A master’s degree can open the door to better jobs, higher earning potential, research opportunities and leadership positions. But for many women, the cost of postgraduate education can make that opportunity difficult to reach.
The good news is that there are master’s scholarships for women offered by universities, foundations, governments and international organizations around the world.
Some provide full financial support, while others contribute toward tuition, living expenses or other study costs.
For women planning to begin a master’s degree in 2027, important opportunities include the AAUW International Fellowship, Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships, Margaret McNamara Education Grants, UCL Women Healthcare Leaders Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, DAAD scholarships and other university-based awards.
This guide explains the best options, who can apply, what each scholarship covers, eligibility requirements, the latest 2026/2027 deadlines and direct application links.
Important: Scholarship deadlines and award details can change. Where a 2027 deadline has not yet been officially published, this article identifies the latest available deadline or expected application period. Always confirm the final date on the official scholarship page before applying.
Master’s Scholarships for Women at a Glance
| Scholarship | Study destination | Level | Funding | 2026/2027 deadline | Direct application link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAUW International Fellowship | USA | Master’s/Doctorate | $20,000 for master’s | September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET | Apply through AAUW |
| Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Full financial support | Course-specific; commonly December or January for October 2027 entry | Apply through Oxford |
| MMEG Education Grants | USA, Canada, France, South Africa and selected LAC institutions | Graduate study | Grant funding | South Africa: September 14 annually; US/Canada: January 15 annually | Apply through MMEG |
| UCL Women Healthcare Leaders Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Up to £15,000 | Programme-specific; check UCL funding page | Apply through UCL |
| Imperial Women in STEM | UK | Master’s | Full tuition, stipend and flights | March 25, 2026 for the 2026/27 cycle; closed | Monitor Imperial scholarships |
| Oxford Mastercard Foundation/AfOx | UK | Master’s | Course fees and living support | 2027/28 deadline to be confirmed | Apply through Oxford |
| AfOx Corpus Christi African Studies Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Scholarship support varies | Usually linked to Oxford course deadline | Apply through Oxford African Studies |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe and partner countries | Master’s | Full scholarships available | Programme-specific, commonly October 2026–January 2027 | Search and apply through Erasmus Mundus |
| DAAD In-Country/In-Region | Sub-Saharan Africa | Master’s | Varies by programme | Programme-specific; 2027 calls are published individually | Search DAAD calls |
Important: Not every scholarship in this table is exclusively for women. Some are women-specific, while others are major international scholarships that explicitly encourage or prioritise applications from women.
Master’s Scholarships for Women 2027:
1. AAUW International Fellowships
One of the strongest options for women looking for an international master’s scholarship is the AAUW International Fellowship.
The programme is designed specifically for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who want to pursue graduate-level study.
For the 2027–28 cycle, AAUW lists a $20,000 award for master’s study and $25,000 for doctoral study.
Who can apply?
Applicants must generally:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be a non-U.S. citizen and not a U.S. permanent resident.
- Be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s or qualifying doctoral degree.
- Pursue study in an eligible STEM discipline for the current cycle.
- Hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned.
- Study full-time at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Meet the programme’s start and completion dates.
For the 2027–28 cycle, applicants must begin their programme by September 15, 2027, and fellows completing their programme during the award year must finish no earlier than April 30, 2028.
AAUW deadline for 2027 entry
The application opened on August 17, 2026 and closes on:
September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Award notifications are scheduled for March 2027.
Direct application link
Apply through the official AAUW International Fellowships page:
AAUW International Fellowships — Application and Official Information
This makes AAUW one of the most immediate opportunities for women planning a 2027 master’s programme.
Best for: International women pursuing eligible STEM master’s programmes in the United States.
2. Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships
If you are a woman from a low- or middle-income country and want to study STEM at the University of Oxford, the Optiver Foundation Scholarships deserve serious attention.
The programme was created specifically to increase the number of women from low- and middle-income countries studying postgraduate science subjects at Oxford.
For the October 2027 intake, Oxford says that up to six scholarships are available to female students ordinarily resident in eligible countries.
Eligible master’s courses include:
- MSc Energy Systems
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
- MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
- MSc Mathematical Sciences
- MSc Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science
- MSc Quantum Technologies
- MSc Statistical Science
- MSc Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
The scholarship provides full financial support covering course fees and living costs.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must generally:
- Be female.
- Be ordinarily resident in an eligible country.
- Apply for an eligible master’s course.
- Start the programme in October 2027.
- Meet Oxford’s academic and course admission requirements.
