Top 29 Scholarships for Women Globally

1. The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program

 

• What is it?
  This scholarship helps women from developing countries who are pursuing postgraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The goal is to promote more women in leadership roles within STEM fields.
• Who can apply?
  Women from developing countries pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. in STEM disciplines.
• What does it cover?
  The scholarship offers up to $50,000 annually to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
• Why it matters?
  It supports women aiming to become leaders in STEM, a sector where they are underrepresented.

2. Margaret McNamara Educational Grant (MMEG)

 

• What is it?
  MMEG provides scholarships for women from developing countries who wish to pursue a graduate or professional degree in areas related to education, health, or development.
• Who can apply?
  Women from developing countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
• What does it cover?
  Grants of up to $15,000 to cover tuition, living expenses, and books.
• Why it matters?
  This scholarship enables women who are committed to social change to gain higher education and improve their communities.

3. UNESCO-L’Oréal Fellowships for Women in Science

 

• What is it?
  This fellowship supports women researchers working in life sciences, with the aim of encouraging more women to contribute to scientific advancement.
• Who can apply?
  Female researchers from all countries who are involved in life sciences research.
• What does it cover?
  Up to $60,000 for doctoral or postdoctoral research projects.
• Why it matters?
  It promotes the advancement of women in science, helping to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

4. Eira Francis Davies Scholarship

 

• What is it?
  This scholarship supports women from developing countries pursuing undergraduate studies in health-related fields at Swansea University, UK.
• Who can apply?
  Women from developing countries who want to study health disciplines, such as medicine, nursing, or public health.
• What does it cover?
  Full tuition fees and financial support for living expenses.
• Why it matters?
  It provides an opportunity for women from underrepresented regions to study in a field that directly impacts global health.

5. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

 

• What is it?
  This program provides full scholarships for African students (including women) to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at top universities around the world.
• Who can apply?
  Female students from Sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to contributing to the development of their home countries.
• What does it cover?
  Full funding for tuition, travel, and living expenses at partner institutions across the globe.
• Why it matters?
  It empowers young African women with the tools and knowledge needed to lead development efforts in their communities.

6. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

 

• What is it?
  A leadership program designed for young African leaders (ages 25-35), offering training in business, government, and civil society to foster skills for social change.
• Who can apply?
  Female leaders from across Africa who are passionate about leadership and development.
• What does it cover?
  Full support for travel, training, and living expenses for six weeks of leadership training in the U.S.
• Why it matters?
  It provides critical skills for young African women who are already making a difference in their communities, helping them scale their impact.

7. Zawadi Africa Education Fund

 

• What is it?
  Zawadi Africa is dedicated to helping talented African women gain access to higher education at top international universities.
• Who can apply?
  Female students from Sub-Saharan Africa who have demonstrated strong academic performance.
• What does it cover?
  Full scholarships cover tuition, airfare, and living expenses for undergraduate or graduate studies.
• Why it matters?
  It opens doors for African women to attend prestigious universities and gain education that will empower them to become leaders in their fields.

8. She Leads Africa Accelerator Program

 

• What is it?
  An accelerator program aimed at supporting African women entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to scale their businesses.
• Who can apply?
  Female entrepreneurs from across Africa who are eager to grow their businesses and impact their communities.
• What does it cover?
  The program provides access to investment, mentorship, and business development resources.
• Why it matters?
  It nurtures women entrepreneurs who are helping to drive economic growth and innovation in Africa.

9. African Women in Tech Scholarship

 

• What is it?
  This program provides support for African women interested in pursuing careers in technology, helping them overcome barriers to education and employment in the tech industry.
• Who can apply?
  Women in Africa who want to work in technology, coding, or innovation.
• What does it cover?
  Includes mentorship, training, and funding to help women break into and excel in the tech industry.
• Why it matters?
  The scholarship encourages African women to engage in the tech sector, which is vital for economic and social development.

10. The Women for Africa Foundation Scholarships

 

• What is it?
  A foundation that offers scholarships to African women to study fields such as research, entrepreneurship, and leadership to foster development on the continent.
• Who can apply?
  Women from Africa pursuing postgraduate studies or research.
• What does it cover?
  Provides scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help African women develop leadership skills.
• Why it matters?
  It helps women build essential leadership skills in business and research to help solve Africa’s challenges.

11. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

 

• What is it?
  A global scholarship program that offers graduate-level students from all over the world the chance to study in the United States.
• Who can apply?
  Women from developing countries, including African nations, who wish to pursue graduate studies in the U.S.
• What does it cover?
  Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance during study in the U.S.
• Why it matters?
  It provides a platform for international collaboration and allows women from Africa to gain a world-class education and apply it back home.

12. OWSD Early Career Fellowship Programme

 

• What is it?
  This fellowship supports early-career female scientists from developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, to conduct research that will benefit their home countries.
• Who can apply?
  Female scientists from developing nations in early-career stages.
• What does it cover?
  Up to $50,000 for research-related expenses, including equipment and travel.
• Why it matters?
  It empowers women scientists to pursue impactful research and contribute to global scientific knowledge.

13. Rotary Peace Fellowship

 

• What is it?
  This fellowship provides full funding for women to pursue master’s or professional development programs in fields related to peace, conflict resolution, and international relations.
• Who can apply?
  Women from all over the world who have leadership potential in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
• What does it cover?
  The fellowship covers full tuition, travel expenses, and living costs for up to two years of study.
• Why it matters?
  It equips women with the skills needed to tackle conflict and promote peace, making a global impact in their home countries or regions.

14. The United Nations University Gender Equality and Global Health Fellowship

 

• What is it?
  This fellowship supports women working in the fields of global health and gender equality to address disparities and improve health outcomes worldwide.
• Who can apply?
  Female researchers, professionals, or students focused on health, policy, or gender equality.
• What does it cover?
  Funding for travel, research, and living expenses for participants attending courses, seminars, and research programs.
• Why it matters?
  It empowers women to shape policies and practices that foster gender equality and better health for all.

15. The Beatrix Potter Scholarship

• What is it?
  Aimed at young women from around the world who are pursuing postgraduate research in biology, wildlife conservation, and environmental science.
• Who can apply?
  Women interested in pursuing research that helps protect wildlife and biodiversity.
• What does it cover?
  £2,500 for postgraduate research-related expenses.
• Why it matters?
  This scholarship enables women to pursue their passion for conservation and environmental protection.

16. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships

 

 

• What is it?
  AAUW offers fellowships to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States.
• Who can apply?
  International women, including Africans, who are seeking a degree or certificate at a U.S. institution.
• What does it cover?
  Provides up to $30,000 for master’s, Ph.D., or postdoctoral research.
• Why it matters?
  AAUW empowers women from all backgrounds to access education in the U.S. and use it to contribute to their home countries’ development.

17. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund

 

• What is it?
  This fund helps women from outside the U.S. pursue graduate studies in the United States or Canada.
• Who can apply?
  Women from international backgrounds, including African nations, who wish to study in North America.
• What does it cover?
  Up to $12,500 to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.
• Why it matters?
  It enables women to gain advanced education in peace and international relations and apply their skills to building peace globally.

18. The Victoria University International Excellence Scholarship

 

• What is it?
  A scholarship for international female students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programs at Victoria University in Australia.
• Who can apply?
  Women from countries around the world, including African nations.
• What does it cover?
  Offers up to 100% tuition fee waiver for international students.
• Why it matters?
  This scholarship allows talented women to access quality education in Australia without the burden of high tuition fees.

19. The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

• What is it?
  An essay competition that provides scholarships and opportunities for young women from Commonwealth countries to share their perspectives on global issues.
• Who can apply?
  Female students from Commonwealth countries, including African nations.
• What does it cover?
  Awards, scholarships, and opportunities for career development.
• Why it matters?
  It gives young women a platform to voice their opinions on pressing global issues, helping them gain recognition for their ideas.

20. The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

• What is it?
  A scholarship for women in computer science and related fields who demonstrate leadership and a passion for technology.
• Who can apply?
  Female students pursuing studies in computer science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
• What does it cover?
  A monetary award and the opportunity to attend the annual Google Scholars’ Retreat.
• Why it matters?
  It supports women in the tech field, helping to increase diversity in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men.

21. The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) Fellowships

• What is it?
  These fellowships support women journalists and media professionals from around the world to enhance their reporting skills and expand their careers.
• Who can apply?
  Female journalists working in news media from diverse global regions, including Africa.
• What does it cover?
  Travel expenses, living stipends, and professional development activities.
• Why it matters?
  This fellowship empowers women in journalism to amplify their voices and contribute to social change through their work.

