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? Learn about fully-funded scholarships 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 who wish to pursue their dreams and advance their careers in STEM.   

2025 Scholarships 

We will be announcing the names of the partner universities, applicable courses of study, and how to apply in early 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year.  

Sign up to be the first to hear  

Eligibility 

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 does the scholarship include?  

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

  • Full tuition fees 
  • Living stipend 
  • Travel costs 
  • Visa and health coverage fees 
  • Refund of an IELTS English language test, if needed. 

What next? 

We will be announcing the names of the partner universities, applicable courses of study, and how to apply in early 2025.  

Sign up and be the first to know   

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 tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, and health coverage fees.

How can I apply

Details of how to apply for the academic year 2025-26 will be released in early 2025. Sign up here to be the first to get full details.

When is the deadline to apply

Exact deadlines for applications will be announced in early 2025 but they are likely to be in March and April 2025.

Which master's courses are included in the scheme?

The exact list of eligible master’s courses will be announced in early 2025. They will all be in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Sign up here to be the first to hear about the eligible courses.

Is there an age limit to apply?

No, there is no age limit for this scholarship.  

What nationalities can apply?

Women, and people who identify as women from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste.

How many scholarships are there?

The exact number of scholarships will be announced in early 2025.

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. Exact details will be available when the partner universities are announced in early 2025.  

What IELTS level is required?

The level of English required is determined by the university you are applying to. Exact details will be available when the partner universities are announced in early 2025.  

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.

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