Are you a woman or do you identify as a woman, with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject who wants to take your studies to the next level? Apply now for a fully-funded scholarship to study for a master's degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) course at a leading UK university. 

The ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships are for women and people who identify as women, from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, with STEM backgrounds who can demonstrate their need for financial support and wish to pursue their dreams and advance their careers in STEM.   

Why a scholarship programme?

The gender gap in STEM professions is well documented. Not only do women make up a small fraction of the workforce and research teams in STEM, but they are also published less, paid less and are less likely to reach positions of leadership than their male counterparts, despite being proven to be on average 8% more productive. 

2025 Scholarships: Apply now

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Click on the links below to visit the websites of the UK higher education institutions that we are working with to provide the scholarships and apply for the course(s) that you are interested in. You can make more than one application, but you will need to apply through each institution separately. 

University of Machester

Open to women and people who identify as women from:

  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Lao PDR
  • Myanmar
  • the Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste

Please see the FAQ section below for a full list of eligible programmes and you can find full details on the University of Manchester website.

University of Warwick

Open to women and people who identify as women from:  

  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • Lao PDR
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • the Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Viet Nam
  • Timor-Leste

Please see the FAQ section below for a full list of eligible programmes and you can find full details on the University of Warwick website.

British Council Women in STEM Scholarships

British Council Women in STEM scholarship programme partners with other select UK universities, and there are additional scholarships available through this scheme. Scholarships are available in the following countries and more details can be found here:

 If you are interested in learning about British Council Women in STEM Scholarships in other parts of the world you can visit the global scholarship scheme website. 

What does the scholarship include?  

In addition to the prestige of studying at a renowned UK university, the scholarship covers: 

  • Full tuition fees 
  • Living stipend for 12 months, including accommodation allowance  
  • Travel costs 
  • Visa and health coverage fees 
  • Refund of an IELTS English language test, if needed
  • Study-related costs, such as essential travel, materials, equipment, thesis printing etc. 
  • Reasonable adjustment costs for scholars with disabilities.  

FAQ

Which master's courses are included in the scheme at the University of Manchester?

University of Machester

Applicable courses:

  • MSc Precision Medicine
  • MSc Medical and Molecular Virology
  • MSc Clinical Biochemistry
  • MSc Molecular Pathology of Cancer
  • MSc Clinical Immunology
  • MSc Health Data Science
  • MSc Audiology 
  • MSc Pollution and Environmental Control    
  • MSc REaCT                             
  • MSc Geosciences for Sustainable Energy
  • MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering
  • MSc Biomaterials
  • MSc Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Systems Management
  • MSc Robotics 
  • MSc Advanced Computer Science 
  • MSc Artificial Intelligence
  • MSc Cyber Security
  • MSc Machine Learning
  • MSc Software Engineering

Which master's courses are included in the scheme at the University of Warwick?

University of Warwick

Applicable courses:

  • MSc Analytical Sciences and Instrumentation
  • MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence
  • MSc Behavioural and Data Science
  • MSc Behavioural and Economic Science (Science Track only)
  • MSc Cyber Security Engineering
  • MSc Cyber Security Management
  • MSc Diagnostics, Data and Digital Health
  • MSc Engineering Business Management
  • MSc Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Science route)
  • MSc Healthcare Operational Management
  • MSc Humanitarian Engineering
  • MSc Humanitarian Engineering with Sustainability
  • MSc Humanitarian Engineering with Management
  • MSc Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • MSc Polymer Chemistry
  • MSc Psychology by Research
  • MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management
  • MSc Sustainable Automotive Electrification

Who is eligible to apply for these scholarships?

We are looking for women and people who identify as women who: 

  • can take up a course of study in the UK for the 2025-2026 academic year, starting in September/October 2025. 
  • can demonstrate a need for financial support. 
  • have an undergraduate degree that will enable them to gain access onto one of the pre-selected postgraduate courses at a UK university (for master’s level). 
  • can attain the level of English required for postgraduate study at a UK university. 
  • are active in the field with work experience or a proven interest in their subject area. 
  • are passionate about their course of study and are willing to engage as committed ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM scholarship alumni. 
  • are from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste. 

