The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 is a dedicated funding program created to support and empower female international students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the United States and Canada.
This scholarship is designed to address gender inequality in STEM education and help more women become future innovators, scientists, engineers, and technology leaders. It is offered by MPOWER Financing, and importantly, applicants do not need to be MPOWER loan customers to qualify.
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship |
| Sponsor | MPOWER Financing |
| Study Destination | United States & Canada |
| Eligible Students | Female international & DACA students |
| Eligible Field | STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) |
| Award Amount | Up to $5,000 |
| Grand Prize | $5,000 |
| First Runner-Up | $2,000 |
| Second Runner-Up | $1,000 |
| Application Deadline | December 31, 2026 |
| Study Mode | Full-time degree program |
About the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship was created to reduce the gender gap in STEM fields and support talented women who are often underrepresented in science and technology disciplines.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only about 32% of STEM degrees in the U.S. are awarded to women, with even lower representation in engineering and computer science fields. In response to this imbalance, MPOWER created this scholarship to encourage more women to pursue STEM education without financial barriers.
The scholarship focuses on students who have the potential to:
- Become leaders in science and technology
- Drive innovation in healthcare, engineering, and digital industries
- Serve as role models for future generations of women in STEM
Why This Scholarship Matters
Women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM careers worldwide. Reports from organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers show that women hold only about 20% of engineering and computer science degrees.
MPOWER’s initiative directly addresses this gap by supporting international women who are pursuing STEM education in North America.
As stated by MPOWER CEO and Co-founder Manu Smadja:
“It’s critical for us as a society to have meaningful representation of women shaping the science and technology of tomorrow… By helping talented female students study and work in North America, we’re helping close the gender gap in the STEM workforce.”
This mission reflects the scholarship’s broader goal: empowering women to shape the future of global innovation.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 will receive:
- Grand Prize: $5,000
- First Runner-Up: $2,000
- Second Runner-Up: $1,000
These funds can help cover:
- Tuition fees
- Laboratory and research costs
- Living expenses
- Study materials and academic needs
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Requirements
- Must be a female international or DACA student
- Must be accepted into or enrolled in a full-time STEM degree program
- Must study at an MPOWER-supported university in the U.S. or Canada
For Students Studying in the United States
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Hold a valid U.S. student visa, OR
- Be protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), OR
- Be a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
For Students Studying in Canada
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Hold a valid Canadian study permit, OR
- Be a Canadian permanent resident
Important Restriction
- U.S. citizens studying in the U.S. are not eligible
- Canadian citizens studying in Canada are not eligible
- Only international and DACA students can apply
Eligible STEM Fields
This scholarship applies to a wide range of STEM disciplines, including:
- Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Environmental Science
- Nuclear Science and Physics
Application Deadline
- Deadline: December 31, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute technical issues and improve their chances of selection.
How to Apply for the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official MPOWER Financing scholarship page
- Navigate to the Women in STEM Scholarship section
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit your academic details and personal statement
- Review and submit before the deadline
For more details, click here
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic performance and potential
- Passion for STEM fields
- Leadership qualities
- Commitment to advancing women in science and technology
- Quality of application essay
Strong candidates often highlight their research experience, career goals, and impact on society.
Why You Should Apply
The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is one of the most impactful opportunities for female international students because:
- It directly supports women in underrepresented STEM fields
- No MPOWER loan requirement is needed
- It offers up to $5,000 in funding
- It supports study in top universities in the U.S. and Canada
- It promotes global diversity in science and innovation
Tips to Win the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
To increase your chances of success:
- Clearly explain your STEM career goals
- Highlight leadership or research experience
- Show how you will contribute to your field and society
- Demonstrate passion for solving real-world problems
- Write a strong, authentic, and well-structured essay
FAQs
-
Can I apply if I am not an MPOWER borrower?
Yes. The scholarship is open to all eligible students.
-
Is this scholarship only for engineering students?
No. It covers all STEM disciplines including science, technology, and mathematics.
-
Can undergraduate and graduate students apply?
Yes. Both levels are eligible if enrolled full-time.
-
Can African students apply?
Yes. Female students from Africa and other regions can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
-
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No. Language test scores are not required.
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