Applicants must first apply for graduate study at Oxford by the relevant course deadline and indicate their interest in the scholarship. Eligible candidates are then asked to complete an additional scholarship application concerning socioeconomic circumstances.
Importantly, Nigeria is included among the eligible countries listed by Oxford for this scholarship.
Oxford Optiver deadline for 2027 entry
Oxford does not use one universal deadline for every graduate course. The deadline depends on the specific master’s programme.
For October 2027 entry, applicants should expect the relevant course deadline to fall in one of Oxford’s main graduate application rounds, commonly:
- December 2026, or
- January 2027
Applicants must check the exact deadline on the Oxford course page before applying. The scholarship application normally follows the course application process and may have an additional deadline.
Direct application link
Start with Oxford’s official graduate scholarship and application pages:
Best for: Women from eligible low- and middle-income countries targeting STEM master’s degrees at Oxford.
3. Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) are another important source of financial support for women from developing countries.
MMEG provides grants through programmes connected with universities in the United States, Canada, France, South Africa and selected institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The organisation supports exceptional women from developing countries who are pursuing education and are committed to improving the lives of women and children.
General eligibility
Applicants generally need to:
- Self-identify as women.
- Be at least 25 years old at the relevant application deadline.
- Be a national of an eligible country.
- Be registered at an accredited in-person university and programme.
- Have at least one full academic semester remaining after receiving the grant.
- Plan to graduate within three years after receiving the grant.
Exclusively online programmes are not eligible.
MMEG says grants can be used for a range of education-related expenses, including:
- Academic expenses
- Supplies
- Living costs
- Transportation
- Travel
- Research
- Fieldwork
- Childcare
MMEG deadlines for 2026/2027
The application window depends on the programme:
- South Africa programme: May 15 to September 14 annually
- United States and Canada programme: September 15 to January 15 annually
- France programme: Check the current MMEG country page
- Selected Latin America and Caribbean programmes: Check the participating institution’s deadline
For students applying for 2027 study, the relevant deadline may fall in 2026 or January 2027, depending on the country and university.
Direct application link
Apply and check country-specific requirements through the official MMEG application page:
MMEG Education Grants — Application Portal
MMEG has also supported women from Nigeria. Its grantee profiles include Nigerian women pursuing advanced study in the United States.
Best for: Women from developing countries who are already enrolled in eligible graduate programmes and demonstrate financial need and commitment to women and children.
4. UCL Women Healthcare Leaders Scholarship
Women interested in healthcare management and leadership should investigate scholarships offered by UCL’s Global Business School for Health.
The Women Healthcare Leaders Scholarship is designed for female students who demonstrate leadership potential.
UCL currently lists the scholarship at a value of £10,000 or £15,000, depending on the applicable programme and scholarship structure. It is available to UK and overseas students.
Recipients may also receive leadership coaching and high-impact leadership training.
Suitable areas can include programmes connected to:
- Healthcare management
- Healthcare leadership
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical management
- Digital health
- Health entrepreneurship
The exact scholarship eligibility depends on the master’s programme.
UCL deadline for 2027 entry
UCL does not always publish one universal deadline for this scholarship. The deadline may depend on:
- The specific master’s programme
- The scholarship round
- Whether the applicant is a UK or overseas student
- Whether the award requires an offer before application
For 2027 entry, applicants should check the UCL scholarship page and the relevant programme page during 2026 and early 2027.
Direct application link
Use the official UCL Global Business School for Health scholarship page:
UCL Global Business School for Health Scholarships
Applicants should also review the relevant master’s programme page and submit the programme application before the scholarship deadline where required.
Best for: Women pursuing healthcare-related master’s programmes at UCL with strong leadership potential.
5. Imperial College London Women in STEM Scholarships
Imperial College London has offered Women in STEM Scholarships in partnership with the British Council.
For the 2026/2027 cycle, Imperial offered five full scholarships for eligible women, covering:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend
- Return flights
The scholarships were for one-year master’s programmes.
Eligible Imperial departments included:
- Business School
- Chemistry
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Design Engineering
- Earth Science and Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
Imperial deadline
The deadline for the 2026/2027 cycle was:
March 25, 2026.
That cycle is closed.
A 2027/2028 deadline has not been confirmed in the information currently available. Applicants should not present the 2026 deadline as an open 2027 opportunity.
