Top Scholarships for Women in Engineering to Study Abroad in 2026

Looking for scholarships for women in engineering and feeling lost in a sea of confusing websites? Chill, we have got you! We have done the homework, checked the deadlines, and filtered the legit ones that actually give Indian women a shot at studying abroad. In this blog, we will be breaking down eligibility and application tips for high-value scholarships that can actually fund your STEM dreams. After this, you will know exactly where to apply, what to prepare, and how to stand out like a pro. 

List of Scholarships for Women in Engineering to Study Abroad in 2026 

Before we get into eligibility and tips, here is a quick overview table for top scholarships for women in engineering to study abroad in 2026.

Scholarship Name	Benefits & Coverage	Eligibility	Application Deadline
MPOWER Financing Women in STEM Scholarship	Up to USD 5,000–6,000 for selected winners	Female international or DACA students studying full-time in STEM programs in the U.S. or Canada	Estimated January 31, 2026
Society of Women Engineers – Global Scholarships	Between USD 1,000–5,000 per recipient	Women enrolled in accredited engineering, tech, or computer science programs globally	Estimated February–March 2026
British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM	Covers tuition, living costs, and travel support	Indian women applying for master’s STEM programs in U.K. universities	Tentative March 2026
SAE International Scholarships for Women in Engineering	Partial to full tuition coverage (varies by award)	Women pursuing automotive or aerospace engineering programs abroad	Estimated early 2026
Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship	Around USD 10,000–15,000 for postgraduate study	Women pursuing aerospace or space sciences research abroad	Estimated November 2025 for 2026 cycle
IEEE Frances B. Hugle Scholarship	Around USD 2,500–3,000	Women undergraduate students in electrical or electronics engineering	Estimated June 2026
Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) WISER Scholarship	Covers research funding, travel, and tuition	Indian women researchers collaborating on STEM projects between India and Germany	Tentative mid-2026
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) India Scholarship Award	Merit-based award. Amount varies annually	Indian women engineering students (open to national and global partner programs)	Expected May–June 2026

Types of Female Engineering Scholarships Abroad 

Women in engineering have more doors open today than ever before, you just need to know which one leads where. Here we will explore some of the most reputed international scholarships designed to support women engineers.

MPOWER Financing Women in STEM Scholarship

The MPOWER Financing Women in STEM Scholarship empowers outstanding international and DACA women students to pursue STEM degrees in the U.S. or Canada. It is one of the most recognized female engineering scholarships abroad, offering financial assistance to help women lead innovation and change in science, technology, and engineering fields.

Eligibility

• The applicant must identify as female and be 18 years or older at the time of application.
  
• The applicant must be accepted or enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program at a U.S. or Canadian institution supported by MPOWER.
  
• The applicant must be an international student or DACA recipient (U.S.) or hold a valid study permit (Canada).
  
• U.S. citizens studying in the U.S. or Canadian citizens studying in Canada are not eligible.
  
• Candidates must show academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to social or community impact through STEM.

Benefits

Let’s look at the benefits. 

Coverage Component	Details
Grand Prize	USD 5,000–6,000
First Runner-Up	USD 2,000
Second Runner-Up	USD 1,000
Usage	Can be used for tuition fees, research, or living expenses
Recognition	Winners are featured on MPOWER’s official platform for their contributions to STEM

Application Process

1. Visit the MPOWER Financing Scholarship Portal and create an applicant profile.
   
2. Fill out the online application form with your academic details.
   
3. Write a 300–500-word essay on your leadership journey and your vision as a woman in STEM.
   
4. Upload academic transcripts, proof of admission, and a valid visa or study permit.
   
5. Submit the application before the official deadline.
   
6. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for verification or additional information.

Deadline for 2026 Intake

• The estimated deadline for the 2026 intake is January 31, 2026, based on the previous year’s cycle.
  
• Results are usually announced within 1–2 months after the application closes.
  
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended.

Renewal & Conditions

• The scholarship is a one-time award and is not renewable annually.
  
• However, recipients can apply for other MPOWER merit or impact scholarships in future cycles.
  
• Funds are released directly to the student’s university account or loan balance, depending on the case.

Society of Women Engineers – Global Scholarships

If you’re a woman in engineering who’s tired of being the only girl in the lab, this scholarship might just be your “main character” moment. The SWE Global Scholarships recognise and support women across the world who are breaking barriers in STEM. For Indian students, it’s one of the most empowering scholarships to fund studies in engineering or technology abroad.

Eligibility

• Applicants must identify as a woman.
  
• Must be enrolling or already enrolled full-time in a recognised engineering, engineering technology, or related programme.
  
