In line with its efforts to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM), the British Council launched a scholarship program to support women to pursue postgraduate degrees in the United Kingdom (UK).

Based on the data released by the UN Scientific Education and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it was revealed that “fewer than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women and only 30% of female students select STEM-related fields in higher education.” 

Worldwide, the enrolment of female students in areas related to STEM is particularly low - specifically for Information and Communications Technology (3%), natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (5%), and engineering, manufacturing and construction (8%).

The scholarship will give over 100 women from 20 countries in the Americas, South Asia and East Asia the opportunity to obtain their postgraduate degree in the UK to further develop their careers in science.

“We want to contribute to closing the gender gap in STEM and help advance the broader effort towards gender equality,” British Council in the Philippines Country Director Pilar Aramayo-Prudencio said.

Aramayo-Prudencio said that the Women and Girls in STEM programs around the world are designed “with a lifecycle approach in mind – from inspiring young girls to stay in STEM to supporting women working in STEM fields to reach positions of leadership and to network with their peers in their region and in the UK.”

The Women in STEM scholarship will cover tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees.

The scholarship welcomes applications from women with dependents. It also has a provision for scholars who might need a short pre-sessional English course to achieve the language level needed for their studies.

Among the eligible countries in Southeast Asia include Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Women from the Philippines wishing to pursue studies in Energy Transition and Climate Change, Health and Life-Sciences and Agriculture are encouraged to apply.

Aramayo-Prudencio said that UK universities are globally-recognised for research excellence. “This is a fantastic opportunity for qualified and talented women from the Philippines to live and study in the UK,” she added.

She noted that successful candidates will not only enhance their careers in STEM but “they will also be able to promote research and innovation in the Philippines, connect with researchers in the UK, and inspire the next generation of Filipino women in STEM.”

All potential candidates are enjoined to apply directly to the following universities: University of Glasgow, Liverpool John Moores University or University of Stirling. 

The applications for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM are open until mid-March 2021.