In 2025, women are increasingly breaking barriers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in high-paying STEM fields, especially in tech, engineering, and data science. Scholarships aimed at supporting women in these domains are critical to closing the gender gap and empowering the next generation of innovators.
This guide offers a comprehensive list of top scholarships for women pursuing STEM degrees, including eligibility criteria, application timelines, and funding amounts. We also explore how women can leverage mentorship programs, internships, and fellowships to build lucrative careers.
2. Why Focus on Women in STEM?
1. Wage Potential
STEM jobs remain among the highest-paying in the job market. Fields like software engineering, AI, biotech, and data science can offer starting salaries of $80,000 to $120,000 annually in the U.S.
2. Underrepresentation
Women constitute less than 30% of the global STEM workforce. The numbers are even lower in AI, cloud computing, and advanced engineering.
3. Diversity & Innovation
More women in STEM means broader perspectives, more inclusive design, and stronger innovation. Organizations are actively funding gender equity to fill this gap.
3. Top Scholarships for Women in STEM (2025)
AAUW International Fellowships
- For: Graduate-level studies for women
- Amount: $18,000 to $30,000
- Eligibility: Non-U.S. citizens pursuing full-time study in the U.S.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
- For: Undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, tech, and computing
- Amount: $1,000 to $15,000
- Deadline: Typically February to May
Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
- For: Undergraduate and master’s women in computer science and engineering
- Amount: $10,000 + Adobe internship
Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
- For: Women from developing countries pursuing PhDs or postdocs in STEM
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, and living expenses
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowships
- For: Women researchers in STEM fields
- Amount: Varies by country; often full coverage for doctoral and postdoctoral work
Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
- For: Women in computer science and related fields
- Amount: $10,000 + retreat and mentorship
Microsoft Women in STEM Scholarship
- For: Women studying computer science, AI, or data analytics
- Amount: $5,000 to $10,000 annually
Zonta Women in STEM Scholarship
- For: Undergraduate women in engineering, math, or computer science
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Focus: Leadership and community involvement
4. Scholarships by Region and Country
United States
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship: Women pursuing PhDs in STEM fields
- Google Lime Scholarship: Focus on students with disabilities in CS
Canada
- Canada Graduate Scholarships: For women pursuing research-oriented master’s and PhDs
- Women in Engineering Scholarships (various universities): Often merit-based or need-based
Europe
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): EU-funded postdoctoral fellowships
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany): For female engineering and computer science students
India
- DST Women Scientists Program: Grants for postdocs and researchers
- Kiran Girls Scholarship (Pragati): Undergraduate girls in technical degrees
5. Internships and Fellowships for Women in STEM
Tech Company Programs
- Google STEP Internship: Early computer science students
- Facebook University: Summer training for underrepresented CS students
- Amazon Future Engineer: Paid internships and mentorships
Research Fellowships
- MIT Summer Research Program: For underrepresented minorities and women
- Caltech WAVE Fellows Program: Summer research for female STEM undergrads
6. How to Apply Effectively
1. Build a Strong Academic Profile
- Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above
- Take advanced coursework in calculus, physics, programming, etc.
2. Gain Practical Experience
- Internships, research labs, and hackathons boost your profile
3. Craft a Powerful Essay
- Highlight your passion for STEM, challenges overcome, and career goals
4. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
- Choose professors or mentors who can speak to your technical and leadership skills
5. Apply Early
- Many deadlines fall between November and March
7. Additional Resources for Women in STEM
Mentorship Networks
- Million Women Mentors
- Lean In Circles for Women in STEM
- WITI (Women in Technology International)
Online Communities
- Women Who Code
- Girls in Tech
- She++
Free Learning Platforms
- edX and Coursera (Free STEM courses)
- Kaggle (For women in data science)
- GitHub Education Pack (Free tools for female developers)
8. Success Stories
Meera Patel – AI Researcher at Google DeepMind
Used the Anita Borg and Microsoft STEM scholarships to fund her undergrad and master’s. Active in Girls Who Code, now mentoring women engineers.
Ana Sofía González – Data Scientist in Mexico
Won the Schlumberger Foundation fellowship to pursue a PhD in Machine Learning. Built a local coding school for girls.
9. Conclusion
With tech-driven industries hungry for diverse talent, women in STEM have more opportunities than ever. Scholarships don’t just provide funding—they offer access, mentorship, and pathways to high-income careers.
Explore the scholarships listed here, plan your application timeline, and start building a future in science, tech, engineering, or math today. STEM is not just for men. It’s for every brilliant mind ready to solve tomorrow’s problems—including yours.
