Students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, clearly understand that the cost of affording higher education remains one of the greatest challenges they face.
For many females pursuing STEM degrees, financial challenges can be compounded by caregiving responsibilities, limited family support, or social and economic barriers they face. These factors make STEM scholarships for females and other forms of financial aid especially valuable.
To encourage more female students to pick an interest in these Fields, more organisations, from global technology companies and leading universities to nonprofit foundations and professional associations, are investing heavily in the future of women in STEM.
These programs do far more than cover tuition for you. They open doors to connect with experienced mentors, access exclusive professional networks, internships, research opportunities, and career-building experiences that can shape your future long after graduation.
The scholarships we have outlined in this guide represent some of the most significant funding available for the 2026-2027 academic year. We’ve organised 13 of the top scholarships for females in STEM to help you quickly compare award amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements, so you can focus your energy on the opportunities that best fit your goals.
13 Top Scholarships for Women in STEM (2026-2027)
Exploring the vast landscape of females in STEM scholarships can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to balance rigorous coursework with the hunt for financial aid. To simplify your journey, we have curated this definitive lineup of scholarships for female STEM majors that are actively accepting applications for the upcoming academic year. Whether you are a domestic student or an international applicant seeking STEM scholarships for females to study in the United States, this list offers a diverse range of funding sources
1. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | More than 330 scholarships are awarded each year, with individual awards up to $20,000+, depending on the scholarship. |
| Eligibility | Female students enrolled in or planning to enrol in an ABET-accredited undergraduate or graduate STEM program, primarily in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate and Graduate |
| Fields of Study | Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, and other eligible STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | Varies each year (typically opens in the spring) |
| Application Method | Submit a single application through the official SWE Scholarship Portal to be automatically matched with all eligible scholarships. |
| Renewable | Some scholarships are renewable, while others are one-time awards. |
| Official Website | Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship Portal |
If you’re searching for one of the best scholarships for women in STEM, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships should be at the top of your list. SWE administers one of the largest scholarship programs dedicated to supporting women pursuing careers in engineering, technology, and related STEM fields.
One of the biggest advantages of the program is its single-application process. Rather than applying for dozens of individual awards, you complete one application, and SWE automatically matches you with every scholarship for which you meet the eligibility requirements. This saves time while significantly increasing your chances of receiving funding.
2. MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | $5,000 (Grand Prize), $2,000 (Runner-up), $1,000 (Honourable Mention) |
| Eligibility | International or DACA students admitted to or enrolled full-time at an MPOWER-supported university in the U.S. or Canada. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate and Graduate |
| Fields of Study | STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through the MPOWER Financing scholarship portal. |
| Renewable | No |
The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is designed to empower talented international and DACA students pursuing STEM degrees in the United States or Canada.
Beyond recognising academic achievement and leadership potential, the scholarship helps offset tuition and other educational expenses, making it easier for recipients to focus on their studies and prepare for successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
3. AAUW International Fellowships
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | $20,000 (Master’s), $25,000 (Doctoral) |
| Eligibility | Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing full-time graduate study in the U.S. |
| Level of Study | Master’s and Doctoral |
| Fields of Study | All eligible disciplines, including STEM |
| Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through the AAUW Fellowship Portal. |
| Renewable | No |
The AAUW International Fellowships provide substantial financial support to women from around the world pursuing master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies in the United States.
In addition to helping cover tuition and living expenses, the program recognises women with strong academic records and leadership potential who are committed to making a positive impact in their home countries after completing their studies.
4. Google Women Techmakers Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | $10,000 |
| Eligibility | Women studying computer science or related technical fields. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate and Graduate |
| Fields of Study | Computer Science and related disciplines |
| Deadline | May 22, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through Google’s Build Your Future platform. |
| Renewable | No |
If you’re pursuing a career in computer science, the Google Women Techmakers Scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities available for you.
The program rewards women who demonstrate strong academic performance, technical ability, and leadership qualities while connecting recipients with Google’s global network of women in technology for mentorship, networking, and professional growth.
5. Women at Microsoft (WAM) Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | $5,000 |
| Eligibility | Women, non-binary, and gender-fluid high school seniors planning to study STEM in the U.S. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Fields of Study | STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | March 16, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through the official Microsoft scholarship information page: Women at Microsoft Scholarship |
| Renewable | No |
The Women at Microsoft Scholarship helps graduating female high school seniors pursue undergraduate STEM degrees by reducing the financial barriers to college.
The program recognises students with strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a passion for technology while encouraging greater diversity and inclusion in the future STEM workforce.
6. Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | $7,000 |
| Eligibility | Women studying computer science, software engineering, or related fields at accredited universities in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Fields of Study | Computer Science and Software Engineering |
| Deadline | March 22, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through the Palantir scholarship portal. |
| Renewable | No |
Aspiring software engineers and computer scientists can benefit from the Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship, which supports women pursuing degrees in computer science, software engineering, and related technical fields.
In addition to financial assistance, the program recognises students with strong technical potential and helps prepare them for successful careers in the technology industry through professional development opportunities.
