Studying abroad can open doors to better universities, international work experience, global professional networks and high-paying career opportunities. However, tuition fees, accommodation, travel, health insurance and visa costs can make overseas education expensive.

For women planning to study abroad in 2027, scholarships can significantly reduce this financial burden. There are government scholarships, university awards, women-focused scholarships, subject-specific funding opportunities and fully or partially funded international scholarships available to eligible students.

This guide explains the best scholarships for women to study abroad in 2027, including eligibility, scholarship benefits, countries, application timelines, required documents and strategies to improve your chances.

Important: Scholarship deadlines and eligibility can change. Always verify the latest requirements on the official scholarship or university website before applying.

Table of Contents

Top Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad in 2027

Scholarship	Destination	Suitable For	Funding
British Council Women in STEM Scholarships	UK	Women in STEM	Tuition + additional support
Chevening Scholarships	UK	Master’s	Fully funded
Commonwealth Scholarships	UK	Master’s/PhD	Major study and living support
GREAT Scholarships	UK	Master’s	Up to £10,000 toward tuition for eligible awards
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters	Europe	Master’s	Full/partial depending on programme
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	USA	Graduate study	Funding varies by country/program
AAUW International Fellowships	USA	Graduate/postgraduate women	Financial award
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship	USA/Canada	Women pursuing graduate study	Financial assistance
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund	Selected countries	Women	Education funding
University Women Scholarships	Global	Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD	Varies

Not every scholarship is exclusively for women. Some major international scholarships are open to all eligible applicants but are particularly useful for women because of their strong leadership, academic and professional selection criteria.

1. British Council Women in STEM Scholarships

The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships are among the most relevant opportunities providing scholarships for women to study abroad in STEM-related postgraduate programmes in the UK.

These scholarships are designed to support women pursuing careers in areas such as:

Engineering
Computer science
Data science
Artificial intelligence
Environmental science
Mathematics
Technology
Other eligible STEM disciplines

The exact participating universities, countries, courses and benefits can vary by scholarship cycle.

Why Women Should Consider This Scholarship

For students considering expensive UK master’s programmes, a women-focused STEM scholarship can substantially reduce the total cost of overseas education.

Before applying, check:

Eligible nationality
Eligible course
Participating university
Academic requirements
English-language requirements
Professional experience requirements
Application deadline
Scholarship benefits

Best for

Women planning careers in:

Technology
Engineering
Data analytics
AI
Research
Sustainability
Computer science

2. Chevening Scholarships for Women

The Chevening Scholarships are prestigious UK government-funded awards offering full scholarships for women to study abroad at the master’s level.

Although Chevening is not exclusively a women’s scholarship, it can be an excellent option for women with strong leadership potential and professional experience.

Chevening generally supports one-year master’s study in the UK.

What Does Chevening Cover?

Depending on the award conditions, support can include:

Tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Travel costs
Visa-related support
Arrival and departure allowances
Other eligible expenses

Because UK master’s degrees can be expensive, a fully funded scholarship can make a major difference to the total cost of studying abroad.

Who Should Consider Chevening?

Women who have:

Strong academic backgrounds
Leadership experience
Professional experience
Clear career goals
Community or professional impact
A strong reason for studying in the UK

Chevening applications are highly competitive, so simply meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships for Women

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for women to study abroad across top UK universities.

Commonwealth programmes can support postgraduate study in the UK and are particularly valuable for students who need substantial financial support.

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are aimed at candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford UK study.

Typical Selection Factors

Applicants may be assessed on:

Academic merit
Development impact
Study plan
Leadership potential
Relevant experience
Contribution to home-country development

Women interested in public policy, development, healthcare, education, technology and other fields should investigate the programmes available in their application cycle.

4. GREAT Scholarships for Women

The GREAT Scholarships programme provides funding opportunities for international students studying eligible postgraduate courses at participating UK universities.

For the 2026–27 cycle, eligible Indian students could find awards worth £10,000 toward tuition at participating institutions.

