Women in STEM Scholarships - University of Manchester

The University of Manchester offers five fully funded scholarships for women from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka completing specific master’s courses in STEM subjects. The programme was developed by the British Council and is for women from eligible countries to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK.

The scholarships cover five women-only applicants for eligible countries, for completing specific master’s programmes at the University of Manchester. Eligible programmes listed are MSc Pollution and Environmental Control, MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, MSc Geosciences for Sustainable Energy, MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering, MSc Biomaterials, MSc Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Systems Management, and MSc Advanced Process Integration and Design.

Selection requires applicants to meet the stated eligibility conditions, including the University of Manchester’s entry requirements and English language proficiency. Applicants must also demonstrate a case for financial support and agree to maintain contact with the British Council and act as an ambassador for the UK, including engaging with Alumni UK activities during and after the master’s course.

Support is for a one-year master’s degree in the UK, including tuition fees and a monthly stipend. The scholarship includes funding for visa and insurance/NHS surcharge costs and other study-related and ad hoc costs subject to approval by the University of Manchester. Applicants must agree to return to their country of citizenship or residence for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends, except in very exceptional circumstances.

• Be a woman, as defined under UK legislation.
• Be a permanent resident of, and hold a valid passport or recognised international travel document from, one of the eligible countries listed (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka).
• Be able to obtain a UK visa using the documentation held.
• Agree to return to their country of citizenship or residence for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends, except in very exceptional circumstances where return would be impossible or unsafe.
• Meet The University of Manchester’s entry requirements, including academic equivalent qualifications and English language proficiency.
• Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree at the time of submitting the application for the scholarship; students in the final year of undergraduate degree may be considered if they will have completed their degree in time for enrolment to the Master’s course in the UK and meet all matriculation requirements.
• Demonstrate a case for financial support; applicants must not be able to privately fund their UK studies and must not be in receipt of financial support from any other source that duplicates the core benefits of the scholarship.
• Private savings that can top up the scholarship is permitted.
• Indicate preference for course and institution if applying to multiple institutions.
• Be motivated and academically able to follow and benefit from a UK postgraduate taught course.
• Be active in the STEM field with work experience or with a proven interest in the proposed subject area.
• Be willing to contribute to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement in the home country after graduating from the Master’s course in the UK.
• Agree to maintain contact with the British Council and act as an ambassador for the UK, and engage with Alumni UK activities during and after the Master’s course in the UK.
• Demonstrate a plan and a passion to engage other women and girls in STEM from the home country.
• Agree to personal data being shared with the British Council for assessment and promotional activity purposes as a condition of applying.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not had any significant international exposure or previously studied in the UK (including distance learning at UK universities or study at UK branch campuses abroad). Significant experience is defined as a period of study over one month, or enrolment on or completion of an international degree course; short term visits such as study tours or conferences are permitted.
• Not hold dual British citizenship.
• Not be an employee, former employee, or relative of an employee of His Majesty’s Government or the British Council in the eligible countries.
• Applicants must be able to confirm their legal sex as female, evidenced by passport or other official documentation, when requested by the institution (condition of acceptance).
• Relatives are defined as parents or stepparents, siblings or stepsiblings, children or stepchildren, spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (where the couple have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years).
• Additional awards may be allowed if they are aimed at enhancing academic or professional development, provided they do not replicate the Women in STEM scholarship’s provisions.

• Tuition fees.
• Up to 12-months monthly stipend at £1,731.67 per month to cover costs of living, including accommodation.
• IELTS exam fee (for scholars without a valid test of English).
• Return economy-class travel from home country to the UK (final decision on flight selection by The University of Manchester).
• Study-related costs such as essential travel, materials, equipment, and thesis printing (subject to approval by The University of Manchester).
• Visa and insurance/NHS surcharge costs.
• Ad hoc costs such as heavy baggage allowance (subject to approval by The University of Manchester).
• Reasonable adjustments costs for scholars with disabilities.
• Laptop costs are anticipated to be covered from the monthly stipend rate detailed in the scholarship.

1. Complete a scholarship application form emailed to relevant offer-holders by the International Office from mid-January.
2. Submit the scholarship application form by the deadline for application form submission (30 April 2026).
3. Await notification: successful candidates will be notified by 12 June 2026.

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