7. BHW Women in STEM Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | One annual scholarship |
| Eligibility | Women pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in STEM at a U.S. college or university. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate and Master’s |
| Fields of Study | STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | April 15, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through The BHW Group website. |
| Renewable | No |
The BHW Women in STEM Scholarship provides financial assistance to women pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
The annual scholarship recognises students who demonstrate academic promise and a strong commitment to building careers in STEM, helping ease the cost of higher education.
8. Women in Aerospace (WIA) Foundation Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | Four scholarships worth $5,000 each |
| Eligibility | Female U.S. citizens or permanent residents entering their junior or senior year in eligible STEM majors. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Fields of Study | Aerospace, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science |
| Deadline | June 16, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through the WIA Foundation. |
| Renewable | No |
The Women in Aerospace Foundation Scholarship helps female STEM students pursue careers in aerospace by providing merit-based financial assistance for their education.
As one of the top scholarships for women in STEM, it supports students in engineering, mathematics, and science while promoting the growth of women leaders in one of the world’s most innovative industries.
9. AWIS Scholarships
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | Varies by scholarship |
| Eligibility | AWIS members pursuing STEM education or careers. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional |
| Fields of Study | STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through the AWIS scholarship portal. |
| Renewable | Varies |
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Scholarships provide financial support to women pursuing STEM education and careers at different stages of their professional journey.
Through multiple scholarship opportunities, AWIS helps undergraduate students, graduate researchers, and women advancing in science-related fields overcome financial barriers and continue their academic and career development.
10. Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholarship Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | Varies by participating institution |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate women majoring in STEM at participating colleges and universities. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Fields of Study | STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | Varies by institution |
| Application Method | Apply through your university. |
| Renewable | Varies |
Another great scholarship for females in STEM is the Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholarship Program, one of the largest private initiatives dedicated to supporting women pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and careers.
Through partnerships with colleges and universities across the United States, the program provides financial assistance to undergraduate women in STEM while encouraging more women to become future researchers, scientists, and academic leaders.
11. Zonta International Women in STEM Award
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | Up to $10,000 internationally, plus district and club awards |
| Eligibility | Women aged 18–35 pursuing STEM studies or careers. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate, Graduate, and Early Career |
| Fields of Study | STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | Varies by local Zonta club |
| Application Method | Applications begin through a local Zonta club or district. Official details: Zonta Women in STEM Award Application |
| Renewable | No |
The Zonta International Women in STEM Award provides financial recognition to women aged 18–35 who are pursuing STEM studies or careers.
By rewarding academic excellence and leadership potential, the program encourages more women to enter and succeed in traditionally underrepresented STEM fields.
12. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | Funding worth £40,000+, including tuition, living expenses, travel, and visa costs |
| Eligibility | Women from eligible countries applying to participating universities. |
| Level of Study | Master’s |
| Fields of Study | Selected STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | Varies by university |
| Application Method | Apply directly through participating universities. |
| Renewable | No |
The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships provide fully funded opportunities for women from eligible countries to pursue master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at leading universities in the UK.
By covering major study expenses such as tuition fees and living costs, the program helps talented women access world-class education while building skills to advance their careers and contribute to STEM development in their communities.
13. Dr Adawia Alousi STEM Scholarship Fund for Muslim Women
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | $10,000 |
| Eligibility | American Muslim women pursuing undergraduate or graduate STEM degrees. |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate and Graduate |
| Fields of Study | STEM disciplines |
| Deadline | March 10, 2026 |
| Application Method | Apply through the College Board BigFuture platform. |
| Renewable | No |
The Dr Adawia Alousi STEM Scholarship Fund provides financial support to American Muslim women pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
By helping reduce the cost of higher education, the scholarship encourages greater participation of Muslim women in STEM fields and supports the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technology professionals.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a STEM Scholarship for Females
Applying for scholarships requires more than simply submitting an application. The most successful applicants start early, carefully prepare their materials, and apply strategically. If you’re searching for more opportunities, explore our complete guide to STEM field scholarships for 2026–2027 to discover additional funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees.
Here are some steps to strengthen your scholarship applications:
1. Start your search early:
Many STEM scholarship deadlines open several months before the academic year begins, with many applications closing during winter and spring. Starting early gives you enough time to gather transcripts, request recommendation letters, write strong essays, and review your application before submission.
2. Review eligibility requirements carefully:
Every scholarship has specific criteria, including citizenship or residency requirements, GPA expectations, academic level, STEM field of study, and enrollment status. Applying only to scholarships where you meet the requirements increases your chances of success and saves valuable time.
3. Apply for multiple scholarships:
Don’t rely on a single opportunity. Many scholarships receive thousands of applications, so applying broadly improves your chances of receiving funding. Programs like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) make the process easier by allowing students to submit one application for consideration across multiple eligible awards.
4. Create a compelling personal story:
Scholarship committees often look beyond grades. Use your essays to highlight your passion for STEM, leadership experiences, academic achievements, community involvement, and your long-term career goals. Explain how the scholarship will help you create an impact in your chosen field.
5. Always confirm the latest information:
Scholarship amounts, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application procedures can change from year to year. Before submitting any application, visit the official scholarship website to verify the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines.
The funding opportunities are available, and thousands of students receive STEM scholarships every year. With careful preparation, a strong application, and a proactive approach, you can increase your chances of securing financial support for your education and future career.
