Women pursuing doctoral degrees often face funding and representation challenges, especially in research and STEM fields. To address this gap, several global organisations offer doctoral scholarships exclusively for women.
These scholarships are designed to support female researchers financially and academically while promoting gender equality in higher education.
Doctoral Scholarships For Women 2026
Below are the Top 10 Doctoral Scholarships for Women Worldwide, all strictly for female applicants, with clear eligibility details, funding benefits, deadlines, and direct application links.
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AAUW International Fellowships (USA)
Who it’s for:
Women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral research in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must identify as female
- Bachelor’s degree completed
- Accepted or enrolled in a U.S. PhD program
- Strong academic and leadership record
Award:
- Up to $50,000 per year
- Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and research costs
Deadline:
- Usually November each year
Application Link:
🔗 https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/international-fellowships/
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Schlumberger Foundation – Faculty for the Future (Global)
Who it’s for:
Women from developing and emerging economies pursuing PhDs in STEM fields at top universities worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female applicants only
- Background in STEM disciplines
- Commitment to returning to the home country after studies
Award:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel and research support
Deadline:
- Typically, September – November annually
Application Link:
🔗 https://www.schlumbergerfoundation.org/faculty-for-the-future/
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OWSD PhD Fellowships (Developing Countries)
Who it’s for:
Women scientists from least developed and developing countries pursuing PhDs in science and technology.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female citizens of eligible countries
- Admission into a PhD program in STEM
- Academic excellence
Award:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Research, travel, and conference funding
Deadline:
- Usually April each year
Application Link:
🔗https://owsd.net/phd-fellowships
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Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Who it’s for:
Women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female PhD candidates
- Enrolled in aerospace-related doctoral programs
- Strong academic performance
Award:
- US$10,000 grant
Deadline:
- Typically November annually
Application Link:
🔗 https://www.zonta.org/
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L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship
Who it’s for:
Women doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in life sciences, physical sciences, and technology.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female researchers only
- PhD or advanced research status
- Scientific excellence
Award:
- Up to €40,000 (varies by region)
Deadline:
- Depends on the country (usually March – July)
Application Link:
🔗 https://www.forwomeninscience.com/
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P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (USA & Canada)
Who it’s for:
International women pursuing graduate and doctoral studies in the U.S. or Canada.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female international students
- Not a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S./Canada
- Financial need
Award:
- Up to $12,500 per year
Deadline:
- December annually
Application Link:
🔗 https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/international-peace-scholarship-fund
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Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
Who it’s for:
Women from developing countries enrolled in graduate or doctoral programs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female applicants aged 25+
- Enrolled in accredited PhD programs
- Commitment to community impact
Award:
- Up to $15,000
Deadline:
- Regional deadlines between January and April
Application Link:
🔗 https://www.mmeg.org/
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Graduate Women International (GWI) PhD Fellowships
Who it’s for:
Women pursuing doctoral research in any discipline worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female doctoral students
- Enrollment in recognised PhD programs
- Membership or affiliation may apply
Award:
- Research and academic funding (amount varies)
Deadline:
- Typically, March – April annually
Application Link:
🔗 https://graduatewomen.org/what-we-do/grants-fellowships/
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Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Who it’s for:
Women pursuing PhD or graduate degrees in computer science, AI, data science, and technology fields.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female applicants
- Strong academic background in tech
- Leadership potential
Award:
- Around $10,000 plus networking and mentorship
Deadline:
- Usually December – January
Application Link:
🔗 https://www.technovation.org/women-techmakers/
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AWIS Distinguished Doctoral Research Scholarship (USA)
Who it’s for:
Women PhD candidates in STEM disciplines conducting dissertation research.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Female doctoral students
- Active research stage
- Enrolled in STEM programs
Award:
- Research funding (varies annually)
Deadline:
- Typically February – March
Application Link:
🔗 https://awis.org/awards/
FAQS
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What are the best PhD scholarships only for women?
The top women-only scholarships include the AAUW International Fellowships, Faculty for the Future (Schlumberger), OWSD PhD Fellowships, L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science, and GWI PhD Grants — all of which offer funding strictly to female doctoral candidates.
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Can international women apply for PhD funding in the U.S. and Europe?
Yes. Programs such as AAUW International Fellowships, PEO International Peace Scholarship, and L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science are open to international women pursuing PhDs in the U.S., Canada, and globally.
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Are there women-only STEM PhD scholarships?
Absolutely. Faculty for the Future, OWSD PhD Fellowships, Google Women Techmakers, and AWIS Doctoral Scholarships specifically target women in STEM and tech fields.
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What is the easiest way to apply for a women-only PhD scholarship?
Review eligibility on the official scholarship page.
Prepare academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references.
Apply before the deadlines listed on the scholarship websites above. Most have annual cycles.
CHECK THESE OUT:
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