UK Host Institution for the Women in STEM Scholarships Programme

Deadline: 21-Oct-2026

The Women in STEM Scholarships Programme is inviting applications from UK higher education and research institutions to support international women scholars pursuing Master’s level study in the United Kingdom. The programme aims to address the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing opportunities for scholars from eligible countries and territories. It also seeks to strengthen research capacity, leadership skills, professional networks, and long-term engagement with the UK through a global alumni community. Successful institutions will receive £200,000 per cohort, equivalent to £40,000 per scholar, to host five Women in STEM scholars during the 2027–28 academic year.

About the Women in STEM Scholarships Programme

The Women in STEM Scholarships Programme is designed to increase opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The programme supports international scholars to undertake Master’s level study in the UK while helping them develop skills and connections that can contribute to their academic and professional development.

The initiative focuses on:

- Strengthening research capacity. - Developing leadership skills. - Building professional networks. - Supporting international academic engagement. - Creating long-term connections with the UK. - Developing a global alumni community. Support for International Women Scholars The programme enables UK institutions to host cohorts of international women scholars during the 2027–28 academic year. Each participating cohort will consist of five Women in STEM scholars. The programme is intended to provide scholars with an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality educational experience while helping them strengthen their research and leadership capabilities. Funding Available Successful UK institutions will receive £200,000 per cohort.

The funding is equivalent to:

- £200,000 per cohort. - £40,000 per scholar. - Five scholars per cohort. The funding supports institutions in hosting Women in STEM scholars during the 2027–28 academic year. Focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Institutions applying to the programme are encouraged to demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applicants should be able to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for international women scholars. The programme seeks institutions that can offer scholars a high-quality experience while supporting their academic, research, leadership, and professional development. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are UK higher education and research institutions capable of recruiting, supporting, and developing international women scholars. Institutions should demonstrate the capacity to provide an inclusive and high-quality experience for scholars from eligible countries and territories. Eligible Countries and Territories International women scholars can come from the following eligible countries and territories: - Bangladesh. - Brazil. - Brunei. - Cambodia. - Egypt. - Hong Kong. - India. - Indonesia. - Kazakhstan. - Laos. - Malaysia. - Nepal. - Pakistan. - Philippines. - Singapore. - South Africa. - Sri Lanka. - Thailand. - Timor-Leste. - Turkey. - Uzbekistan. - Vietnam. Institutional Responsibilities Participating UK institutions must be capable of recruiting and supporting international Women in STEM scholars. Institutions are expected to provide a supportive and inclusive environment that enables scholars to pursue their Master’s level studies and develop their research, leadership, and professional networks. Applicants should demonstrate their ability to contribute to the longer-term objectives of the programme, including engagement with the UK and participation in a global alumni community. Research and Leadership Development The programme goes beyond supporting Master’s level study. It aims to help scholars strengthen their: - Research capacity. - Leadership skills. - Professional networks. - Academic and professional connections. These opportunities are intended to support the scholars’ longer-term development in STEM-related fields. Global Alumni Community Long-term engagement with the UK is an important part of the programme. Women in STEM scholars will have the opportunity to remain connected through a global alumni community. The alumni network can help maintain professional and academic connections beyond the scholars’ period of study in the UK. 2027–28 Academic Year The funding call is focused on hosting cohorts of Women in STEM scholars during the 2027–28 academic year. Each successful institution will host a cohort of five scholars and receive funding of £200,000 for the cohort. Institutions should therefore demonstrate their capacity to recruit, support, and develop international women scholars during the relevant academic year. Key Facts About the Women in STEM Scholarships Programme

- Programme: Women in STEM Scholarships Programme

- Study level: Master’s level

- Location: United Kingdom

- Target applicants: UK higher education and research institutions

- Academic year: 2027–28

- Scholars per cohort: Five

- Funding per cohort: £200,000

- Funding per scholar: £40,000

- Main focus: Addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM

- Development areas: Research capacity, leadership skills, and professional networks

- Institutional focus: Equality, diversity, and inclusion

- Support requirement: Inclusive, supportive, and high-quality experience for international scholars

- Long-term engagement: Global alumni community

- Eligible scholar countries and territories: Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam Frequently Asked Questions About the Women in STEM Scholarships Programme What is the Women in STEM Scholarships Programme? The programme suppo