You are not eligible for an ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarship if you: 

  • hold dual British citizenship 
  • are an employee, a former employee, or relative (*) of an employee of His Majesty’s Government (including British Embassies/High Commissions; the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; Department for International Trade; the Ministry of Defence; and the Home Office); the British Council. 
    (*): Relatives are defined as parents or stepparents, siblings or stepsiblings, children or stepchildren, spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner (where the couple have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years). 
  • are currently in receipt of financial support or funding towards your study programme in the UK from any other source.
  • have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK government-funded scholarship or a UK institutional scholarship/financial bursary. 

What is ASEAN-UK SAGE?

The ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme aims to improve foundational learning outcomes in basic literacy and numeracy, support girls and marginalised groups to access education, and break down gender barriers to digital skills and employment, thus empowering young women to flourish to their full academic and social potential.   
The ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships, a collaborative initiative between the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat funded by UK International Development from the UK government, is a vital part of the broader ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment throughout the ASEAN region and Timor-Leste. 

Find out more about the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme

What does the Scholarship scheme cover?

The ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships include full bursaries covering tuition fees, stipend for 12 months including accommodation allowance, return travel to the UK, visa and insurance/NHS surcharge, IELTS exam fee, study-related costs, such as essential travel, materials, equipment, thesis printing etc, reasonable adjustment costs for scholars with disabilities. 

How can I apply?

You apply directly to the University of choice. You can apply via the University of Manchester website or the University of Warwick website, depending on the country you come from. 

When is the deadline to apply

The deadlines for the University of Warwick are:

  • Course application deadline 17 April 2025
  • Scholarship application deadline 24 April 2025

The deadlines for the University of Manchester are:

  • Scholarship application deadline 30 April 2025*

* Please note that you will need to hold a provisional offer of a place at the University before you apply for the scholarship so make sure you apply for your course early enough.

Is there an age limit to apply?

No, there is no age limit for this scholarship.  

What nationalities can apply?

For the University of Machester women, and people who identify as women from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste can apply.

For the University of Warwick women, and people who identify as women from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste can apply.

How many scholarships are there?

There are 11 scholarships available for women from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste. 

Can women with children apply to the scholarship?

Women with children or caring responsibilities are eligible to apply, but for the 2025-2026 academic year, are unlikely to be able to travel with their dependents. We cannot provide support for dependent travel or maintenance under the scheme. This is following recent guidance from the UK Home Office below:  
International students studying in the UK will not be able to bring dependents with them on their student visa starting January 1, 2024. This includes spouses, civil partners, and children, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programs.  The notification can be read here. 

What special support is available for mothers?

Following recent changes to UK visa requirements, international students studying in the UK will not be able to bring dependents with them on their student visa starting January 1, 2024. This includes spouses, civil partners, and children, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programs. We are not able to support mothers travelling with dependents under the scheme. 

Do I need to complete IELTS to apply for this scholarship?

You do not need to complete IELTS to apply, but to be awarded a place on a course you will need to demonstrate the required level of English for your university. Requirements can be found on the University's websites. 

What IELTS level is required?

The level of English required is determined by the university you are applying to. Requirements can be found on the University's websites. 

Is funding provided to pay for the IELTS proficiency test? If so, how do I access this funding?

Yes, you would need to cover the costs upfront, and then, if you are successful and able to register at the UK host university, the IELTS/English Language test costs can be reimbursed.

Note: Deadlines for scholarships vary across the institutions taking part. Check deadlines with your chosen institution carefully to avoid any disappointment. For questions relating to your course of interest, please contact the university in question. All applications must be submitted directly to the respective higher education institution. After submitting your application, you will next hear directly from the university about the status of your application. 

If you have any questions about the scholarships, please contact the ASEAN-UK SAGE team directly by emailing Panisara.Paireepinath@britishcouncil.org or UniPrayuti.Prayuti@britishcouncil.org Should you be unable to locate the university's contact information, you may also email us. 
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