Direct application link
Monitor Imperial’s official postgraduate scholarship page for a future Women in STEM announcement:
Imperial College London Master’s Scholarships
Applicants should also monitor the British Council’s Women in STEM scholarship page:
British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
Best for: Women targeting STEM master’s programmes at Imperial College London.
6. Oxford Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships
Women from Africa should also consider the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford.
This is not exclusively a women’s scholarship, but Oxford emphasises groups that have historically been underrepresented, including:
- Female scholars
- Refugees and displaced people
- Scholars with accessibility needs
- Applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds
The programme supports eligible African candidates applying for taught postgraduate programmes.
For the established scholarship structure, awards can cover:
- Course fees
- A grant for living costs
- Other approved support depending on the programme
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- Leadership
- Community service
- Commitment to Africa
- Academic potential
- Alignment with the programme’s values
- A desire to address major African challenges
Oxford Mastercard Foundation deadline for 2027 entry
Oxford’s current information indicates that details for 2027/28 entry are still being confirmed.
Applicants should therefore monitor the official Oxford scholarship page. The deadline is expected to be linked to the relevant Oxford graduate course deadline, which commonly falls in December 2026 or January 2027 for October 2027 entry.
Direct application link
Use the official Oxford graduate scholarship page:
Oxford Graduate Scholarships and Funding
Applicants should also review the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information when the 2027/28 call is published.
Best for: African women with strong leadership and community-impact records who want to pursue graduate study at Oxford.
7. AfOx Corpus Christi African Studies Scholarship
There are also women-focused opportunities within Oxford’s African Studies programmes.
The AfOx Corpus Christi African Studies Scholarship is specifically designed for African female students studying the MSc in African Studies.
This is an excellent example of why applicants should search beyond generic “fully funded scholarships.”
Sometimes the best scholarship is a smaller university or college award specifically designed for your profile.
Women applying for Oxford’s MSc African Studies should therefore examine the course-specific funding opportunities in addition to general Oxford scholarships.
AfOx deadline for 2027 entry
The scholarship deadline is normally connected to the Oxford MSc African Studies application deadline.
For October 2027 entry, applicants should expect the relevant deadline to fall in one of Oxford’s main graduate application rounds, commonly December 2026 or January 2027.
The exact deadline must be confirmed on the Oxford course page and the AfOx funding page when the 2027/28 competition opens.
Direct application link
Best for: African women applying for the MSc African Studies at Oxford.
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is not specifically for women, but it is one of the most valuable international master’s funding routes available to women.
The programme welcomes students from around the world.
Selected Erasmus Mundus programmes offer full scholarships to highly ranked applicants. The European Commission says scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute toward:
- Travel
- Visa costs
- Living allowance
These master’s programmes are particularly attractive because students can study at multiple universities in different countries.
Most programmes last one to two academic years and involve at least three higher-education institutions from at least three countries.
Erasmus Mundus deadlines for 2027 entry
There is no single Erasmus Mundus deadline.
Each master’s consortium sets its own deadline. However, most applications for programmes beginning in September 2027 are expected to open between October 2026 and January 2027.
Some programmes may open earlier or close later.
Applicants should search the official catalogue, select a programme and follow that programme’s application instructions.
Direct application link
Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue here:
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Catalogue
The application is submitted directly to the individual master’s consortium, not through one central Erasmus application portal.
Best for: Women from any country who want a highly international master’s experience in Europe and beyond.
9. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Master’s Scholarships
Women in Sub-Saharan Africa should not overlook DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships.
These scholarships support postgraduate education in developing countries, particularly programmes that help develop future professionals, managers and university teachers.
DAAD lists calls for master’s programmes for students from Sub-Saharan African countries, with scholarship starts that may occur between January and July 2027.
This is important for students who want postgraduate education without necessarily relocating to Europe, North America or another distant region.
The exact eligibility, participating universities, study fields and benefits depend on the individual call.
DAAD deadline for 2027 entry
There is no single deadline for all DAAD In-Country/In-Region scholarships.
Each participating university or programme publishes its own deadline. For 2027 scholarship starts, applicants should check the relevant call during 2026 and early 2027.
Some calls may close several months before the programme begins.
Direct application link
Search current DAAD scholarship calls through the official DAAD scholarship database:
Applicants should search for:
- In-Country/In-Region
- Master’s
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Their country of citizenship
- Their intended field of study
Best for: Women from Sub-Saharan Africa seeking master’s-level postgraduate training within Africa.
Are There Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for Women?
Yes.
Some programmes can provide very substantial or full financial support.
