Top International Scholarships for Women Worldwide
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The underrepresentation of women in higher education and research remains a pressing issue, especially across STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). According to UNESCO, women account for just 30% of researchers worldwide—a figure that reflects persistent disparities.
These inequalities result in a loss of talent and opportunity, slow innovation, and limited women’s career prospects. Access to higher education also remains uneven due to financial, social, and cultural barriers that disproportionately affect women.
To address these challenges, a range of international scholarships for women has been created by institutions, foundations, and governments. These programs support academic mobility, fund graduate studies, and encourage women’s careers in fields where they remain underrepresented.
In this article, we’ve compiled a selection of the best scholarships dedicated to women. You’ll find eligibility criteria, financial benefits, and deadlines to help you identify the scholarship that best fits your profile and maximize your chances of success.
Top International Scholarships for Women
1. AAUW – International Fellowships (United States)
AAUW International Fellowships in the United States are open to women who are not U.S. citizens and wish to pursue full-time study or research at the Master’s, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral level. Award amounts vary by degree level—an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their academic path in the U.S.
2. Zonta – Amelia Earhart Fellowship (Aerospace)
The Zonta Amelia Earhart Fellowship supports women pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering or space sciences. Each year, up to 30 fellows receive USD 10,000 to help fund their research and move forward in their academic careers.
3. Schlumberger Foundation – Faculty for the Future (STEM)
The Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future program supports women from developing or emerging countries pursuing a PhD or postdoc in STEM at leading universities. It provides multi-year funding for tuition and living costs, along with access to a broad alumnae network.
4. OWSD – PhD Fellowships & Early Career Fellowships (Doctoral, Early Career)
OWSD offers two pathways: support for women undertaking a PhD, and Early Career fellowships of up to USD 50,000. These are reserved for women researchers from countries on OWSD’s “Science & Technology Lagging Countries” list (66 developing countries). The program funds research, promotes mobility, and provides robust scientific mentorship.
5. Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
MMEG supports women from developing countries pursuing graduate studies—typically at the Master’s or Doctoral level—across several regions (United States/Canada, France, South Africa, or Latin America & the Caribbean). Grants help cover tuition and selected study-related expenses.
6. P.E.O. – International Peace Scholarship (U.S./Canada)
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship enables women from around the world—excluding U.S. and Canadian citizens—to pursue graduate study (Master’s or Doctorate) in the United States or Canada. It provides partial financial assistance to help cover study costs.
7. L’Oréal–UNESCO “For Women in Science” (Prizes & Rising Talents)
The L’Oréal–UNESCO program recognizes women scientists (life sciences, physics, mathematics, computer science, etc.) at various career stages—post-Master’s, PhD, or postdoc. It awards prestigious international prizes of €100,000 each, as well as regional “Rising Talents” grants to support the next generation of women in science.
8. British Council – Women in STEM (United Kingdom)
The British Council – Women in STEM program offers women from eligible countries the chance to pursue primarily a Master’s in STEM fields, in partnership with multiple UK universities. Scholarships typically cover tuition, a living stipend, travel costs, and in some cases support for dependants, depending on the host institution.
9. Numerix (formerly FINCAD) – Women in Finance Scholarship
The Numerix scholarship is open to women worldwide pursuing a Master’s or PhD in finance, including areas such as asset management, risk management, or derivatives. The award amount is announced annually and helps support recipients’ academic progress.
10. Science by Women – Women for Africa Foundation (Postdoc, Spain)
The Women for Africa Foundation’s Science by Women program offers African women scientists the opportunity to undertake a six-month postdoctoral stay at centers of excellence in Spain. Fields include health, agri-food, water, energy, and climate. Funding covers research costs and provides high-level scientific supervision and access to an international network.
11. Forté MBA Fellowships
Forté MBA Fellowships are awarded by partner business schools to women admitted to their MBA programs. Eligibility is considered automatically upon admission to a member school. Alongside financial support, fellows gain access to Forté resources, a powerful professional network, and opportunities with partner companies.
These international scholarships for women are more than just financial aid: they open doors to academic excellence, foster mobility, and help build strong careers in fields where women are still underrepresented.
Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s, a PhD, or a postdoctoral position, these programs can help you realize your ambitions while joining a global network of students and researchers.
Start exploring these opportunities now, prepare your application, and apply on time—each scholarship could be the decisive springboard in your journey.
