Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad

March 08, 2023, 09:50 AM
by Nafiz Tahmid

UNB News
Publish- March 08, 2023, 09:50 AM
Nafiz Tahmid
Update- March 08, 2023, 10:36 AM

Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad

Woman Scholar (representational image: Unsplash)

International scholarship opportunities for women to pursue higher studies have increased in recent years, providing more options for women to access higher education and achieve their academic and professional goals. International scholarships cover various fields of study, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts, humanities, and social sciences, enabling women to pursue their academic interests and advance their careers.

In addition to covering tuition fees and other academic expenses, these scholarships also provide financial support for living expenses, travel, and other related costs. Let's take a look at some of the best scholarship opportunities for women from any country.

10 International Fully Funded Scholarships for Women

To support and empower female scholars, there are a number of scholarships available to help women pursue their education. These scholarships range from full-tuition awards to smaller grants. Here are ten scholarships for women that can help you achieve your educational goals.

1. UNESCO Scholarship for Women

The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, established in 1998, has honored 122 pioneering female scientists for their remarkable contributions to research. Five of these awardees have since been awarded the Nobel Prize.

Every year, the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards recognize five eminent female scientists – from Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America – for their research accomplishments, dedication to their field, and social influence.

The For Women in Science Program has earned a reputation for excellence worldwide, providing backing to around 3,900 female scientists across 116 countries. Moreover, it has made visible the incredible achievements of these women and serves as a source of inspiration to young girls contemplating a career in science.

Depending on the country and year, this fellowship's deadline may vary from late March to Early September.

Check this link for more info: https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/women-science

2. British Council Women in STEM

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships program has been operating for the last three years and is partnered with 19 UK universities. The program seeks female applicants with a STEM background who require financial assistance and who wish to motivate other women to pursue STEM careers. These scholarships are available to women from the Americas, South Asia, East Asia, Western Balkans, Central Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and Turkey.

UNESCO reported that in 2019, women only made up 30% of the world's researchers, and only 30% of female students choose STEM-related fields in higher education. Despite this, the number of women in STEM has been gradually increasing, with the current figure standing at 35% (Anon, 2022). This scholarship program is focused on providing more opportunities for girls and women in the STEM fields.

Scholarship applications are accepted in September-October.

Check this link for more info: https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem

3. CFA Women's Scholarship

Now the number of Chartered Financial Analysts or CFA-certified professionals is increasing all over the world. The CFA Institute offers scholarships to women to pursue a career as a CFA. The scholarship is given to specifically encourage women working in the investment management sector.

Under this scholarship program, the cost of signing up for the CFA Program has been waived, and the fee for taking the exam is now only $350. Usually, two application windows are offered for the scholarship from September to August.

Check this link for more info: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/scholarships/womens

4. Australia Awards Scholarship

The Australian Federal Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade administers the Australia Awards, an international scholarship program designed to help students from other countries contribute to the economic and social development of their homeland.

There are opportunities to study in different universities in Australia through scholarships in 7 departments, including blue economy, health, industry-commerce, and public policy-economy-governance. This scholarship is given for Masters only. Female students are especially encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Generally, an IELTS score of 6.5 is accepted, but women can apply with a score of 6.0. Usually, the application window remains open from March to the end of April.

Check this link for more info: https://australiaawardsbangladesh.org/

5. Generation Google Scholarship (EMEA)

The Generation Google Scholarship: for women in computer science was created to support students who are pursuing a degree in computer science and to help them thrive in technology and become influential figures in the field. Selected recipients will be granted 7,000 EUR (or its local equivalent) for the 2023-2024 academic year. This scholarship will be awarded based on the individual's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership qualities, and academic success.

Any full-time female student can apply for this scholarship from the beginning of April, and the deadline is the end of April.

Check this link for more info: https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships/generation-google-scholarship-emea

(representational image: Unsplash)

6. Margaret McNamara Education Grants

Established in 1981, the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMMF) is a public charity and non-profit organization which grants educational funds to women aged 25 or over who are registered at universities in the US, Canada, South Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

So far, Margaret McNamara grants have an impressive number of 498 grantees who have received a total of $4.5 million in direct grantee support. These grantees have pursued a wide range of fields of study, including engineering, information technologies, health, science, education, social studies, and law. The program has attracted grantees from 78 different countries, making it a truly global initiative that supports women from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Depending on the country, this program accepts applications from May to January.

Check this link for more info: https://www.mmeg.org/

7. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS)

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund offers financial aid to female students from non-North American countries who are studying at an accredited college or university in the USA or Canada. It is expected that these students will return to their homelands to utilize their education for the betterment of their communities and for the promotion of global peace.

To be considered eligible for the scholarship, an applicant must have one year of coursework still left to complete and must remain enrolled and resident at the college or university for the entire academic year. Unfortunately, doctoral students who have completed their coursework and are only working on dissertations are not eligible to apply.

Students may be eligible to receive up to $12,500 annually, with awards given based on individual needs. The Eligibility Period for this award is September 15 to December 15 each year.

Check this link for more info: https://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips

8. Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowships

In honor of Larry Senesh's late wife, Dorothy Marchus, the Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowship awards two biennial fellowships every other year to two women from the developing world for studies in the field of peace.

Established by the University of Colorado at Boulder Economics professor, the Fellowship is a lasting legacy of Larry Senesh's dedication to peace. Each woman is eligible to receive $10,000 through the Fellowships, distributed in the form of $5,000 per year for two consecutive years.

The application window opens in October.

Check this link for more info: https://iprafoundation.org/dorothy-marchus-senesh-fellowship/

9. Eira Francis Davies Scholarship

Swansea University in the UK offers an annual full-tuition scholarship dedicated to one female applicant from a developing nation. The beneficiary must be enrolled in a master's degree program in the Health Sciences, which is among the costliest courses available at the university. This award pays for all of the tuition expenses. The application window closes in May.

Check this link for more info: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/medicine-health-life-science/international/eira-francis-davies-scholarship/

10. Amelia Earhart Scholarships

Each year, Zonta International and Amelia Earhart come together to offer scholarships to about 35 female students who are pursuing Doctorate degrees in aerospace engineering or aerospace science. These awards can be used in universities worldwide as long as they offer programs in these areas.

The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF) awards five types of scholarships each year to suitable applicants. These include an Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship, an International Scholarship for pilots in developing nations, Research Scholarship Grants, and First Wings Awards for Student Pilot members.

Scholarship Amounts: Flight Training Scholarship- Up to $20,000, Academic Scholarship- Up to $10,000, Technical Training Scholarship- Up to $20,000.

The deadline for submitting a Fall First Wings application is April 1, while the AE Scholarship Application must be completed by January 1.

Check this link for more info: https://www.ninety-nines.org/scholarships.htm

Final Words

So far, we have discussed the 10 international scholarship programs for women. Women from Bangladesh or any other country can apply to these scholarship programs. These scholarships are specifically designed to help women overcome barriers that may limit their access to education, including financial constraints, cultural and social norms, and gender bias. Applications must be made before the scholarship deadline. Visit the respective websites to apply according to the guidelines.