Examples include:
Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships
Oxford describes the Optiver programme as providing full financial support covering course fees and living costs for eligible women in participating STEM master’s courses.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Selected Erasmus Mundus programmes offer full scholarships that cover participation costs and contribute toward travel, visa and living expenses.
Imperial Women in STEM
The 2026/27 Imperial-British Council Women in STEM awards were full scholarships covering tuition, stipend and return flights, although that specific application cycle is already closed.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
The Oxford Mastercard Foundation/AfOx structure has provided course-fee coverage and living-cost support for eligible African taught master’s students, although 2027/28 details should be checked when Oxford confirms the new cycle.
Master’s Scholarships for Women in STEM
Women interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have several specialised options.
Some of the strongest examples include:
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships
- Imperial Women in STEM Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus STEM master’s programmes
- DAAD postgraduate scholarships
- University-specific women-in-STEM awards
The need for these programmes is not accidental.
Women remain underrepresented in many STEM fields, particularly at advanced levels. Scholarship programmes therefore use funding to reduce financial barriers and increase female participation in science and technology.
Oxford’s Optiver Foundation programme, for example, was specifically established to increase the number of women from low- and middle-income countries taking postgraduate science courses.
Master’s Scholarships for Women in Africa
African women have several routes to postgraduate funding.
Strong options to investigate include:
- Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- AfOx Corpus Christi African Studies Scholarship
- MMEG
- DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- University-specific African women’s scholarships
Women from Africa should also search for scholarships based on country, academic field and university, rather than searching only for scholarships containing the word “women.”
For example, an African woman applying to Oxford could potentially be eligible for a general African scholarship that explicitly encourages female applicants even though “women” isn’t part of the scholarship title.
Master’s Scholarships for Nigerian Women
Nigerian women looking for master’s scholarships have several international options worth investigating.
The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship is particularly notable because Nigeria appears on Oxford’s eligible-country list.
Nigerian women can also investigate:
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Mastercard Foundation partner scholarships
- MMEG, where programme and country eligibility requirements are satisfied
- University-specific women’s scholarships
- DAAD programmes open to Nigerian applicants
- Other scholarships targeting African students
However, eligibility must always be checked programme by programme.
A scholarship described online as a “scholarship for African women” does not automatically mean that every African country or every master’s course is eligible.
How to Win a Master’s Scholarship as a Woman
Finding a scholarship is only half the battle.
Many competitive scholarships receive applications from candidates with excellent academic records.
You therefore need to show more than good grades.
1. Build a Strong Academic Profile
Your transcript is important.
Maintain strong grades throughout your undergraduate degree and take academically relevant courses seriously.
Where scholarships specify a GPA or academic threshold, make sure you meet it before investing significant time in the application.
AAUW, for example, currently requires International Fellowship applicants to have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned.
2. Demonstrate Leadership
Women’s scholarships often look beyond academic performance.
Show evidence that you have:
- Led a project
- Founded an initiative
- Mentored other women
- Volunteered
- Worked with your community
- Solved a problem
- Organised an educational programme
- Created employment opportunities
- Advocated for positive change
Leadership doesn’t necessarily mean holding the title of “president.”
Impact matters more than titles.
3. Explain Your Career Goals
Scholarship committees want to know what happens after the degree.
Don’t simply write:
“I want to obtain a master’s degree because it will improve my career.”
Explain:
- What problem you want to solve
- Why the problem matters
- Why the master’s degree is necessary
- How the programme fits your career
- Who will benefit from your work
- What you plan to do after graduation
4. Show Your Impact on Women and Communities
For women-specific scholarships, this can be particularly important.
You might have:
- Mentored girls in STEM
- Supported women entrepreneurs
- Worked on women’s healthcare
- Advocated for girls’ education
- Helped women access technology
- Worked with vulnerable communities
- Created employment opportunities for women
Your impact does not have to be enormous.
What matters is that it is genuine and clearly explained.
5. Don’t Ignore Scholarships That Aren’t Women-Only
This is a major mistake.
Searching only for “master’s scholarships for women” can cause you to miss thousands of scholarships open to all applicants.
For example, Erasmus Mundus is open to students worldwide and offers full scholarships in selected programmes.
Similarly, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not exclusively for women but explicitly emphasises female scholars and other historically underrepresented groups.
Apply wherever you genuinely qualify.
Documents Women Should Prepare for Master’s Scholarships
Before scholarship applications open, prepare a folder containing:
- International passport
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Personal statement
- Scholarship essays
- Research proposal, where required
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency, if required
- University admission letter, where required
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of residence, where required
- Evidence of leadership or community involvement
- Certificates from relevant professional activities
- Financial documents where required
Not every scholarship asks for every document.
