Women are still underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields worldwide. To close this gender gap, many organizations, universities, and governments have created special scholarships for women pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines. These scholarships are especially valuable for female international students, who often face additional financial and cultural challenges when studying abroad.
If you are a woman planning to study or continue your STEM education in 2025, you will be glad to know there are many scholarships that fully or partially cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and research support.
This guide highlights the Top 10 STEM scholarships for female international students in 2025. Each scholarship is explained in detail, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply. We have also included a summary table to help you compare the options easily.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly which scholarship suits you best and how to prepare a strong application.
Summary Table: Best STEM Scholarships for Female International Students in 2025
| Scholarship Name | Funding Coverage | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAUW International Fellowships | Tuition + living expenses + travel | Women from all countries except the US | November 2024 |
| Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future | Full tuition + research grant | Women pursuing PhD or postdoc in STEM | December 2024 |
| L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards | Research funding + tuition | Women in master’s, PhD, or research positions | February 2025 |
| Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship | Tuition + internship opportunity | Women in computer science & related fields | December 2024 |
| Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship | Research grant | Women pursuing aerospace engineering & science | November 2024 |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | $20,000 for tuition and expenses | Women in financial engineering or STEM finance | January 2025 |
| AnitaB.org Grace Hopper Celebration Scholarship | Conference grant + tuition aid | Women in computing and engineering | March 2025 |
| Microsoft Research Women’s Fellowship | Tuition + mentorship + stipend | Women pursuing graduate STEM degrees | February 2025 |
| Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships | Tuition grants up to $15,000 | Women studying engineering or computer science | March 2025 |
| IBM Research Internships & Fellowships | Fully funded internships + stipends | Female international students in STEM | Various (Rolling) |
1. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers prestigious fellowships to women worldwide who want to study in the United States. These fellowships are ideal for international students pursuing master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral programs in STEM or other fields.
Benefits
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Full tuition fees for the duration of the program.
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Living expenses stipend.
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Travel allowance.
Eligibility
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Must be a woman and not a US citizen or permanent resident.
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Enrolled or applying for a full‑time master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral program at an accredited US institution.
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Academic excellence and a clear plan for returning to your home country to contribute to society.
Deadline
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Applications close November 2024 for the 2025 academic year.
Why Apply?
AAUW International Fellowships are highly competitive but provide generous funding and strong alumni networks that open doors for female students worldwide.
2. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
This program supports female international students pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM fields at top universities around the world.
Benefits
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Full tuition coverage.
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Research funding (up to $50,000 per year).
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Support for living expenses.
Eligibility
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Women from developing countries who wish to pursue PhD or postdoctoral studies in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics.
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Commitment to return home to contribute to STEM education and research.
Deadline
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Applications open in September 2024 and close in December 2024.
Why Apply?
The fellowship emphasizes empowering women leaders in STEM who can drive development in their home countries.
3. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards
This global program recognizes and supports women making significant contributions to STEM fields.
Benefits
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Research grants of up to $100,000.
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Full or partial tuition coverage for students in master’s and PhD programs.
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Networking opportunities with leading scientists.
Eligibility
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Women enrolled in master’s, PhD, or holding research positions in STEM.
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Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Deadline
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Applications close in February 2025.
Why Apply?
This is one of the most prestigious awards for female scientists and students, offering both funding and international recognition.
4. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Adobe offers scholarships to women studying computer science and related STEM fields at accredited institutions worldwide.
Benefits
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Tuition fees for the academic year.
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One‑year Creative Cloud subscription.
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Opportunity for a paid summer internship at Adobe.
Eligibility
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Must be a woman currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s program in computing.
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Strong academic record and leadership qualities.
Deadline
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Applications close in December 2024.
Why Apply?
This scholarship offers financial aid plus hands‑on industry experience, making it ideal for students aiming for a career in tech.
5. Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Named after the legendary aviator, this fellowship is awarded to women pursuing doctoral studies in aerospace engineering and related sciences.
Benefits
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$10,000 grant for tuition and research expenses.
Eligibility
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Women pursuing a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in aerospace engineering or space sciences.
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Demonstrated academic excellence.
Deadline
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Applications close in November 2024.
Why Apply?
This fellowship is globally recognized and highly respected among aerospace institutions.
6. FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
The FINCAD scholarship is for women pursuing graduate‑level studies in finance, particularly those focusing on financial engineering and related STEM disciplines.
Benefits
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$20,000 scholarship: half paid to the university and half paid directly to the student.
Eligibility
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Open to women of all nationalities.
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Must be enrolled in a master’s or PhD program in finance or related STEM fields.
Deadline
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January 2025.
Why Apply?
It supports women in quantitative finance, a field where female representation is very low.
7. AnitaB.org Grace Hopper Celebration Scholarship
This scholarship is linked to the Grace Hopper Celebration, the world’s largest gathering of women in computing.
Benefits
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Fully funded trip to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration.
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Tuition aid or research funding.
Eligibility
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Women studying computer science, engineering, or related fields.
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Must be actively involved in promoting women in tech.
Deadline
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March 2025.
Why Apply?
Apart from funding, it provides networking opportunities with tech leaders and recruiters from top companies.
8. Microsoft Research Women’s Fellowship
This fellowship aims to increase the number of women pursuing PhDs in computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics.
Benefits
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Tuition support for graduate study.
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Annual stipend.
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Mentorship from Microsoft researchers.
Eligibility
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Female students pursuing a PhD in a STEM discipline at participating universities.
Deadline
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February 2025.
Why Apply?
It provides both financial support and mentorship opportunities that can shape a successful research career.
9. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
The SWE awards thousands of scholarships annually to female students pursuing bachelor’s or graduate degrees in engineering, technology, and computer science.
Benefits
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Scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000.
Eligibility
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Women studying full‑time in an ABET‑accredited engineering or computing program.
Deadline
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March 2025.
Why Apply?
SWE scholarships are accessible to a large pool of students and have flexible criteria.
10. IBM Research Internships & Fellowships
IBM provides several fully funded internship and fellowship opportunities for women in STEM, particularly those interested in AI, machine learning, and data science.
Benefits
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Paid internships with stipends.
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Research funding for graduate students.
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Travel support.
Eligibility
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Female international students in undergraduate, master’s, or PhD STEM programs.
Deadline
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Rolling deadlines, depending on the program.
Why Apply?
It provides industry exposure and research experience in cutting‑edge technologies.
How to Apply for STEM Scholarships for Female International Students
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Prepare Early: Most scholarships open applications 8–12 months before the academic year.
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Maintain Strong Grades: A good GPA is essential.
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Write a Compelling Statement: Highlight your passion for STEM, leadership, and career goals.
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Get Strong Recommendations: Professors and mentors should write detailed reference letters.
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Show Impact: Demonstrate how you have promoted women in STEM or contributed to your community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these STEM scholarships fully funded?
Most of them are fully funded, covering tuition fees, living costs, and travel. Some offer partial funding or research grants.
2. Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Programs like the Adobe Women-in-Technology Scholarship and SWE scholarships are open to undergraduates.
3. Do I need to be enrolled in a specific university?
Some scholarships are tied to certain universities, while others are open to any accredited institution worldwide.
4. Are these scholarships open to African students?
Yes. Most are open to all female international students, including those from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
5. Do I need English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)?
Yes. If the scholarship is linked to a university program, you must meet the institution's English language requirements.
6. How competitive are these scholarships?
They are very competitive, but preparing a strong application early can improve your chances.
7. Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
Yes. You can apply to multiple scholarships as long as you meet the criteria for each.
8. Do these scholarships allow part‑time work?
Most allow part‑time work as per visa regulations, but the funding usually covers all major expenses.
9. What documents do I need?
Transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, proof of admission (if required), and evidence of leadership or community service.
10. When should I start applying for 2025 scholarships?
Begin preparing documents by mid‑2024 and submit applications by the deadlines listed (November 2024 to March 2025).
Conclusion
The Top 10 STEM scholarships for female international students in 2025 listed in this guide offer life‑changing opportunities to study and research at leading institutions worldwide. These scholarships not only remove financial barriers but also help women build strong networks, gain mentorship, and excel in male‑dominated STEM fields.
If you are a female international student aspiring to succeed in STEM:
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Start preparing your applications now.
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Apply to multiple scholarships to improve your chances.
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Focus on your academic excellence, leadership, and passion for STEM.
Winning one of these scholarships can transform your career and inspire other women in your community to follow in your footsteps.