British Council Bangladesh seeks application for Women in STEM scholarships

For the year 2021, Bangladesh was chosen to receive the highest number of Women in STEM scholarships in South Asia. Therefore, British Council Bangladesh is seeking female candidates with a STEM background who can demonstrate their need for financial support and their desire to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM.

The scholarships will be offered in various subjects including energy transition, climate change plus health and life sciences, read a press release.

Women are encouraged to apply by 31 March, 2021.

The scholarship programme is part of a global partnership with 19 United Kingdom (UK) universities to benefit women from countries in the Americas, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The scholarships can be received from the following universities: Teesside University, City, University of London, University of Strathclyde, Newcastle University, Edinburgh Napier University, The University of Warwick, The University of Edinburgh, and Brunel University London.

Additional eligibility criteria includes: an undergraduate degree, English language proficiency, a passion for studying, employment, Bangladeshi citizenship or residency, and the willingness to complete the entire academic period from September/October 2021-2022.

Candidates will receive numerous benefits such as economic support – including tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, health coverage fees – exceptional care for mothers and help with the English language.

Moreover, the candidates will get the opportunity to attend prestigious universities in the UK. Applications can be filled directly with the participating universities. For further information on application processes and instructions from universities, please visit https://bdbritish.org/womeninstem.

The scholarship programmes also aim to increase the opportunities in STEM for women and girls. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization data, fewer than 30% of researchers are women globally.

Only 30% of female students select STEM-related fields for higher education. Globally, female students' enrollment is particularly low in information and communications technology (3%), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5%), and engineering, manufacturing and construction (8%).