Fully funded master’s scholarships for women do exist, and many cover tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance rather than just a portion of fees. The challenge is that each program sets its own eligibility rules, deadlines, and application process. The fastest way to make progress is to shortlist awards that match your nationality, field of study, and academic record, then work through each official application page carefully. This guide covers ten well-known fully funded options, explains what each one typically covers, and shows you how to compare them, prepare a strong application, and avoid the most common mistakes.
What “Fully Funded” Usually Means for a Master’s Scholarship
Universities and funders use the phrase loosely, so always read the award description line by line before you invest time in an application. A genuinely full scholarship normally covers tuition and mandatory fees plus a maintenance stipend. Many also add travel, health insurance, and research or book allowances.
- Tuition waiver: the institution waives some or all of your course fees.
- Stipend: a monthly or annual payment toward rent, food, and daily living.
- Travel and relocation: flights or a fixed travel grant for international students.
- Insurance: health cover required by the host country or university.
- Extras: book grants, conference funding, or family allowances, which vary widely.
An award described as “full tuition” is not the same as “fully funded.” If living costs are not covered, you will still need savings, a part-time job where permitted, or a supplementary grant. When comparing awards, calculate the total value of the package against your actual costs for the full duration of the program, not just the first year. A generous first-year stipend means little if the second year is unfunded.
The Top 10 Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for Women
The list below focuses on awards that are open to women, either exclusively or through dedicated women’s tracks, and that provide comprehensive funding. Requirements change, so confirm every detail on the official page before applying.
1. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women offers AAUW International Fellowships to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents and who are studying full-time in the United States.
Awards support graduate and postgraduate study, and the organization also runs selected fellowships for US citizens. Check the official eligibility criteria for your degree level, citizenship status, and study location.
2. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
The Faculty for the Future program supports women from developing and emerging economies who are pursuing PhD or postdoctoral study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
It is aimed at women preparing for academic careers in STEM, so master’s applicants should confirm whether their program fits the current call before applying.
3. British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships help women from selected countries study a master’s degree in STEM subjects at UK universities.
Funding typically includes tuition, stipend, travel, and visa costs, but the exact package depends on the partner university. Eligibility is tied to your nationality and chosen course.
4. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are funded by the UK government and cover a one-year master’s degree in the UK for future leaders from eligible countries.
The award generally includes tuition, a monthly stipend, travel, and additional allowances. Women from eligible countries apply on equal terms, and many Chevening scholars are women.
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees are delivered by consortia of universities across Europe and include scholarship places for international students.
Scholarships usually cover tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance for the duration of the program. Each consortium sets its own application process and deadlines.
6. DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
The German Academic Exchange Service funds development-related postgraduate courses at German universities for graduates from developing and newly industrialized countries.
Funding generally includes tuition where applicable, a monthly stipend, insurance, and travel allowances. Women applicants are strongly encouraged in many of these programs.
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards funded by the Australian government for people from eligible partner countries to study in Australia.
They typically cover tuition, return air travel, establishment allowance, living costs, and health cover. Women are a priority group in many participating countries.
8. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with universities in Africa and elsewhere to fund talented young people, with a strong emphasis on young women, who face financial barriers to education.
Support usually includes tuition, accommodation, books, and stipends, plus leadership development. Each partner university manages its own application process.
9. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program funds master’s study in development-related fields for professionals from eligible developing countries.
Awards generally cover tuition, a monthly stipend, travel, and insurance. Women applicants are encouraged, and the program prioritizes candidates from countries with development needs.
10. University-Specific Women’s Scholarships
Many universities run their own fully funded awards for women, often tied to specific faculties or regions. Examples include dedicated scholarships at institutions in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Search each university’s official scholarship page directly, and check whether the award covers tuition only or includes a stipend. A few institutions also offer women-in-leadership or women-in-STEM bursaries.
Quick Comparison of the Ten Scholarships
The table below summarizes the typical focus and coverage of each award. Always verify current details on the official page, since packages and eligibility can change.
| Scholarship | Typical Study Location | Common Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAUW International Fellowships | United States | Tuition support and stipend | Women studying in the US |
| Faculty for the Future | Global | Tuition and living support | Women in STEM at PhD level |
| British Council Women in STEM | United Kingdom | Tuition, stipend, travel, visa | Women in STEM from selected countries |
| Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom | Tuition, stipend, travel, allowances | Future leaders from eligible countries |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe | Tuition, travel, living allowance | Students wanting multi-country study |
| DAAD Development-Related Courses | Germany | Tuition, stipend, insurance, travel | Graduates from developing countries |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Tuition, travel, living, health cover | Students from partner countries |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars | Africa and partners | Tuition, accommodation, stipend | Young women facing financial barriers |
| JJ/WBGSP | Global | Tuition, stipend, travel, insurance | Development professionals |
| University-specific awards | Varies | Varies by institution | Students targeting a specific university |
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Patterns to Expect
Most fully funded master’s scholarships share a few common eligibility patterns, even though the details differ.
