5 Great UK Postgraduate Scholarships for Women

Are you a woman?  Do you currently study or wish to study in the UK for your postgraduate degree? Is your industry male-dominated? 

If you answered “yes” to the questions above, this article is for you.

Are you ready for the journey? Let’s dive in.

All over the world, the menfolk control most disciplines and occupations. Because women are under-represented in some of these male-dominated industries or fields, they face numerous disadvantages even at the highest levels.

Male-controlled industries have a way of bolstering unhealthy stereotypes and creating adverse environments that impede the opportunity for women to grow. 

So, women who find themselves in such environments have to work harder to get to the same level as their male colleagues.

The constant under-representation of women in the grand scheme of things informs the why some universities in the UK award of postgraduate scholarships to womenby institutions and organizations around the globe.

Of course, we have countries working to bridge the gap between men and women in some male-dominated fields, and the UK is one of them. So, if you’re a woman studying for a postgraduate degree in the UK in a male-dominated discipline, this may interest you.

Below is a list of 5 top scholarships for women having or wish to have postgraduate academic programs in the UK.

The British Federation of Women Graduates Scholarships (PhD and Research)

The British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG) is an organization comprising women with a degree or similar qualifications that collectively strive to help academic women find jobs and attain equality within British further education institutions. 

This way, members enjoy the power to influence and advocate for important policy issues at the highest levels within the UK and across the globe, including the UN, the European Women’s Lobby, and the British Government.

Since its creation, BFWG has offered scholarships to women pursuing their studies throughout the UK. Nowadays, BFWG primarily provides scholarships to women of every nationality working towards a research doctorate, like a PhD, DPhil, DMus, and many others. 

The scholarships are awarded in recognition of academic excellence and are not meant to help meet financial obligations. 

To be eligible, you need to be in the middle of your doctoral studies and have registered at any university in England, Wales, or Scotland. 

The amount of money awarded can range from £1000 upwards, with women generally receiving approximately £3000. In 2020/21, scholarships were awarded for research on the climate change movement, music and Disability rights movements, and much more.

For more details, click here.

The Eira Francis Davies Scholarship at Swansea University for Health and Life Science Students. 

As one of the top universities in the UK regarding teaching excellence, Swansea University has a reputation in research, among other things. 

In this regard, the university’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is leading the path. It’s ranked 2nd in the UK for excellence in research in psychology, medicine, and many more. 

On the other hand, it is actively involved with the NHS, social services, and the private industry to make a difference in people’s lives worldwide. By its nature, Swansea University attracts mainly gifted female students from all over the world.

 Swansea University offers the Eira Francis Davies Scholarship to female students who want to attend the university. The scholarship is only available to women enrolled in an academic master’s program that is full-time and taught by the University’s Faculty. 

To be eligible, students must come from one of the suitable developing nations identified by the World Bank Country and Lending Groups classification as having a ‘low income’ or ‘lower middle income.’

 Funds for Women Graduates. ( Non-tuition expenditure). 

Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG) scholarship is for students who have enough money to pay for tuition but not the other expenses.

As a division of BFWG, FfWG is an educational foundation that encourages higher education and the comprehensive education of women who are graduates. They offer grants, bursaries, and fellowships to women who require financial assistance during their studies.

In general, FfWG offers grants to women in the final years of their PhD or a similar degree. It includes foundation Grants up to £6000 to help with living expenses up to £2500 and Emergency Grants to women who face an unexpected financial hardship while doing research or studying at a UK University.

 For female graduates carrying out research in History or English Literature, the Theodora Bosanquet Bursary provides temporary accommodation during the summer months in London.

To be eligible, you have to be enrolled as a PhD (or equivalent) student in a UK university and prove that you can pay for your tuition. In addition, FfWG is flexible -it grants scholarships to students of any nationality in any area of study.

For more details, click here.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

The British Council acts as the UK’s worldwide organization that promotes cultural and educational opportunities. It has offices in over 100 countries, collaborating with individuals and governments and partners to bring benefits to millions of people throughout the globe by providing education.

The British Council already offers hundreds of scholarships to international students who want to pursue their studies at universities in the UK. 

They also provide  Postgraduate scholarships for women from different nations who seek a career in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at a UK university. 

The scholarships are available for women from countries like the Americas, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Egypt, Turkey, and Ukraine.

You need to possess a STEM background (an undergrad degree) to be eligible. That allows you to qualify to take one of the pre-selected postgraduate programs among the collaborating 26 UK universities.

Additionally, you should have a sufficient understanding of English for the postgraduate level and be actively involved in the field of study with prior work experience or established interest in the subject you are studying.

 Visit this British Council’s site for more details.

Read also: 9 Fully Sponsored UK Scholarships for International Students.

Women in Economics Scholarship

Each year, the European Central Bank gives five women studying or planning to pursue master’s degrees in economics a scholarship of up to €10,000 (approximately £8430). 

ECB offers scholarships to women with excellent academic performance at the undergraduate degree level. These awardees are students or intending students of higher education or business schools within Europe (including in the UK).  

To be eligible, you need to be a national of an EU member state. In the case of the UK, you’d be qualified if you’re a British citizen. It is also necessary to show that you’re facing an issue with funding that prevents you from continuing your studies.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to establish relationships with fellow members of the European Central Bank by learning about their latest research. Furthermore, you’ll learn about the bank’s job opportunities, an exciting opportunity for any economics graduate.

For more details, click here.