Check Out British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM 2024 Details

According to a report by UNESCO, in 2019 less than 30% of global researchers were women. Though this number has risen to 35% in 2022, there still exists a significant underrepresentation of women in the research sector. This article discusses the British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM which is presented to women who wish to pursue careers in STEM and can demonstrate financial support needs. with or pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at leading UK universities. Read on to learn more.

The British Council has collaborated with 21 leading UK universities to benefit women from different parts of the world – America, South Asia, East Asia, western Balkans, central Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and Turkey. This program has two parts to it – the Masters Scholarships and Early Academic Fellowship. The first one is provided to study a master's degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics program at a leading UK university, while you can apply for the latter if you have completed a PhD in STEM in the last three years. The detailed eligibility for both scholarship types is also different, however they share a few common requirements. Let’s look into it in the next section.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM – Eligibility Criteria

The following is the general eligibility criteria for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM:

• The applicant must identify as a woman.
• They must be a passport holder and permanent resident of one of the eligible countries. You can check the list of these countries on the official website.
• They must have an undergraduate degree that is accepted for the pre-selected postgraduate courses at a UK university (for Masters Scholarship) or completed all components of PhD in the last three years (for Early Academic Fellowships).
• They must be able to take up a course of study in the UK for the upcoming academic year (as mentioned on the official website).
• They must meet the English language requirement to study/research at a UK university.
• They must demonstrate the need for financial support.
• They are active in the field with proven work experience or interest in their subject area.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM – Documents Required

To be considered for the British Council Women in STEM scholarship, applicants must first complete their university application for the master's program. The required documents for this scholarship include:

• Transcript/interim transcript
• Personal statement (500-600 words)
• GMAT score (if applicable)
• English language test result
• Confirmation of professional qualifications/exemptions/passes (if applicable)
• A-Level certificates (if requested)
• Work experience (if required)
• CV
• Two references:
  • One reference from a tutor who taught at the university level.
  • One reference from a current or recent employer or supervisor.
  • If a student lacks work experience or cannot obtain a professional reference, two academic references will be accepted.
  • Professional qualification holders without a first degree should arrange two employer references, preferably from different employers.

It is to be noted that the eligibility criteria and required documents may vary depending on the participating universities and countries.

Benefits of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

The scholarship program aims to increase opportunities in STEM for women and address the underrepresentation of women in these fields. The British Council scholarships for women in STEM offer the following benefits to selected candidates:

• It covers tuition fees, stipends, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees.
• It also provides English language support during studies.
• The program also provides exceptional support for mothers and people with caring responsibilities.
• Academic prestige, as the UK's universities are among the world's leaders in STEM subjects.
• The opportunity to inspire future generations of women in STEM.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM - How to Apply

The eligible candidates can apply for the British Council Women in STEM scholarships directly to the participating UK universities. Multiple applications are also allowed, but one must ensure to apply through their preferred institution. The status of the application is directly conveyed to the candidates by the university.

The applications for the 2024-25 academic year will begin in early 2024. The dates will be announced soon on the official website. The eligibility criteria for the British Council STEM scholarship 2024 will also be released when the call is open. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying. Here’s to empowering more women in STEM!

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