British Council Women in STEM scholarships to study in the UK now
open to Sri Lankans

For the sixth consecutive year, the British Council is offering fully funded
scholarships to women to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) courses in the UK.

The Women in STEM scholarship programme, part of the British Council’s Going
Global Partnerships, provides funding for one-year master’s degree courses at top
ranking universities and research institutions within the UK, with the objective of
increasing opportunities for women in STEM, strengthening female leadership in
science and innovation, and promoting a more diverse and gender-representative
STEM sector. To date, the programme has engaged 43 leading UK universities and
awarded around 500 scholarships.

Each scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year is worth a minimum of £40,000,
including tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa costs, health coverage fees and
English language support. The life-changing scholarships provide access to world-
leading science and research universities in the UK and platforms to connect with
experts in STEM and the UK’s global network of alumni.

Globally, 90 scholarships are available, and eligible applicants span 30 countries.
25 scholarships are open to applicants from South Asia, including Sri Lanka, working
with 5 UK universities.

Orlando Edwards, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka said: “The inclusion of
Sri Lanka in the British Council’s Women in STEM scholarships for 2026–27 reflects
our longterm commitment to expanding opportunity and leadership for women in
science. When women are empowered to thrive in STEM fields, the impact goes far
beyond individual careers — it transforms research, innovation, and national
development. Through this programme, we are connecting Sri Lankan talent with
global expertise and futureready skills.”

Fathima Litha, a returning scholar who recently completed her masters in Bio-
medical sciences at Queen Mary University of London said: “The British Council
Women in STEM Scholarship opened doors to continue pursuing my passion for
research.” As a result of her UK experience, she is confident to continue PhD studies
in the same field.

To see details of scholarships which are available in Sri Lanka please visit
https://www.britishcouncil.lk/study-uk/scholarships-and-funding/british-council-
scholarships-women-stem

Applications for Scholarships for Women in STEM are open until late April 2026.