Top 10 Doctoral (PhD) Scholarships Strictly for Women Worldwide

Success — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:34:11 +0000

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.

Doctoral Scholarships For Women 2026

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.

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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

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.

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.

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.