International Grants and Scholarships for Women: Updated Guide 2025–2026
She assumed it wasn't for her. The grants were for younger students, or researchers, or women in developing countries, or people with impressive CVs. She was 44, returning to study after a career break, living in a mid-sized city, doing something practical rather than academic.
She was wrong. There was money available — including a grant specifically designed for women like her, returning to education mid-career, in exactly the field she was entering. She found it only because someone told her to look.
This article exists to be that someone for you.
The landscape of grants and scholarships for women has expanded significantly over the last five years. New programmes have launched, existing ones have increased their awards, and the category of "women returning to or advancing their education" is now recognised by more funders than ever before. What has not kept pace is awareness — most women still don't know what's available, assume it doesn't apply to them, and don't apply.
This guide is organised by region, then by category, with enough detail to know whether something is worth pursuing before you invest time in an application. All amounts and programmes reflect 2025–2026 information. Because deadlines and award amounts change annually, always verify current details directly on the programme website before applying.
Before You Start: Three Things Worth Knowing
Scholarships and grants are not the same thing — and both are worth applying for.
Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, academic achievement, or specific criteria (field of study, identity, location). Grants are more often need-based, or awarded for specific purposes like career development or reentry after a break. Many women qualify for both simultaneously, and applications can often be submitted in parallel.
Regional awards are often easier to win than national ones.
The advice that consistently produces results: apply for one large national award, one regional or local award, and one rolling-deadline programme simultaneously. Local and regional awards typically receive fewer applications and have a stronger fit filter — if your profile matches, the competition is genuinely smaller.
Most women who are eligible don't apply.
The gap between eligibility and application is not primarily about qualification — it's about awareness and self-belief. Research consistently shows that women apply for positions and awards when they meet 100% of the criteria; many grants go undersubscribed because qualified women self-select out before applying. If you meet 70% of the stated criteria, apply.
Up to $4 billion in US federal grant money goes unclaimed every year. The funding exists. The bottleneck is awareness, not availability.
🌍 Global — Open to Women Worldwide
These programmes accept applications from women regardless of nationality or country of residence, making them relevant to readers wherever they are.
🌐 AAUW International Fellowships
$20,000–$50,000 / year
Women outside the US pursuing postgraduate study or research in the United States
One of the most prestigious global fellowships for women. Highly competitive, with strong networking community. Applications open August 1 annually; most deadlines fall in October–November.
🔗 https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/international-fellowships/
🌐 Soroptimist Live Your Dream Education & Training Awards
Up to $16,000 (top national award)
Women who are the primary financial support for their families and seeking education or training
Available in multiple countries through Soroptimist's global network. Applications open August 1, close November 15 annually. Particularly strong for adult learners and women supporting families.
🔗 https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/grants-and-scholarships/live-your-dream-awards.html
🌐 P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
Up to $12,500
International women pursuing postgraduate study in the US or Canada
Specifically for women studying outside their home country. Deadline mid-December each year. Also check P.E.O. Scholar Awards ($3,000–$5,000) for women in final year of doctoral or master's programmes.
🔗 https://www.peointernational.org/peo-projectsphilanthropies/
🌐 educations.com Women's Scholarship for International Students
Up to $5,000
Women enrolled or planning to enrol in undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate study abroad
Rolling applications open August–August. One of the more accessible international awards — essay-based, open to all fields and nationalities.
🔗 https://www.educations.com/scholarships/women-scholarship-for-international-students
🌐 Zonta International Women in Technology Scholarships
$10,000
Women pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in technology-related fields
Available globally through Zonta's international network. Encourages women in STEM and technology fields.
🔗 https://www.zonta.org/WhatWeDo/InternationalPrograms/WomeninTechnology
🇺🇸 United States
The US has the widest range of funding for women, including programmes specifically designed for adult returners, career changers, and women over 40.
🇺🇸 AAUW Career Development Grants
Up to $8,000–$12,000
US citizens or permanent residents; women with at least an associate's degree entering, transitioning into, or advancing in STEM or underrepresented fields
One of the most relevant grants for adult learners and career changers. Funds short-term accredited certificates and training programmes. Applications open August 1; deadline typically March 31. The 2026 cycle: programme must start September–December 2026.
