UK Scholarships to Apply for This International Women’s Day
Education is a powerful tool for change, and scholarships for women play a crucial role in breaking financial barriers and fostering leadership. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to highlight funding opportunities available for women pursuing higher education in the UK.
For many students, the cost of a master’s degree in the UK can be a significant concern, with tuition fees ranging from £10,000 to £40,000 depending on the university and programme. However, numerous UK universities offer financial support, including partial scholarships that help ease this burden.
Beyond funding, studying in the UK provides additional benefits, such as access to the UK post study work visa, allowing graduates to stay and work for up to two years (or three years for PhD holders). Whether you're looking to advance in STEM, business, law, or social sciences, this guide explores top UK scholarships for women and tips for a successful application.
Why Scholarships for Women Matter
Women have made significant strides in education, yet financial barriers and gender gaps persist in many fields. Scholarships designed specifically for women help bridge these gaps, making higher education more accessible and empowering women to thrive in competitive industries.
Breaking Financial Barriers
Higher education in the UK is a major investment, and scholarships provide crucial financial relief, reducing the need for excessive loans. While fully funded scholarships are rare, many offer generous partial funding that significantly lowers tuition costs for international students.
Encouraging Women in Underrepresented Fields
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in fields such as STEM, business leadership, and law. Scholarships targeting these areas not only provide financial support but also offer mentorship and career opportunities, helping women excel in historically male-dominated industries.
Supporting Career Growth & Post-Study Opportunities
Scholarships open doors to networking, research opportunities, and internships, which are crucial for career progression. Additionally, the UK post study work visa in 2025 allows international graduates to gain work experience in the UK, increasing their employability and global career prospects.
By applying for UK scholarships, women can take a step toward academic and professional success while contributing to a more diverse and inclusive future.
Top UK Scholarships for Women
1. British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
The UK is a global leader in STEM education, yet women remain underrepresented in science and technology fields. The British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship aims to bridge this gap by offering financial aid, mentorship, and career opportunities.
📌 For: International women pursuing a master’s degree in STEM at selected UK universities
Fully funded, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses
Available to women from specific countries in South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East
Ideal for those looking to study in the UK and benefit from the UK post-study work visa in 2025
2. University-Funded Scholarships
Research by Scholarship Scanner has identified some of the top scholarships offered by UK universities specifically for female students:
Imperial College Business School – Women in Finance Scholarship (£25,000)
London Business School – LBS Sloan Women’s Scholarship (25% tuition fee discount)
London Business School – Master’s in Management Merit Scholarship for Women (£20,000)
London Business School – Master’s in Financial Analysis Merit Scholarship for Women (£20,000)
London Business School – Master’s in Finance Merit Scholarship for Women (50% tuition fee discount)
Nottingham Trent University – Women in Computer Science Scholarship (50% tuition fee discount)
University College Birmingham – Women in Leadership Scholarship (25% tuition fee discount)
University of Glasgow – Adam Smith Business School Women in Business Scholarship (£10,000 + £10,000 stipend)
What It Takes to Earn a Partial Scholarship
Winning a generous partial scholarship is highly competitive. Universities reserve these awards for outstanding applicants who demonstrate excellence in multiple areas. Here’s what you’ll need:
Outstanding Academic Performance
Applicants are often required to be in the top 10% of their class or demonstrate strong academic achievements.
A Compelling Personal Story
Your application should highlight unique experiences, challenges you’ve overcome, and your aspirations.
Extracurricular Achievements
Leadership roles, work experience, or volunteering can set you apart from other candidates.
Passion and Ambition
Clearly express your enthusiasm for your chosen field and your long-term career goals.
Writing a standout scholarship application involves effectively communicating all these elements. Tailor your application to each scholarship and demonstrate why you deserve the funding. Read more advice on writing winning applications in our Ultimate Guide to Securing Scholarships.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships for women in the UK provide a gateway to higher education, career advancement, and international opportunities. By applying for these scholarships, you can take a significant step toward your academic and professional goals. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure funding and make your dream of studying in the UK a reality!
Explore these scholarships and more by searching our UK Scholarships Finder.