Most scholarships ask you to dream big — then bury you in requirements. The British Council and ASEAN-UK Women in STEM Scholarships 2026 is different. It is a fully funded master's degree at a real UK university, and Indonesian women with a background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics can apply right now.

What is the Women in STEM Scholarship 2026?

The British Council, together with the UK Mission to ASEAN, offers full scholarships for women from Southeast Asia to study a postgraduate (master's) degree in a STEM field at a leading university in the United Kingdom. "Full" means exactly that: tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return airfare, and additional support costs — all covered. You go, you study, you come back with a UK master's degree. No hidden costs.

The program was created to increase the number of women in STEM globally and to strengthen the education ties between the UK and ASEAN countries. Indonesia is one of ten eligible nations, alongside Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor Leste.

Which universities are hosting the scholarship?

Three UK universities are partnered for the 2026 cycle. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is ideal for those working in health science and public health. Cranfield University, one of the UK's top postgraduate-only institutions, focuses on applied science and engineering. University of Stirling in Scotland rounds out the list, with strong programs in environment, health, and technology.

Who can apply for the Women in STEM Scholarship 2026?
To be eligible, you must be a woman who is a permanent resident of Indonesia and holds a valid Indonesian passport. You need an academic background in STEM, meet the English language requirements set by your chosen university, and be able to demonstrate both motivation and the potential to make an impact in your field. The scholarship is built for women who are serious about their careers — not just looking for a credential.

Here is the counterintuitive part: you do not need to already be working in a large company or research institution. The British Council is specifically looking for women with potential — which means early-career professionals and recent graduates are very much in the running.

How do I apply for Women in STEM Scholarships 2026?

All details, eligibility criteria, and the application portal are available at bit.ly/WIS-2026. The application is handled through the British Council directly. Before applying, spend time on your motivation statement — this is the part reviewers weigh most heavily. Be specific about what you want to study, why this particular university, and what you plan to do when you return to Indonesia.

The deadline has not been publicly confirmed in the current materials, so check the official page immediately and do not wait.