The amount, universities and eligible courses can change each year.

Why GREAT Scholarships Are Useful

A £10,000 tuition award can significantly reduce the initial amount a student needs to finance.

For example:

University tuition: £28,000
Scholarship: £10,000
Remaining tuition: £18,000

The student would still need to budget for:

Accommodation
Food
Transport
Visa
Insurance
Flights
Other living expenses

Therefore, always calculate the complete cost of study abroad rather than considering tuition alone.

5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Women

Offered by the European Union, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters provide prestigious scholarships for women to study abroad in multiple European countries.

Students can study at multiple universities or in multiple countries depending on the programme.

Some Erasmus Mundus programmes provide scholarships to highly ranked students.

Possible Scholarship Support

Depending on the programme and award, funding can contribute toward:

Participation costs
Travel
Visa expenses
Living allowance
Other study-related expenses

Most applications for programmes starting the following academic year are generally submitted between October and January, but each programme has its own deadline.

Why Women Should Explore Erasmus Mundus

Erasmus Mundus can be particularly attractive for women interested in:

Artificial intelligence
Data science
Environmental studies
Public health
Renewable energy
International development
Engineering
Social sciences

6. Fulbright Scholarships for Women

The Fulbright Program provides competitive scholarships for women to study abroad for graduate degrees and research in the United States.

The programme operates through country-specific processes, so students should check the Fulbright organisation or US Embassy information applicable to their country.

Fulbright opportunities can be particularly valuable for women interested in:

Master’s degrees
Doctoral study
Research
Public policy
Education
STEM
Social sciences
Arts and humanities

What Can Fulbright Support?

Benefits vary by programme and country, but can include:

Funding support
J-1 visa sponsorship
Health-related benefits
Academic and cultural enrichment
Other programme support

Competition is strong, so applicants should prepare their academic and professional profile well in advance.

7. AAUW International Fellowships for Women

The AAUW International Fellowships deliver targeted scholarships for women to study abroad in the United States for graduate or postgraduate programmes.

This makes the programme particularly relevant to women planning master’s, doctoral or postdoctoral-level study.

Who Should Consider AAUW?

Women with:

Strong academic records
Leadership potential
Career goals
Community involvement
A clear reason for studying in the United States

Applicants should check the current year’s eligibility requirements, eligible degree levels and award amounts before applying.

8. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship provides financial assistance and scholarships for women to study abroad in the United States and Canada.

It can be an important source of additional funding for women who have already secured or are seeking admission to a graduate programme.

Students should carefully review:

Eligibility
Financial need requirements
Admission requirements
Application deadlines
Maximum award
Renewal conditions

Scholarships such as this can sometimes be combined strategically with university funding, subject to the rules of each award.

9. Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund

The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) supports women from eligible developing countries pursuing education.

Its programmes operate through participating universities and regions, and eligibility differs depending on the programme.

Women interested in development-related careers should research the current eligibility criteria carefully.

Potential areas of relevance include:

Public health
Education
Social development
Economics
Public policy
International development

10. University Scholarships for Women

One of the most overlooked sources of funding is the university itself.

Many universities offer scholarships based on:

Academic performance
Leadership
Financial need
Country of origin
Subject
Research potential
Gender diversity
Professional achievement

Some universities also have women-specific awards.

Where to Look

When researching a university, check:

University → International Students → Scholarships → Graduate Scholarships → Women’s Scholarships

Do not only search Google for “women scholarships.”

Search for:

Women in STEM scholarship
Female student scholarship
Women leadership scholarship
Women engineering scholarship
Women MBA scholarship
Women computer science scholarship
International women scholarship
Female PhD scholarship

This can reveal opportunities that are not visible in broad scholarship databases.

Scholarships for Indian Women to Study Abroad

Indian female applicants can explore country-specific pathways and guides on WisdomLand to find suitable scholarships for women to study abroad.