🔗 https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/career-development-grants/
🇺🇸 Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund
$2,000–$4,000
Low-income women aged 35 and older pursuing a first undergraduate degree or vocational/technical education
One of the best-known reentry awards specifically for older women. Strong fit for adult learners returning after a significant gap. Applications typically open autumn.
🔗 https://www.rankinfoundation.org/
🇺🇸 Pell Grant (Federal Need-Based Aid)
Up to $7,395 (2024–2025 academic year)
US citizens and eligible non-citizens enrolled in undergraduate programmes who demonstrate financial need
No separate application — complete the FAFSA. No age limit. One of the most substantial sources of free money for adult learners. Many women returning to education don't realise they remain eligible.
🔗 https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
🇺🇸 Ford Opportunity Program Scholarships
Up to 90% of unmet college cost (renewable)
Parents of any age and adult learners over 25 in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California
Unusually generous coverage for qualifying women — one of the strongest adult-learner programmes in the US if you meet the geography requirements.
🇺🇸 Women in Aviation International (WAI) Scholarships
75+ scholarships, $550,000+ total pool annually
Women pursuing aviation, aerospace, and related fields at any stage
One application accesses multiple awards. Applications typically open July 15, close October 15 annually.
🔗 https://www.wai.org/scholarships
🇺🇸 Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
$1,000–$17,000
Women in engineering and engineering technology programmes
250+ individual scholarships accessible through one application. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Multiple annual cycles.
🔗 https://scholarships.swe.org/
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
UK adult learners have access to both government-funded support and independent foundation grants. The landscape changed significantly after Brexit; the options below reflect the current picture.
🇬🇧 British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
Full funding (tuition, stipend, travel, visa)
Women with a degree or PhD in a STEM subject seeking a master's degree or early academic fellowship at a UK university
Covers full costs including living expenses. Strong prioritisation of women from countries where they are underrepresented in STEM.
🔗 https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/uk/scholarships-funding
🇬🇧 Chevening Scholarships
Full funding including living expenses
International students from 160+ countries; leadership potential required; no gender restriction but strong track record supporting women
One of the UK's most prestigious fully-funded scholarship programmes. Applications open August, close November. Highly competitive but widely available geographically.
🇬🇧 UK Government Adult Learning Grant
Up to £30/week
Adults aged 19+ in England studying full-time (12+ hours/week) at certain income levels
Non-repayable. Apply through your college or learning institution. Modest amount but helps cover practical costs of returning to study.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/adult-learning-grant
🇬🇧 Birkbeck University Widening Participation Bursaries
£500–£2,000
UK residents who are the first in their family to attend university, or mature students returning after a gap
Birkbeck specialises in adult and evening education. Check individual department scholarships in addition to institutional bursaries.
🔗 https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/funding-and-financial-support
🇬🇧 Nutanix Women in Technology Scholarship (UK)
Varies by country
Women pursuing technology-related undergraduate or graduate degrees in the UK
Also available in Australia, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, and the US. Check current round dates on the official page.
🔗 https://www.nutanix.com/scholarships
🇪🇺 Europe
European options are more fragmented by country than the US or UK, but several pan-European and institution-specific programmes are worth knowing about.
🇸🇪 SI Scholarship — Pioneering Women in STEM (Sweden)
Full funding for master's studies
International women pursuing master's programmes in designated STEM fields at Swedish universities
Sweden's Swedish Institute runs multiple scholarship programmes. The women-in-STEM strand is particularly competitive and well-funded. Applications typically open autumn.
🔗 https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/
🇩🇪 Helmut Veith Stipend (Austria / Germany)
Fully funded master's programme + living costs
Women in computer science pursuing a master's at TU Wien (Vienna)
One of the most generous technology-specific scholarships for women in Central Europe. Applications close November 30 annually.
🔗 https://logic-cs.at/phd/helmut-veith-stipend/
🇪🇺 Erasmus+ (EU-funded mobility grants)
Variable — covers study, internship or training costs
Students and adult learners from EU and partner countries; no gender restriction but specific calls support women's access
The main EU-funded learning mobility programme. Worth checking Erasmus+ Key Action 1 for adult learners, and specific national agencies for calls relevant to your country and field.
🔗 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
🇫🇮🇳🇴🇸🇪🇩🇰 Nordic Volvo Cars Scholarships and Nordic Council Grants
Various — check by programme
Women in Nordic countries or studying in Nordic institutions
The Nordic Council of Ministers funds various mobility and study grants. If you are based in or studying in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark or Iceland, search the Nordic funding opportunities portal.