22. The Global Women’s Leadership Initiative Scholarship

• What is it?
  This scholarship provides funding for women who are emerging leaders in their communities or industries to participate in leadership development programs.
• Who can apply?
  Women worldwide, with a focus on emerging leaders from underrepresented regions like Africa.
• What does it cover?
  Full program fees for leadership and professional development courses.
• Why it matters?
  It enables women to enhance their leadership capabilities and bring positive change to their communities or workplaces.

23. The U.S. Embassy Women in Science Program (WISP)

• What is it?
  The U.S. Embassy in various countries provides this scholarship for women pursuing studies or research in the sciences.
• Who can apply?
  Women from countries with U.S. Embassies offering the program, including many African nations.
• What does it cover?
  The scholarship provides funding for tuition, travel, and research expenses.
• Why it matters?
  It helps women gain access to advanced scientific research opportunities, which often leads to career advancement in fields like technology and medicine.

25. The Microsoft Women at Microsoft Scholarship

• What is it?
  Microsoft offers this scholarship to women studying computer science and related fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Who can apply?
  Female students pursuing computer science or related fields in any region, with a special emphasis on diverse backgrounds, including women in Africa.
• What does it cover?
  Full tuition, travel stipends, and internships at Microsoft.
• Why it matters?
  The scholarship aims to increase the representation of women in technology and empower women to succeed in a tech-driven world.

25. The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) Grants

• What is it?
  This fund provides grants to women-led organizations and initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, advocacy, and development in Africa.
• Who can apply?
  Women-led organizations in Africa, particularly those addressing social issues like gender equality, human rights, and women’s health.
• What does it cover?
  Grant funding to support organizational activities and projects.
• Why it matters?
  AWDF helps African women’s organizations gain access to critical funding, allowing them to further their missions of improving the lives of women in the continent.

26. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

• What is it?
  This U.S. government-sponsored fellowship provides academic and leadership training to young African women and men who are passionate about leadership in their communities.
• Who can apply?
  Young African women between the ages of 25 and 35 who demonstrate leadership potential in public management, civic engagement, or entrepreneurship.
• What does it cover?
  A six-week academic and leadership training program at U.S. universities, as well as follow-up networking opportunities.
• Why it matters?
  The fellowship empowers African women to gain leadership skills that can have a transformative impact on their communities and countries.

27. The African Women’s Education Fund (AWEF) Scholarship

 

• What is it?
  A scholarship designed to support African women who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in various fields.
• Who can apply?
  African women who have been accepted into higher education institutions and are studying in a range of academic disciplines.
• What does it cover?
  Tuition fees, book allowances, and stipends for living expenses.
• Why it matters?
  It helps African women access higher education opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach due to financial barriers.

28. The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Fellowship

 

• What is it?
  Named after Liberia’s first female president, this fellowship targets young African women leaders who want to make a difference in their communities.
• Who can apply?
  Women under 35 from Africa who have demonstrated leadership potential and are committed to social change.
• What does it cover?
  Full funding for leadership training and a professional development program.
• Why it matters?
  This fellowship helps to cultivate the next generation of African women leaders, equipping them with the skills and network needed to succeed in leadership roles.

29. Society of Women Engineers

 

• What is it?
  A scholarship that targets women in engineering fields who are studying or plan to study at European or African universities.
• Who can apply?
  Women enrolled in engineering programs, especially those from African countries.
• What does it cover?
  Full tuition, living expenses, and internship opportunities.
• Why it matters?
  It aims to increase the representation of women in the engineering profession, particularly in regions where gender inequality is prevalent in STEM fields.

Conclusion

These scholarships are not just financial support; they are opportunities that open doors for women around the world to access education, build leadership skills, and make significant contributions to their communities. Whether you’re pursuing studies in STEM, peacebuilding, or entrepreneurship, these scholarships can help empower you to succeed.

For women in Africa and other developing regions, these scholarships are invaluable steppingstones that help overcome financial and social barriers to education. To take advantage of these opportunities, applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare their application materials in advance.

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This list represents just a portion of the many scholarships available globally for women. Scholarships like these ensure that talented and driven women, especially from Africa, are given the platform to excel, contribute to society, and lead the world toward a brighter, more equitable future.