- Citizenship: many awards target specific nationalities or regions.
- Academic record: a strong undergraduate degree is usually required, often with a minimum grade or GPA.
- Field of study: STEM, development, or public policy awards may restrict eligible subjects.
- Work experience: some scholarships, such as Chevening, expect a certain amount of professional experience.
- Language: proof of English or the host country’s language is often required.
- Return commitment: a few programs expect you to return home after graduation.
Women-only awards sometimes add criteria such as financial need, career stage, or a commitment to supporting other women in your field.
How to Build a Competitive Application
Strong applications are usually the result of early planning and careful tailoring rather than last-minute effort.
Start With a Shortlist and a Calendar
Choose three to five scholarships that genuinely fit your profile, then note each deadline and required document in a single calendar.
- Record the application opening and closing dates.
- Note reference letter deadlines, which are often earlier than the main deadline.
- Add time for language tests and document legalization.
Craft a Clear Personal Statement
Your statement should connect your past experience, your chosen master’s program, and your future plans in a specific way.
- Explain why this program, not just why this field.
- Show evidence of impact, such as projects, research, or community work.
- Describe how you will use the degree after graduation.
Prepare Strong References
Ask referees early and give them your CV, transcript, and a short summary of the scholarship’s goals.
A referee who can speak to your specific achievements will usually write a more persuasive letter than someone who barely knows you.
Documents You Will Commonly Need
Most applications ask for a similar set of documents, so gather them once and reuse them across scholarships.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Valid passport or national ID.
- Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL where required.
- Curriculum vitae or résumé.
- Personal statement or statement of purpose.
- Reference letters, usually two or three.
- Proof of admission or a university offer, depending on the award.
Some programs also request a research proposal, a budget plan, or proof of financial need.
Common Mistakes That Weaken Applications
Small errors can cost you a shortlist place, especially when competition is high.
- Applying to awards you are not eligible for, which wastes time and can disqualify you.
- Submitting generic essays that do not mention the specific program.
- Missing document deadlines for references or transcripts.
- Ignoring word limits or formatting instructions.
- Failing to check whether the award covers living costs as well as tuition.
Read the official guidance twice before you submit, and ask someone else to proofread your materials.
How to Verify a Scholarship Is Genuine
Scholarship scams exist, so confirm every award through an official source before sharing personal information.
- Check that the scholarship appears on the funder’s official website.
- Confirm the application portal is linked from the official page.
- Be cautious of requests for payment to “secure” a scholarship.
- Look for clear contact details and terms on the official site.
Government and university pages are the most reliable places to verify eligibility and deadlines.
Planning Your Timeline
Most major scholarships open applications months before the study year begins, and some close almost a year in advance.
Work backwards from your target start date: take language tests early, request references at least a month before deadlines, and leave time for document legalization if required.
- Research scholarships several months before applications open.
- Draft essays and statements in advance so you can refine them.
- Keep scanned copies of all documents in one folder.
- Submit early to avoid last-minute technical problems.
Conclusion
Fully funded master’s scholarships for women are real, but they reward preparation and precision. Start by shortlisting awards that match your nationality, field, and academic record, then verify every requirement on the official page. Build a calendar, prepare your documents once, and tailor each application to the specific program. With careful planning, you can submit strong applications to several scholarships without spreading yourself too thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fully funded master’s scholarships specifically for women?
Yes. Some awards, such as AAUW International Fellowships and the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships, are designed specifically for women, while others include women as a priority group. Always check the official eligibility page for the exact criteria.
Do fully funded scholarships cover living costs as well as tuition?
Many do, but not all. Some awards cover tuition only, so you should confirm whether a stipend, accommodation, travel, and insurance are included before applying.
Can international students apply for these scholarships?
Most of the awards listed are open to international students, but eligibility often depends on your nationality, the host country, and the specific program. Read the official criteria carefully.
Do I need to be admitted to a university before applying for a scholarship?
It varies. Some scholarships require a university offer or admission before you can apply, while others let you apply first and confirm admission later. Check each program’s official instructions.
What academic grades do I need to qualify?
Requirements differ by scholarship and program. Many expect a strong undergraduate record, often with a minimum grade or GPA, but the exact threshold is set by each funder.
Are language tests required for these scholarships?
Usually yes, especially if you are studying in a country where the teaching language is not your first language. The required test and score depend on the program and university.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
In many cases you can apply for multiple scholarships, but some awards prohibit holding more than one at once. Check the terms of each scholarship before accepting an offer.
How competitive are fully funded master’s scholarships?
Competition is generally high because these awards cover most or all costs. A strong academic record, clear goals, and well-prepared documents improve your chances.
Do scholarships cover visa and travel costs?
Many comprehensive awards include travel and visa-related costs, but this varies. Confirm the specific coverage on the official scholarship page.
How can I avoid scholarship scams?
Use official funder and university websites, avoid paying fees to “secure” an award, and verify contact details and application portals directly on the official site.