This prestigious scholarship is designed for female STEM graduates wanting to pursue their master’s in the UK.
The presence of women in STEM fields is essential for promoting diversity, ensuring a range of perspectives and driving innovation, the British Council said.
“Their presence not only addresses gender disparities but also enriches the workforce with unique skills, ultimately advancing scientific and technological progress for the benefit of society.”
According to the World Bank’s Bangladesh Country Gender Assessment 2021, women comprise only 14% of all STEM professionals in Bangladesh.
According to research, only 38% of female students enrol in STEM in public institutions, and 45% enrol in STEM in private institutions.Twenty-five scholarships are reserved for women STEM scholars from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries, the British Council said.
These are across five UK higher education institutions – Queen Mary University of London, Anglia Ruskin University, Greenwich University, The University of Southampton and Coventry University.
The scholarships will empower the beneficiaries to advance their careers in STEM and facilitate their ability to drive research and innovation in their home country by immersing them in the expertise of the UK’s esteemed STEM fields.
The UK is currently ranked third in the world for citable research, with 55.2% of all UK publications the product of international research collaborations.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, health coverage fees and English language support.
The scholars can pursue courses like Data Science, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, Civil Engineering Management, Intelligent Healthcare and Actuarial Science, among others.
Toufiq Hasan, head of education Bangladesh, British Council, said: “Nearly half of the World’s population is female, representing a significant portion of potential brainpower for researchers and innovators. Solving global challenges requires full participation in science and research. Gender equity is not merely a concept; it’s crucial for human progress.”
“Like the Women in STEM Scholarship, our initiative aims to support women financially in pursuing STEM education, unlocking their capabilities, and facilitating transformative contributions to sustainable development goals,” he added.
Since 2020, the program has awarded over 300 scholarships. In the 2023-24 global cohorts, 92 scholars were enrolled in their selected courses.
Through these scholarships, the British Council maintains its commitment to creating opportunities for women to succeed in a globalized world and gain global credentials in STEM fields.
The scholarship aims to inspire young women to remain in STEM fields by supporting their progression towards leadership roles and fostering networking opportunities with peers both in their region and in the UK.
The scholarship also welcomes applications from women with dependents, offering additional support. The application deadlines vary depending on the university, typically between March and April 2024.
