British Council launches Women in STEM Scholarships for 2024-25

British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, in partnership with UK universities, has announced the launch of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM programme. This prestigious scholarship is designed for female STEM graduates wanting to pursue their Masters’ in the UK.

The presence of women in STEM fields is essential for promoting diversity, ensuring a range of perspectives, and driving innovation. Their presence not only addresses gender disparities but also enriches the workforce with unique skills, ultimately advancing scientific and technological progress for the benefit of society. According to the World Bank's Bangladesh Country Gender Assessment 2021, women comprise only 14% of all STEM professionals in Bangladesh. According to research, only 38 per cent of female students enrol in STEM in public institutions, and 45 per cent enrol in STEM in private institutions.

25 scholarships are reserved for women STEM scholars from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. These are across five UK higher education institutions – Queen Mary University of London, Anglia Ruskin University, Greenwich University, The University of Southampton, and Coventry University. The scholarships will empower the beneficiaries to advance their careers in STEM and facilitate their ability to drive research and innovation in their home country by immersing them in the expertise of the UK's esteemed STEM fields. The UK is currently ranked third in the world for citable research, with 55.2% of all UK publications the product of international research collaborations.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, health coverage fees, and English language support. The scholars can pursue courses like Data Science, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, Civil Engineering Management, Intelligent Healthcare, Actuarial Science, among others. 

Toufiq Hasan, Head of Education Bangladesh, British Council, said, ‘Nearly half of the world's population is female, representing a significant portion of potential brainpower for researchers and innovators. Solving global challenges requires full participation in science and research. Gender equity isn't merely a concept; it's crucial for human progress. Like the Women in STEM Scholarship, our initiative aims to support women financially in pursuing STEM education, unlocking their capabilities, and facilitating transformative contributions to sustainable development goals.’

Since 2020, the programme has awarded over 300 scholarships. In the 2023-24 global cohorts, 92 scholars were enrolled in their selected courses. Through these scholarships, British Council maintains its commitment to creating opportunities for women to succeed in a globalised world and gain global credentials in STEM fields.

The scholarship aims to inspire young women to remain in STEM fields by supporting their progression towards leadership roles and fostering networking opportunities with peers both in their region and in the UK. The scholarship also welcomes applications from women with dependents, offering additional support. The application deadlines vary depending on the university, typically between March and April 2024.

For more details about the eligibility criteria, or other information including a full list of participating UK universities, available courses and university-specific deadlines, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/womeninstem-scholarships