The most important categories are:

UK

Look at:

Chevening
Commonwealth
GREAT Scholarships
Women in STEM opportunities
University scholarships

USA

Look at:

Fulbright
AAUW International Fellowships
P.E.O. scholarships
University financial aid
Departmental scholarships

Europe

Look at:

Erasmus Mundus
DAAD
University scholarships
Country-specific scholarships

Canada

Look at:

University scholarships
Graduate research funding
Faculty scholarships
International student awards

Australia

Look at:

University scholarships
Research scholarships
Government-supported awards
Women-focused university funding

Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships

One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming that every scholarship advertised online is fully funded.

There is a major difference.

Scholarship Type	Tuition	Living Costs	Travel	Other Costs
Fully funded	Usually substantial/full	Usually included	Often included	May be included
Tuition scholarship	Partial/full	Usually not	Usually not	Usually not
Living stipend	Usually not	Included/partial	Usually not	Varies
University award	Partial/full	Varies	Varies	Varies
Need-based aid	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies

Before accepting a scholarship, calculate:

Total study cost − scholarship funding = amount you still need

For example:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Tuition	₹25 lakh
Accommodation	₹8 lakh
Food	₹3 lakh
Travel	₹1.5 lakh
Insurance & visa	₹1.5 lakh
Total	₹39 lakh
Scholarship	₹15 lakh
Remaining requirement	₹24 lakh

This calculation helps students determine whether they need an education loan or additional funding.

How Much Scholarship Can Women Get to Study Abroad?

There is no single scholarship amount.

Funding may range from a few thousand dollars or pounds toward tuition to awards covering most major expenses.

Some scholarships can provide:

Tuition fee waivers
Monthly stipends
Accommodation support
Travel allowance
Health insurance
Visa-related support
Research funding

The value of the scholarship should always be compared against the total cost of studying in that country.

A £10,000 scholarship, for example, may be highly valuable at one university but cover only part of the total cost at another.

Scholarships for Women in STEM

Women pursuing STEM degrees should search beyond general scholarships.

Popular search combinations include:

“women in STEM scholarships 2027”

“scholarships for female engineers”

“women computer science scholarships”

“women data science scholarships”

“female students AI scholarships”

“women technology scholarships”

“women cybersecurity scholarships”

“women engineering scholarships abroad”

These searches can uncover scholarships from:

Governments
Universities
Foundations
Technology companies
Professional associations
Non-profit organisations

STEM scholarships can also have strong career ROI because many technology and engineering roles have significant international demand.

Scholarships for Women Pursuing Master’s Abroad

Master’s scholarships are particularly important because international master’s degrees can involve substantial tuition costs.

Women applying for master’s programmes should search by:

Country
University
Course
Scholarship
Nationality
Gender
Academic profile

For example:

Indian woman + Master’s + UK + Data Science + scholarship

is a much more useful search combination than simply:

scholarships abroad

Scholarships for Women Pursuing PhD Abroad

PhD funding works differently from taught master’s funding.

Many PhD opportunities are funded through:

Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Research grants
University fellowships
Government scholarships
Supervisor-funded projects

For a PhD, do not focus only on the word “scholarship.”

Also search for:

Fully funded PhD
PhD fellowship
Research assistantship
Graduate assistantship
Doctoral funding
Funded research position

For STEM and research-intensive programmes, contacting potential supervisors can also be an important part of the process.

Do Women Need IELTS for Study Abroad Scholarships?

IELTS requirements depend on the scholarship and university.

Some universities accept:

IELTS
TOEFL
PTE
Duolingo English Test
Other approved tests

Some students may qualify for an English-language waiver depending on their previous education.

However, students should not assume that admission and scholarship requirements are identical.

A university might waive an English test while a particular scholarship has separate language requirements.

Always check both.

Do Women Need Work Experience for Scholarships?

It depends on the scholarship.

Some awards are intended for:

Recent graduates
Students with professional experience
Researchers
Early-career professionals
Mid-career professionals

For example, leadership-oriented scholarships may place significant emphasis on professional and community experience.

