Top STEM Scholarships for African Women in the UK and US (2025 Guide)
Over the past two years, Africa has seen a lot of interest and potential in women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). But one big problem remains, access to good education; this is also found in the developed countries of the world i.e. UK and the US. The good news is that there are many scholarships for African women who want to study STEM in other countries.
This paper presents some of the best stem scholarships for African women in the UK and US, who can apply, application tips and how to make your application stronger. Are you the young African woman who wants to make some impact in scientific or technological change? Then this guide is for you.
Why STEM Scholarships Matter for African Women
In Africa, the number of women in STEM is low. Cultural barriers, lack of funds and few resources have not allowed girls to explore science and technology professions. Here are some of the solutions offered by scholarships to these problems:
- Include tuition, travelling and living expenses
- Put in place students and mentors and professional networks
- Enhance self esteem with international experience
- Advocate equality in the technology and science field
So here is the list of the best scholarships that African females are eligible to apply in the UK and the US in 2025.
Top STEM Scholarships for African Women in the UK
1. British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
Overview
One of the best UK scholarships for African female students who want to pursue STEM disciplines. The British council is fully funding and it is advertised in some of the best universities in the United Kingdom. It takes care of tuition, food and even transportation expenses, so if you have always wanted to study in UK but are so afraid of breaking the bank, then this is a dream come true.
Eligible Countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt and more.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and visa costs
- English language support
Eligibility:
- Be a woman from a listed African country
- Hold a STEM related undergraduate degree
- Apply to a UK university for a master’s in STEM
- Show financial need
Deadline: Usually February–March every year.
2. Chevening Scholarships for STEM Courses
Overview
One of the UK scholarships rated highest for African women who do STEM courses. This is available in top universities of the UK with the sponsorship of the British Council. It pays tuition, living expenses and so on and there’s no better way to study in the UK as a African woman.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Living allowance
- Return airfare
- Networking opportunities
Eligibility:* Be from a Chevening eligible African country
- Min 2+ years of working experience
- Get accepted in one of UK masters programmes
- Bonus: Pick universities that have strong STEM faculties (the University of Edinburgh, the University of Bristol or Imperial College London)
3. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships – STEM Priority
Overview:
This is a scholarship where students from developing background in their countries want to study in the UK and STEM is one of their priority areas. It helps to sponsor bright people paying their tuition, living expenses, etc. This simplifies access to good education for students with less privileged backgrounds so they can get very good career in STEM.
Target Group: Women from low and middle-income African countries.
Coverage:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living expenses
- Airfare
- Study travel grants
Eligibility:
- You are required to have an undergraduate degree certificate in a STEM-related program to qualify
- Have not been studied or worked in a high-income country more than one year
- Plan to go back home country once the program is over
Top STEM Scholarships for African Women in the US
4. AAUW International Fellowships
Overview:
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships to women, who want to pursue their education in the United States; however, the women have to be residing beyond the United States. This is what has helped many African women fund their master or PhD in STEM.
What’s Covered:
- Tuition
- Books and materials
- Travel and living costs
Requirements:
- Along with not being a US citizen
- A US degree equivalent to Bachelors degree
- Commitment to women’s inclusion in STEM
Bonus: This scholarship is open to both academics and professionals.
5. TechWomen Emerging Leaders Program
Overview:
It’s a women science, technology, engineering and mathematics mentorship and leadership program in the Middle East and Africa. It’s not a degree course but an employment training in the US.
Countries eligible to participate:
- Nigeria,
- Rwanda,
- Kenya,
- South Africa,
- Egypt,
- Zimbabwe, etc.
Offers:
- You will be taken to Silicon Valley and you will stay there for a 5-week mentorship program.
- Project-based learning
- Airfare and accommodation
- Cultural exchange events
Perfect For: Women in tech careers who want to grow their skills and network.
6. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (STEM Focus)
Overview:
It’s a project to train and empower the youth of Africa in a long term perspective. The program is among best Universities in the US such as the Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, and the MIT. It’s open to other fields but students in STEM are more than welcome to apply.
What You Get:
- Full tuition and fees
- Living expenses
- Travel and relocation costs
- Leadership training
Eligibility:
- Be academically strong
- Show leadership qualities
- From an economically disadvantaged background
How to Win These Scholarships
1. Start Early
Scholarship September to March Most of these scholarships can be availed between September and March. Your preparation of documents can be done at least 6 months early.
2. Write a Good Personal Statement
Write black and white. What is it that you love about STEM and why, what does it do in your community and what are your ambitions to do in the future.
3. Request Reference Letters
Get those you know well like your mentors, lecturers or employers. Solicit their writing, in an earnest and generous disquisition.
4. Choose a suitable Program
Apply to universities whose STEM faculty is well equipped and where you can be employed in future.
5. Become a STEM Community member
To be a member of an active group shows the sign of commitment. It also assists you to obtain opportunities and references.
FAQs About STEM Scholarships for African Women in the UK and US
Q1: Is an individual permitted to apply for more scholarships?
A: Yes you can. Actually it’s also wise to apply to more than one scholarship at the same time. It increases your chances of being chosen at least one of them. Scholarship is a competitive thing and you are not always guaranteed to win it in the first try. So it makes sense to apply to more programs, whether local or international. All you have to do is to make sure you qualify in all and apply respectively. Besides, during completion of your application forms, especially when you are being asked if you have applied or got any other scholarship then answer truthfully.
Q2: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
A: In most universities in UK, US, Canada and Australia proof of English language ability will be required. This is normally done by way of exams such as IELTS, TOEFL or any other exam that will be acceptable. If you are from Nigeria or any other English speaking country, not many Universities can overlook this condition if you have studied in English. Many best scholarships however ask that one of these tests be taken. The good news is that you will find some scholarship programs that will also fund even your English test or they get special exemption. Make sure you read the scholarship requirements or the university before applying.
Q3: Do these scholarships only apply to master programs?
A: No, not every scholarship is for master degree only. Most of the mainstream scholarships are for postgraduate studies (master degree program) however you can also get scholarships of any level (PhD studies, diploma courses and short term trainings). An example of such is TechWomen and Chevening Short Courses, and even YALI programs whose aim is to provide leadership and skills in a short term venture. Other scholarships can cover undergraduate e.g. state government scholarships or the scholarships offered by a corporation. The scholar should be able to read the description of the scholarship and look at the type of level that is covered.
Q4: Can I work and study?
A: Yes, most countries allow foreign students to work part time during study. For example, UK students on Tier 4 visa can work 20 hours a week during school term and full time when there is no school time. F-1 visa in the US also allows students to work on campus and even off campus in special circumstances. But never forget to check the visa requirements of the state you are studying in. Breach of the same can lead to fines to your visa status and even deportation.
Q5: What happens after I’m done studying?
A: Scholarships are another thing after you’re done with your studies. Other scholarships (partially or fully funded by governments or other international bodies) might require you to go back to your home country and use your skills to develop your community or country. This is usually stated in the scholarship terms and conditions. The other scholarships however can allow you to stay in the foreign land to gain work experience or continue further studies. Some even give you career and networking to develop your career life all over the world.
Conclusion
The fact that most African women in STEM want to study abroad is not really a bad thing, because dreams are not meant to remain dreams only, there’s a way to make them come true. The number of fully and partially funded scholarships is high and it gives you a real chance to learn, develop and achieve your goals. Scholarships exist. It doesn’t matter what field you’re into: medicine, computer or engineering, biotechnology, data science or environmental studies. Scholarship exists.
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