🔗 https://www.norden.org/en/funding-opportunities
🇨🇦 Canada
🇨🇦 P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (Canada)
Up to $12,500
International women pursuing graduate study in Canada
Same programme as the US entry — also available for study in Canada. Deadline mid-December each year.
🔗 https://www.peointernational.org/
🇨🇦 WEDO Canada Women Entrepreneurs Scholarships
Variable (part of $1M annual programme)
Women pursuing post-secondary education with entrepreneurial goals in Canada
Aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs through education funding.
🇨🇦 BC Women in Technology Scholarships
$10,000
Women pursuing undergraduate degrees or diplomas in computer/data science, physics, engineering, or mathematics in British Columbia
Applications typically close April. Also check your provincial government's student aid programme — most Canadian provinces offer adult learner grants.
🇨🇦 Ontario Women's Health Scholars Award
$25,000–$50,000
Graduate and postdoctoral researchers in women's health fields at Ontario universities
High-value research-focused award. Deadline typically December.
🔗 https://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/
🇦🇺 Australia & New Zealand
🇦🇺 ATSE Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM
Up to 500 scholarships over six years
Undergraduate and postgraduate women in STEM fields at Australian universities
One of the larger Australian STEM scholarship programmes specifically targeting women. Check current application rounds.
🇦🇺 Australia Awards Scholarships
Full funding
Women and men from selected developing countries seeking postgraduate study in Australia
Highly competitive and prestigious. Prioritises leadership potential and the ability to contribute to national development. Strong track record of supporting women.
🔗 https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
🇳🇿 University of Otago Women's Scholarships
$5,000+
Women pursuing study at University of Otago in New Zealand
New Zealand's universities offer a range of women-specific awards — check the scholarship portal at your target institution directly.
🔗 https://www.otago.ac.nz/scholarships
🇦🇺 BPW (Business and Professional Women) Education Awards — Australia
$1,000+
Women studying at specific Australian institutions; varies by local BPW chapter
Multiple regional awards through the BPW Australia network. Application periods vary by chapter.
🔗 https://bpwaustralia.com.au/
🌏 Asia, Africa & Latin America
International students and women from developing regions have several dedicated pathways, often through major global foundations.
🌏 Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Half grant / half loan (full costs covered)
Outstanding students from select developing countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania and others) for postgraduate study
Structured as 50% grant / 50% loan repayable after graduation. Strong leadership and community contribution requirements. Next cycle opens early 2027.
🔗 https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human-capacity/education/international-scholarships
🌍 Vital Voices Global Fellowship
Non-monetary but high-value programme
Women leaders from all regions working in human rights, economic empowerment, or political participation
Provides training, mentorship, and network access rather than direct financial grants. Significant career development value.
🔗 https://www.vitalvoices.org/
🌎 OAS (Organisation of American States) Scholarship Programme
Full or partial funding
Citizens of OAS member states (35 countries across Latin America, Caribbean, North America) for graduate study
Multiple programmes including the OAS Academic Scholarships and the Rowe Fund. No gender restriction but actively encourages women applicants.
🔗 https://www.oas.org/en/scholarships/
🌍 African Women in Science Awards (TWAS / UNESCO)
From $5,000
Women scientists and researchers from sub-Saharan Africa and least-developed African countries
TWAS runs multiple fellowship and grant programmes supporting women in science across the African continent.
🛠️ Sector-Specific Grants Worth Knowing Globally
These programmes cross national boundaries and fund women in specific professional domains.
💻 AnitaB.org Grants and Awards
Variable
Women and non-binary people in technology; global
Grace Hopper Celebration grants support conference attendance. Various other technology-focused awards throughout the year.
🔗 https://anitab.org/awards-grants/
✈️ Amelia Earhart Fellowship (Zonta International)
$10,000
Women pursuing PhD/doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences; any country
Established 1938. Up to 30 fellowships awarded annually. Deadline November 15.
🔗 https://www.zonta.org/WhatWeDo/InternationalPrograms/AmeliaEarhartFellowship
🏗️ STEM Women in Engineering Grants (British Council)
Full scholarship
Women with STEM backgrounds from partner countries seeking UK-based master's or research positions
Check country-specific British Council offices for current availability — programmes vary by country.