Other university scholarships may focus primarily on academic performance.

Therefore, if you are a recent graduate without work experience, do not assume that you are ineligible for scholarships.

Look specifically for scholarships that accept fresh graduates.

Documents Required for Women Scholarships

Prepare your documents early.

A typical scholarship application may require:

Academic Documents

Degree certificate
Mark sheets/transcripts
Academic CV
Academic achievements

Identity Documents

Passport
Nationality proof
Photograph
Other required identification

English-Language Documents

IELTS
TOEFL
PTE
Other accepted tests

Application Documents

Statement of purpose
Personal statement
Scholarship essays
Study plan
Research proposal for relevant programmes

Professional Documents

Resume/CV
Employment certificates
Internship details
Leadership experience

Recommendation Documents

Academic recommendation
Professional recommendation
Reference letters

Financial Documents

Depending on the scholarship:

Income documents
Financial need statement
Bank documents
Other financial evidence

How to Apply for Women Scholarships for Study Abroad 2027

Follow this process.

Step 1: Choose Your Course

Start with your career goal rather than the scholarship.

Choose:

Degree
Specialisation
Country
University
Career path

Step 2: Calculate Your Study Abroad Budget

Estimate:

Tuition
Accommodation
Food
Travel
Insurance
Visa
Personal expenses

Step 3: Build a Scholarship List

Create a spreadsheet with:

Scholarship	Country	Deadline	Amount	Eligibility	Status
Scholarship A	UK	Date	£	Eligible	Preparing
Scholarship B	USA	Date	$	Eligible	Submitted
Scholarship C	Europe	Date	€	Eligible	Shortlisted

Step 4: Check Eligibility

Do not waste time preparing a long application before confirming:

Nationality
Age
Degree
Academic score
Course
University
Language requirements
Work experience
Financial requirements

Step 5: Prepare Your Essays

Your scholarship essay should clearly explain:

Who you are → what you have achieved → what you want to study → why this scholarship → what impact you will create.

Step 6: Get Strong References

Ask people who genuinely know your:

Academic ability
Leadership
Work
Research
Community involvement

Step 7: Apply Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the final day.

Technical issues, missing documents or payment problems can create unnecessary risk.

2027 Scholarship Application Timeline

A useful planning calendar is:

October–December 2026

Focus on:

UK scholarships
Commonwealth opportunities
Erasmus Mundus
Early university scholarship applications
DAAD opportunities

January–March 2027

Focus on:

European university scholarships
US university funding
Scholarship interviews
Additional university awards

April–June 2027

Focus on:

Scholarship results
Funding confirmation
University offers
Education loan planning
Visa preparation

July–September 2027

Focus on:

Final funding
Accommodation
Visa
Travel
University enrolment

Important: This is a planning framework, not a universal deadline calendar. Each scholarship has its own schedule.

Scholarship vs Education Loan: Which Is Better?

Ideally, students should first maximise scholarships and then finance the remaining amount.

For example:

Total cost: ₹40 lakh
Scholarship: ₹12 lakh
Family contribution: ₹8 lakh
Remaining requirement: ₹20 lakh

The student may then need an education loan for the remaining amount.

When comparing education loans, look at:

Interest rate
Processing fee
Collateral requirements
Loan tenure
Moratorium period
Repayment terms
Prepayment conditions
Co-applicant requirements

A scholarship can therefore reduce both the amount borrowed and the total interest paid over time.

How Women Can Improve Their Scholarship Chances

1. Build a Strong Academic Profile

Good grades are important, particularly for merit-based scholarships.

2. Show Leadership

Leadership does not always mean holding a formal position.

It can include:

Leading a college project
Organising an event
Mentoring students
Starting an initiative
Community work
Professional leadership

3. Demonstrate Impact

Instead of simply saying:

“I volunteered.”

Explain:

What you did
Who benefited
What changed
What you learned

4. Connect the Scholarship to Your Career

Explain exactly how the scholarship will help you achieve your long-term goals.

5. Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Do not depend on one scholarship.

Create three categories:

Dream scholarships

Highly competitive awards.

Target scholarships

Good match for your profile.

Backup scholarships

More achievable awards or university funding.

Common Mistakes Women Should Avoid

Mistake 1: Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Always read the current eligibility requirements.

Mistake 2: Using the Same Essay Everywhere

A generic essay usually fails to show why you specifically fit the scholarship.

Mistake 3: Ignoring University Scholarships

Some students search only for government scholarships and miss university-level funding.

Mistake 4: Applying After the Deadline

Scholarship deadlines may be earlier than university admission deadlines.

Mistake 5: Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded

Read exactly what the award pays for.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Small Scholarships

A ₹1 lakh or £2,000 award may still reduce your education loan requirement.

Mistake 7: Paying Fraudulent Scholarship Agents

Be cautious of websites or individuals promising guaranteed scholarships in exchange for large upfront payments.

Use official scholarship and university websites whenever possible.

Women Scholarship Application Checklist

Before submitting an application, check:

I meet the nationality requirement
I meet the academic requirement
My course is eligible
My university is eligible
I checked the scholarship deadline
My passport is valid
My CV is updated
My transcripts are ready
My English test score is ready if required
My recommendation letters are ready
My scholarship essay is customised
My financial documents are ready if required
I checked whether the award is fully or partially funded
I calculated my remaining study cost
I saved proof of submission

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best scholarships for women to study abroad in 2027?

Important opportunities to investigate include Women in STEM scholarships, Chevening, Commonwealth scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, AAUW International Fellowships, P.E.O. scholarships and university-specific women’s scholarships.

Eligibility and funding vary significantly.

Can Indian women get fully funded scholarships to study abroad?

Yes. Indian women can apply for several fully or substantially funded international scholarships when they meet the relevant eligibility requirements. However, not every scholarship is fully funded.

Which country offers the best scholarships for women?

There is no single best country. The UK, USA, Germany and other European destinations have major scholarship and university funding opportunities. The best option depends on the course, academic profile and financial requirement.

Are there scholarships specifically for Indian women?

Yes. Some international programmes, university awards and women-focused funding opportunities are available to applicants from India or eligible developing countries. Always verify the current nationality criteria.

Can women get scholarships for STEM courses abroad?

Yes. Women in STEM is a major scholarship category covering fields such as engineering, computer science, data science, mathematics, technology and environmental sciences.

Can I get a scholarship without work experience?

Yes, depending on the scholarship. Some awards are designed for recent graduates, while others require or strongly prefer professional experience.

Do scholarships cover living expenses?

Some do and some do not. Fully funded awards may include living stipends, while tuition scholarships may cover only part of tuition.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, in many cases. However, some scholarships restrict simultaneous funding or require disclosure of other awards. Read each scholarship’s terms carefully.

When should I start applying for 2027 scholarships?

Ideally, begin researching several months before deadlines. For many major international scholarships, applications for 2027 study can open during 2026.

Are scholarships better than education loans?

A scholarship generally does not need to be repaid, making it highly valuable. However, scholarships are competitive and may not cover the entire cost. An education loan can help finance the remaining amount.

Final Thoughts

Women planning to study abroad in 2027 should not rely on a single scholarship.

The strongest strategy is to combine:

University selection + scholarship research + strong application + financial planning + backup funding.

Start by choosing the right course and destination. Learn more about study abroad preparation on WisdomLand, then identify targeted scholarships for women to study abroad that match your background.

For Indian women, opportunities such as UK scholarships, Women in STEM programmes, Commonwealth awards, GREAT Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright and university scholarships can provide important funding routes.

Most importantly, calculate the complete cost of studying abroad before accepting an offer. A scholarship can reduce tuition significantly, but students should also budget for accommodation, food, travel, insurance, visa costs and other expenses.

With early preparation and a targeted application strategy, scholarships can make international education considerably more affordable and reduce dependence on education loans.