Always follow the official application checklist.
When Should Women Start Applying for Master’s Scholarships?
The best time is months before the deadline.
For 2027 entry, women should already be researching scholarships and master’s programmes during 2026.
Some major international scholarship applications open months before the programme begins.
For example:
- AAUW International Fellowships opened August 17, 2026 for the 2027–28 cycle.
- Erasmus Mundus applications commonly run from October 2026 to January 2027 for programmes beginning in September 2027.
- Oxford master’s scholarships often require applicants to meet the relevant December 2026 or January 2027 course deadlines.
- MMEG deadlines may fall in September 2026 or January 2027, depending on the programme.
- DAAD deadlines vary by participating university and may be published throughout 2026.
Waiting until the last week is one of the easiest ways to submit a weak application.
Common Mistakes Women Make When Applying for Scholarships
Applying for scholarships they don’t qualify for. Always check:
- Country
- Degree
- Field
- Gender eligibility
- Age
- Academic requirements
- University
- Residency
- Admission status
Calling every scholarship “fully funded”
This is especially common in scholarship blogs.
A scholarship that covers 20% or 50% of tuition is not fully funded.
A grant for living expenses is not necessarily a tuition scholarship.
Always explain exactly what the funding covers.
Using the same personal statement everywhere
Your statement should respond directly to the scholarship’s objectives.
A leadership-focused scholarship should not receive the same essay as a STEM scholarship.
Waiting until the deadline
Strong applications require time.
You may need weeks to obtain recommendation letters, academic documents and admission materials.
Ignoring smaller scholarships
A £5,000 or $10,000 grant can still make a major difference.
Several smaller awards can sometimes be combined, depending on their individual rules.
How to Find More Master’s Scholarships for Women
The most reliable approach is to search in four places.
University scholarship pages
If you already know where you want to study, go directly to that university’s funding database.
Many women-specific scholarships are university-level awards.
Government scholarship databases
Government-funded programmes can provide substantial financial support.
Examples include Erasmus+, DAAD and national scholarship programmes.
Women’s organisations
Organisations such as AAUW and MMEG specifically support women pursuing education and professional development.
Scholarship databases
Use scholarship databases to discover opportunities, but verify every important detail on the official scholarship website before applying.
This is particularly important for:
- Deadlines
- Scholarship values
- Eligible countries
- Age requirements
- Application procedures
- Admission requirements
FAQs
Are there scholarships specifically for women pursuing master’s degrees?
Yes.
Several scholarships are specifically designed for women, including AAUW International Fellowships and the Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships. Other programmes are open to everyone but explicitly encourage or prioritise women.
What is the best master’s scholarship for women?
There is no single best scholarship for every woman.
The right scholarship depends on your country, academic field, university, academic record and career goals.
For a woman from a low- or middle-income country interested in STEM, Oxford’s Optiver Foundation Scholarship is particularly attractive because it provides full financial support for eligible courses.
Can African women get master’s scholarships abroad?
Yes. African women can apply for several international scholarships, including Oxford’s Optiver Foundation Scholarships, Mastercard Foundation opportunities, Erasmus Mundus programmes, AAUW International Fellowships and eligible MMEG programmes.
Can Nigerian women apply for master’s scholarships abroad?
Yes. Nigerian women can apply for international scholarships when Nigeria is included among the eligible countries.
For example, Nigeria appears on Oxford’s current eligible-country list for the Optiver Foundation Scholarship.
Are there fully funded master’s scholarships for women?
Yes. Some scholarships provide full tuition and living support, while others cover only part of the cost.
Selected Erasmus Mundus scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute toward travel, visa and living expenses.
Oxford’s Optiver Foundation Scholarship provides full financial support for eligible awardees.
Can women apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships?
Absolutely. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters welcome students from around the world. Women are eligible to apply to programmes for which they meet the admission and scholarship requirements.
Do I need work experience for a women’s master’s scholarship?
Not always. Requirements vary widely. Some scholarships focus primarily on academic excellence and potential, while others place significant emphasis on leadership, professional experience or community impact.
Always check the specific scholarship requirements.
Can married women apply for master’s scholarships?
Yes.
Being married does not automatically prevent you from applying for a scholarship.
However, individual scholarships may have their own eligibility requirements concerning age, residency, employment, study status or family circumstances.
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