🔗 https://www.britishcouncil.org/
How to Find Funding You Don't Know Exists
The grants listed here are a starting point, not a complete picture. The most effective strategies for finding relevant funding:
Search your target university's scholarship portal directly. Most universities have dedicated funding for women, mature students, or students from specific regions — but it's listed in internal databases that don't appear in general scholarship searches. Contact the financial aid or scholarships office and ask specifically about awards for women returners or mature students.
Check your professional association. Almost every professional field has an association that funds women's development. The Society of Women Engineers, Women in Aviation International, Women in Finance, Women in Law — most have scholarship programmes that are undersubscribed because members don't know they exist.
Search your employer's education policy. Before spending personal funds, check whether your current employer has a professional development budget, tuition reimbursement programme, or partnership with educational providers. Many do; many employees never ask.
Look at your country's government education portal. Most countries have centralised databases of educational funding. In the UK, this is the Student Finance England portal. In the US, it's studentaid.gov. In Australia, StudyAssist. These databases are more comprehensive than scholarship aggregator websites.
Use Scholarship portals as a starting point, not a final answer. Scholars4Dev.com, Bold.org, Scholars.com, and ScholarshipsandGrants.us all have filterable databases. Filter by gender, level of study, field, and nationality for the most relevant results.
The best strategy: one large competitive application, one local or regional application, and one rolling-deadline programme — all submitted in the same two-week window.
How to Find Funding You Don't Know Exists
The grants listed here are a starting point, not a complete picture. The most effective strategies for finding relevant funding:
Search your target university's scholarship portal directly. Most universities have dedicated funding for women, mature students, or students from specific regions — but it's listed in internal databases that don't appear in general scholarship searches. Contact the financial aid or scholarships office and ask specifically about awards for women returners or mature students.
Check your professional association. Almost every professional field has an association that funds women's development. The Society of Women Engineers, Women in Aviation International, Women in Finance, Women in Law — most have scholarship programmes that are undersubscribed because members don't know they exist.
Search your employer's education policy. Before spending personal funds, check whether your current employer has a professional development budget, tuition reimbursement programme, or partnership with educational providers. Many do; many employees never ask.
Look at your country's government education portal. Most countries have centralised databases of educational funding. In the UK, this is the Student Finance England portal. In the US, it's studentaid.gov. In Australia, StudyAssist. These databases are more comprehensive than scholarship aggregator websites.
Use Scholarship portals as a starting point, not a final answer. Scholars4Dev.com, Bold.org, Scholars.com, and ScholarshipsandGrants.us all have filterable databases. Filter by gender, level of study, field, and nationality for the most relevant results.
The best strategy: one large competitive application, one local or regional application, and one rolling-deadline programme — all submitted in the same two-week window.
Making Your Application Stand Out
Scholarship applications are not primarily about qualifications — they're about communication. The women who win are not always the most academically impressive; they're the ones who articulate their story and purpose most clearly.
Be specific about your why. "I want to advance my career" is not enough. "I am returning to study after eight years as a primary carer, and this certification will allow me to re-enter the field I left in a role that matches my updated skills and my need for flexible working" is a story a reader remembers.
Connect your past to your future. Your non-linear path is not a weakness to apologise for — it's a story to tell. Career breaks, role changes, multiple fields — these demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and breadth. Frame them as assets.
Be concrete about impact. Most funders want to know how their investment will ripple outward — how will you contribute to your field, your community, or the next generation of women who come after you? Answer this directly.
Apply even when you feel underqualified. The standard advice — apply when you meet 100% of the criteria — is the wrong standard for scholarships. If you meet the core eligibility requirements and can make a compelling case, apply.
For the foundations of how to structure your return to education — the approach, the platforms, and the realistic expectations — free online courses worth your time and career change through education both give practical frameworks that also strengthen a scholarship application when you've thought them through properly.
A Note on This Article
Grant amounts, deadlines, and programme availability change every year. This article reflects the best available information as of 2025–2026, verified against official programme websites. Before investing time in an application, always verify:
That the programme is currently accepting applications
The current award amount and deadline
Your eligibility for the specific cycle
The websites linked in each entry are the best source of current information. If a programme appears to have changed significantly from what's described here, the official website takes precedence.
And finally: if you find a grant through this article and receive it, please share the news. Every woman who sees that funding is real and achievable makes it more likely that the next woman applies. The goal of this guide is not just information — it's momentum.
