Many scholarships are available specifically for women pursuing higher education, especially international students aiming to study abroad. These scholarships provide financial support, aiming to bridge the gender gap in education and empower women in fields such as STEM, business, social sciences, and more. Below is a comprehensive overview of key scholarships for international women students.
1. AAUW International Fellowships
Overview: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These fellowships support full-time study or research in the U.S., for graduate and postgraduate studies.
Eligibility: Open to women with citizenship in a country other than the U.S. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women and girls.
Award: $18,000 to $30,000
Field of Study: Any
2. PEO International Peace Scholarships
Overview: The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to women from outside the U.S. and Canada. The aim is to promote peace and understanding by supporting their education at a graduate level in the U.S. and Canada.
Eligibility: Open to women who are citizens of countries other than the U.S. or Canada. Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program in the U.S. or Canada.
Award: Up to $12,500
Field of Study: Graduate studies (all fields)
Deadline: Application deadlines vary by year.
3. The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
Overview: The Faculty for the Future program, funded by the Schlumberger Foundation, offers fellowships to women from developing countries pursuing PhD or post-doctoral studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields at leading universities abroad.
Eligibility: Open to women from developing and emerging economies. They must be pursuing PhD or post-doctoral research in STEM subjects.
Award: Varies (covers tuition, living expenses, travel, etc.)
Field of Study: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Deadline: Annually in November.
4. Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) Scholarships
Overview: The MMMF awards scholarships to women from developing countries who are committed to working for the empowerment of women and children in their home countries. It provides grants to support their education in U.S., Canada, and other selected countries.
Eligibility: Open to women from developing countries. Applicants must be enrolled in an academic program in the U.S. or Canada and committed to returning to their home country after completing their degree.
Award: Up to $15,000
Field of Study: Any
5. Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Overview: This scholarship is supported by Google to encourage women to pursue careers in technology. The program provides financial support to women in computer science or related technical fields.
Eligibility: Open to women studying computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field. Applicants must be enrolled in graduate or undergraduate courses at recognized universities.
Award: Varies (includes financial support and participation in a retreat)
Field of Study: Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field
6. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science
Overview: This program offers annual fellowships to women in science at the doctoral and post-doctoral levels. It aims to support young women scientists in achieving breakthroughs in their fields.
Eligibility: Open to women scientists in any scientific field. Fellowships are available at the national and regional levels across various countries.
Award: Varies by country and region
Field of Study: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Deadline: Varies by country
7. Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Overview: This fellowship is awarded to women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering. It aims to support talented women in historically underrepresented fields like aerospace and engineering.
Eligibility: Open to women pursuing a PhD or doctoral degree in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace engineering.
Award: $10,000
Field of Study: Aerospace-related fields
Deadline: Annually in November.
Website: Zonta Fellowship
8. FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship is awarded to women of any nationality who are studying finance in graduate-level programs. It supports women aiming to pursue careers in financial asset management, financial risk management, and related fields.
Eligibility: Open to women of any nationality enrolled in a graduate finance program.
Award: Up to $20,000
Field of Study: Finance
Conclusion
Pursuing education as an international woman student can be challenging, but numerous scholarships offer the financial support needed to achieve academic and professional success. These scholarships, ranging from STEM to social sciences, are designed to encourage diversity, empower women, and create opportunities for future leaders across various fields.
When applying for these scholarships, it is essential to carefully review the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application procedures to ensure the best chance of success.