Mexico

Apply to Durham University by March 16, 2025

Apply to the University of Essex by April 15, 2025

Brazil

Apply to the Imperial College London by April 4, 2025

The gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions remains a reality affecting women worldwide. Despite their achievements and capabilities, women make up a smaller proportion of the workforce and research teams in these fields, facing challenges such as lower visibility in publications, lower salaries, and less access to leadership roles. 

Access to education is key to reducing this underrepresentation, which is why the Women in STEM scholarship programme is so important. In collaboration with UK universities and Fundación Coppel in Mexico, this programme offers a unique opportunity in 2025 for women from Mexico and Brazil who wish to continue their master’s studies in the UK. With over 400 scholarships granted globally in its five years of existence, the Women in STEM programme is becoming a vital platform to propel women towards the future of science and technology. 

Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year are now open 

We are partnering with 4 UK universities to provide 20 scholarships for women from Mexico and Brazil. Successful applicants will benefit from: 

  • Academic recognition for joining a prestigious UK university, a global leader in research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) 
  • Financial support, which includes tuition fees, a living stipend, travel costs, visa, and health coverage fees 
  • Support for the IELTS exam fee. Please note that the cost of applying for the exam will only be reimbursed to selected applicants. 

Master's courses and available universities 

Available universities for Mexico: 

Durham University (5 scholarships available) 

Courses you can apply for: Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Earth and Environmental Sciences), Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering Management, Plant Biotechnology and Enterprise, Advanced Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), Advanced Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Climate, Risk and Society, Environmental Hazards and Risk.

Application deadline: March 16, 2025.

University of Essex (5 scholarships available). This group is supported by Fundación Coppel. 

Courses you can apply for: Global Public Health, Applications of artificial intelligence, Artificial Intelligence in Finance, Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, Data Science and its Applications, Environmental Futures and Climate Change, Financial Technology (Computer Science), Intelligent Systems and Robotics, Marine Science and Sustainable Development.

Application deadline: April 15, 2025.

Available universities for Brazil: 

Imperial College London (5 scholarships available) 

Courses you can apply for: MPH Master of Public Health, Healthcare and Design, Global Health Management, MRes Biomedical Research (Microbiome in Health and Disease), Epidemiology, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Healthcare, PG Dip Digital Health Leadership, Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology, MRes Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, MRes Living Planet with Ecosystems and Environmental Change, Environmental Engineering with Data Science, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Cleantech Innovation, Hydrology and Water Resources Management, Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering, Renewable Energy with AI and Data Science: Geology and Geophysics, Sustainable Energy Futures, MRes Green Chemistry, Energy and the Environment Future Power Networks, Analogue and Digital  Integrated Circuit Design, Digital Chemistry with AI and Automation, Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure.

Application deadline: April 4, 2025.

Who can apply?

This scholarship is open to women and individuals who identify as women, who must meet the following criteria: 

  • Desire to continue their education in STEM and develop their career in a related profession 
  • Be Mexican or Brazilian 
  • Demonstrate financial need 
  • Hold a university degree that allows access to one of the preselected postgraduate courses at a UK university (for a master’s level) 
  • Meet the required English level for postgraduate study at the UK university they apply to 
  • Be active in the field, with work experience or a proven interest in their area of study 
  • Be passionate about their course of study and willing to participate as engaged alumni of the British Council 
  • Be available to start their course in the UK in the next academic year, starting in September/October 2025 

You are not eligible for a Women in STEM scholarship if

  • You hold dual British citizenship 
  • You are an employee, former employee, or a relative (*) of an employee of His Majesty’s Government (including British Embassies/High Commissions; the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; Department for International Trade; the Ministry of Defence; and the Home Office) 
  • You are an employee, former employee, or a relative (*) of an employee of the Women in STEM scholarships programme at the British Council 
  • You are receiving financial support or funding for your study programme in the UK from any other source 
  • You have previously studied in the UK on a scholarship funded by the UK government or a UK institution’s scholarship/financial a bursary 

(*) 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). 

How to apply

Visit the websites of the UK universities we are partnering with to offer the scholarships and apply for the courses that interest you. You can apply for more than one course but remember that each university has its own application process. 

It is important to note that application deadlines may vary between participating universities. Be sure to carefully check the deadlines for the university you choose to avoid any disappointment. 

In case of doubts

If you have questions about the course you are interested in, contact the relevant university directly. All applications must be submitted through the university, and you will receive a response directly from them about the status of your application. 

If you have any questions about the scholarships, please contact the British Council by emailing WomeninStem.Scholarships@britishcouncil.org. If you cannot find the university's contact information, you can also write to us. 

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