Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are fields that shape the future of innovation, healthcare, and global progress. Yet, despite major advances, women remain significantly underrepresented in many STEM disciplines. Barriers such as gender stereotypes, limited access to resources, and unequal opportunities continue to hold talented women back. To help close this gap, numerous organizations and governments now provide fully funded scholarships designed exclusively for women in STEM.
These scholarships not only remove financial obstacles but also empower women with mentorship, global exposure, and research opportunities. Below, we explore some of the most impactful full funding scholarships for women pursuing STEM education and research around the world.
1. AAUW International Fellowships (USA)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a long history of empowering women in education.
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Coverage: Tuition, living costs, research expenses, and travel.
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Eligibility: Open to women from all countries (outside the U.S.) pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies.
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Why It Matters: AAUW focuses on supporting women who will return home to lead and contribute to community development, especially in STEM.
2. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship
The Schlumberger Foundation provides significant funding for women in STEM fields pursuing advanced degrees.
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, travel expenses, and conference participation.
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Eligibility: Women from developing and emerging economies enrolling in PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM.
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Why It Matters: This program encourages women to return to their countries and contribute as STEM faculty leaders.
3. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowships
A globally recognized program, L’Oréal-UNESCO supports women researchers in STEM across multiple continents.
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Coverage: Research grants, tuition, and living stipends.
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Eligibility: Available for women pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in life sciences, chemistry, and engineering.
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Why It Matters: With regional and international awards, this program highlights the achievements of women scientists while offering mentorship.
4. Microsoft Research Women’s Fellowship Program
Tech giant Microsoft funds scholarships specifically for women in computer science and related STEM fields.
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Coverage: Full tuition support, living allowance, research funding, and mentorship opportunities.
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Eligibility: Female students pursuing graduate-level research in computer science or technology disciplines.
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Why It Matters: Provides both financial aid and access to professional mentorship in the technology industry.
5. AnitaB.org Scholarships (Grace Hopper Celebration)
The AnitaB.org organization is dedicated to promoting women in technology.
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Coverage: Full funding for travel, conference participation, accommodation, and professional development.
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Eligibility: Female students and professionals in computer science, IT, and engineering fields.
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Why It Matters: Beyond funding, this program connects women with global tech leaders and job opportunities.
6. Amelia Earhart Fellowships (Zonta International)
Named after the legendary aviator, the Amelia Earhart Fellowship supports women pursuing advanced studies in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
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Coverage: $10,000 grant, renewable annually, covering tuition and research expenses.
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Eligibility: Open to women worldwide pursuing PhD or doctoral-level studies in aerospace-related fields.
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Why It Matters: Encourages more women to enter high-demand and male-dominated fields such as aviation and space exploration.
7. FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
While focusing on finance, this scholarship strongly overlaps with applied mathematics, data science, and STEM-related research.
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Coverage: $20,000 grant toward tuition and expenses.
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Eligibility: Female graduate students studying finance, mathematics, or STEM-related disciplines.
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Why It Matters: Equips women with skills for leadership in finance and STEM-driven industries.
8. Google Women Techmakers Scholarship (formerly Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship)
Google supports female students pursuing computer science, technology, and engineering studies.
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Coverage: Tuition support, travel expenses, mentorship, and professional workshops.
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Eligibility: Women enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in computer science or engineering.
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Why It Matters: Combines financial support with career-building opportunities in one of the world’s largest tech ecosystems.
9. Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Program
The WiSTEM2D (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing, and Design) program is a global initiative by Johnson & Johnson.
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Coverage: Research funding, mentorship, and full support for collaborative projects.
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Eligibility: Women researchers in STEM fields working at postdoctoral or faculty levels.
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Why It Matters: Aims to strengthen the pipeline of women leaders in advanced research and industry.
10. UNESCO-TWAS Fellowships for Women Scientists
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and UNESCO partner to offer fellowships for women in developing countries.
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Coverage: Tuition, travel expenses, health insurance, and monthly stipend.
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Eligibility: Women pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in natural sciences.
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Why It Matters: Supports women from disadvantaged regions, helping them become leaders in science and innovation.
Benefits of Fully Funded Women-in-STEM Scholarships
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Financial Independence – Covers tuition, living, and research expenses, allowing scholars to focus on academics.
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Global Exposure – Many programs include international conferences, internships, and networking opportunities.
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Mentorship and Support – Recipients gain access to role models and advisors in their respective fields.
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Breaking Barriers – Encourages more women to enter male-dominated industries such as aerospace, AI, and engineering.
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Long-Term Impact – Empowers women to inspire future generations and close gender gaps in STEM.
How to Increase Your Chances of Success
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Start Early: Application processes can take months, especially those requiring research proposals.
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Highlight Leadership: Show how you’ve inspired or mentored others in STEM.
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Show Impact: Explain how your work will benefit your community or advance global science.
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Strong References: Secure academic and professional recommendations.
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Tailor Applications: Align your goals with the mission of each scholarship provider.
Conclusion
For women aspiring to build careers in STEM, fully funded scholarships represent more than financial aid—they are instruments of empowerment and equality. Programs like AAUW, Schlumberger Foundation, L’Oréal-UNESCO, and Microsoft Research Fellowships not only fund education but also provide mentorship, professional networks, and opportunities to lead.
As the world looks toward solutions in technology, health, and sustainability, increasing the participation of women in STEM is essential. By seizing these opportunities, women scholars can break barriers, drive innovation, and inspire the next generation of female scientists and engineers.