5 Scholarships for Women Pursuing STEM Degrees Abroad

Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields worldwide, facing both cultural and systemic barriers to access and advancement. Fortunately, several global organizations and institutions are working to close this gap by offering scholarships specifically for women in STEM.

These scholarships do more than just fund education—they empower women, promote diversity in innovation, and create pathways to leadership roles in science and technology.

Why Scholarships for Women in STEM Matter

Scholarships for women in STEM help tackle the persistent gender imbalance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. They provide crucial financial assistance to women who may otherwise lack access to quality education or global opportunities.

Beyond funding, these scholarships offer mentorship, networking, and visibility—tools that empower women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries. By supporting women in STEM, these programs contribute to a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive global workforce.

Criteria for Selecting These Scholarships

The scholarships featured in this list were chosen based on a few key criteria:

Eligibility for International Women: Open to female applicants from various countries, especially those studying abroad.
STEM-Focused: Specifically targeted at students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines.
Financial Coverage: Offers meaningful support such as tuition fees, living expenses, research funding, or travel grants.
Reputation and Impact: Backed by reputable organizations with a track record of supporting women in STEM and providing long-term opportunities like mentorship or networking.

Top 5 Scholarships for Women Pursuing STEM Abroad

1. Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship, established in honor of computer scientist Dr. Anita Borg, aims to encourage women to excel in computing and technology.
It is open to female undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related technical fields at recognized universities worldwide.

Key Features:

Financial support for tuition and academic expenses
An invitation to attend a special networking retreat organized by Google
Access to the Google Scholars community for mentorship and career support
Emphasis on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the representation of women in tech

Best for: Women pursuing careers in software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity.

2. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship

This fellowship supports women from developing and emerging countries who are undertaking PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM fields. The goal is to enable recipients to return to their home countries and contribute to educational and scientific advancement.

Key Features:

Covers full tuition, living costs, travel, and research expenses
Multi-year funding with potential renewal upon academic progress
Access to annual fellow gatherings, leadership workshops, and a global network
Encourages long-term impact through teaching, mentoring, and advocacy in home countries

Best for: Women researchers aiming to pursue an academic or scientific leadership role in their home country.

3. Microsoft Women in STEM Scholarship

Microsoft offers a range of scholarships globally to female students passionate about science and technology. The scholarship is part of Microsoft’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive tech industry.

Key Features:

Financial assistance covering tuition fees and academic resources
Access to internships, career coaching, and job placement at Microsoft
Mentorship from leading female engineers, scientists, and executives
Encourages leadership in community outreach, coding initiatives, or women-in-tech movements

Best for: Undergraduate and graduate students in fields like software development, data science, robotics, or cloud computing.

4. PEO International Peace Scholarship (IPS)

The IPS Fund provides need-based support to women from outside the U.S. and Canada who are pursuing graduate degrees in either country. While not exclusive to STEM, many recipients are STEM students.

Key Features:

Offers up to $12,500 annually (renewable for multiple years)
Encourages cross-cultural understanding and international peace
Candidates must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence
Participation in a global network of female scholars and PEO alumni

Best for: Women seeking funding for research-based or professional STEM master’s and doctoral programs in North America.

5. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship

This internationally recognized program supports promising women scientists at the doctoral or postdoctoral level. It celebrates academic achievements while fostering leadership among women in research.

Key Features:

Substantial financial grant (amount varies by country and research level)
Recognized in over 100 countries with both national and international awards
Opportunities for media exposure, scientific collaboration, and mentorship
Focus on empowering women working in fields like life sciences, chemistry, and environmental science

Best for: Early-career researchers aiming to establish themselves in academia or industry while contributing to scientific discovery.

How to Apply Successfully

Applying for STEM scholarships as a woman requires more than just meeting the eligibility criteria—it’s about crafting a compelling application that showcases your passion, achievements, and potential. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Start Early and Stay Organized

Many top scholarships have deadlines 6 to 12 months before the academic program starts. Begin your search early and create a calendar for deadlines, required documents, and follow-ups.

2. Understand the Scholarship’s Goals

Each scholarship has a mission. Some focus on leadership, others on academic excellence, community impact, or representation in underdeveloped countries. Tailor your application to reflect how your goals align with their vision.

3. Write a Powerful Personal Statement

Your statement should explain:

Why you chose your field of study
Your long-term goals in STEM
How the scholarship will help you make a broader impact
Use personal stories and achievements to make your essay memorable, sincere, and inspiring.

4. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation

Choose professors, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your academic abilities, leadership, or research experience. Provide them with context about the scholarship so they can align their recommendation with your goals.

5. Showcase STEM Achievements

Include any internships, coding projects, published papers, STEM competitions, or volunteer work that reflect your commitment to science or technology. Even small projects can make a big impact if they demonstrate initiative.

6. Follow Instructions Perfectly

Every scholarship has its own application process. Stick to formatting guidelines, word limits, and required documents. Missing details—even small ones—can disqualify your application.

7. Prepare for Interviews (if required)

If the scholarship involves an interview round, practice ahead of time. Be ready to talk about your passion, your career plan, and how you’ll give back to the community or the scholarship program.

Conclusion

Pursuing a STEM degree abroad as a woman is a powerful step toward breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive future in science and technology. The scholarships listed above not only provide financial support but also offer mentorship, international exposure, and a platform to amplify your impact.

While competition can be tough, careful planning, a strong application, and persistence can make all the difference. Use the resources available, connect with support networks, and tell your story with confidence.

With the right scholarship, your dreams of studying STEM abroad can become a reality—opening doors to academic success, global collaboration, and lifelong career opportunities.