East Asia.
If I am not successful this year, can I apply next year?
At the moment there is no guarantee that the British Council will be opening this scholarship next year, therefore we strongly encourage you to apply this year.
If I did my undergrad degree in the UK, can I apply for the scholarship to do my master’s degree?
No, this scholarship is only available for women that have not previously studied in the UK.
