Islamabad, March 6, 2026: The British Council has opened applications for its Women in STEM Scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year, offering fully funded opportunities for women to pursue master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at leading universities in the United Kingdom.
For the sixth consecutive year, the scholarship programme will support talented women seeking to advance their careers in STEM fields. A total of 90 scholarships are available globally across 30 countries, including 25 scholarships for applicants from South Asia, offered in collaboration with five UK universities.
Part of the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships initiative, the programme funds one-year master’s degree courses at top-ranking universities and research institutions in the UK. The initiative aims to expand opportunities for women in STEM, strengthen female leadership in science and innovation, and promote a more diverse and gender-representative STEM sector.
Each scholarship for the 2026–27 academic year is valued at a minimum of £40,000, covering tuition fees, monthly living stipends, travel and visa expenses, health coverage, and English language support.
Since its launch, the programme has partnered with 43 leading UK universities and awarded around 500 scholarships to women worldwide. The scholarships also provide scholars with access to the UK’s world-class research institutions and opportunities to connect with experts in STEM fields and a global network of alumni.
James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council in Pakistan, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to empowering women through education.
“The British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship demonstrates our commitment to supporting talented women from Pakistan by enabling them to access world-class education in the UK and become the next generation of leaders,” he said.
Dr. Jen Bardsley, the British Council’s Global Head of Enabling Research and Science, said the programme plays an important role in reducing barriers to STEM careers for women.
“It’s fantastic to be able to run our Women in STEM scholarship programme again for the 2026–27 academic year. The programme represents lowering barriers to STEM careers for women and creating a more inclusive and diverse set of voices in science, which we know leads to better science and improved outcomes for everyone,” she said.
Applications for the Women in STEM Scholarships are open until late April 2026. Interested candidates can find further information about eligibility criteria, participating universities, and the application process on the British Council’s official website.