• For Indian students, the programme must be approved by India’s National Board of Accreditation (NBA) or offered by a university partnered with SWE Global.
  
• Applicants must not already have full tuition or book funding from other sources.

Benefits & Award Amount

• Around 250+ scholarships are awarded each year globally.
  
• The award amount usually ranges from USD 1,000 to USD 20,000, depending on the applicant’s profile and available funds.
  
• For Indian students, the amount typically falls between USD 1,000 and USD 9,000.

Application Process & Deadline

• One single application gives access to all SWE scholarships you qualify for.
  
• Estimated 2026 deadlines:
  
  • First-years: December 2025 – February 2026
    
  • Collegiate and graduate students: February 2026 – March 2026
    
  • India-specific category: February 2026 – March 2026

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM give women from selected countries a chance to pursue master’s degrees in STEM fields at UK universities. These are among the top scholarships for women in engineering to study abroad, and Indian women are eligible too.

Eligibility

• The applicant must identify as a woman.
  
• The applicant must be a passport holder and permanent resident of one of the eligible countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for South Asia.
  
• The applicant should hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies for a master’s course or, for fellowship categories, must have recently completed a PhD.
  
• The applicant must demonstrate financial need and show commitment to inspiring more women and girls in STEM from her home country.
  
• The applicant must not have dual British citizenship, be related to certain government or organization employees, or have previously received UK government funding.

Benefits & Award Amount

• Covers full tuition fees at the UK university.
  
• Includes a living stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees, and English-language test refund if needed.
  
• Specific award amounts are not always published. The scheme is fully funded for eligible students, but applicants should plan for any minor personal expenses.

Application Process & Deadline 

• Apply through a participating UK university offering a relevant STEM master’s course that is part of the scholarship scheme.
  
• Deadline dates vary by institution, for past cycles, deadlines fell around March–April each year.
  
• For the 2026 intake, the estimated deadline is around March–April 2026, but students must confirm dates with their chosen university.

Also Read: Is Australia Safe for Women and Female International Students?

SAE International Scholarships for Women in Engineering

If you wre hell-bent on engineering and want to shift gears for good, this one’s for you. SAE International runs several scholarships aimed at female students in engineering, especially those focused on automotive, aerospace, or mobility tech.

Eligibility

• Applicant must identify as female.
  
• Applicant must be enrolled in or entering a full-time undergraduate or graduate engineering programme, ideally in automotive, aerospace, electronics, mechatronics or related engineering fields.
  
• For many scholarships: applicants must show a strong GPA, leadership in engineering or technology and a clear interest in increased women participation in those fields.
  
• Some scholarships are specific to U.S. residents or ABET-accredited programmes, international eligibility may vary.
  
• Applicants often must provide two letters of recommendation, and proof of extracurricular or volunteer commitment to STEM.

Benefits & Award Amount

• Awards vary significantly depending on the specific scholarship under SAE.
  
• Example: one listed scholarship offers USD 5,000 for women pursuing engineering in automotive fields.
  
• Many awards cover partial funding, so treat this as a boost, not necessarily full coverage.

Application Process & Deadline

• Identify which SAE scholarship category you qualify for.
  
• Prepare your transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement showing leadership and impact in engineering.
  
• Submit application online by the scholarship-specific deadline.
  
• Estimated deadline: around February 28, 2026.
  
• Selected recipients are notified some weeks after closing, and funds disbursed to their institution or account.

Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship

The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship is one of the most prestigious global awards for women pursuing PhD research in aerospace engineering or space sciences. It empowers exceptional women to lead innovation in space, aviation, and related engineering fields.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a woman of any nationality.
  
• The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time doctoral programme in aerospace-applied engineering or space sciences.
  
• The applicant should have completed at least one year of the PhD or hold a relevant master’s degree.
  
• The applicant must not graduate before April 2027.
  
• The applicant must not be an employee, member, or direct family member of a Zonta International club member.
  
• Previous Amelia Earhart Fellows are not eligible to apply again.

Benefits & Award Amount

• The fellowship awards USD 10,000 annually to each selected recipient.
  
• Around 30 women worldwide are awarded each year.
  
• Funds can be used for tuition, research, and living expenses during the PhD.
  

Application Process & Deadline 

• Applications are submitted online through the Zonta International portal.
  
• Required documents include proof of enrolment, academic transcripts, research summary, and recommendation letters.
  
• The estimated deadline for the 2026 intake is 15 November 2025, based on the previous cycle.
  
• Results are usually announced around April 2026.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Frances B. Hugle Scholarship

The IEEE Frances B. Hugle Scholarship honors the legacy of Frances Hugle, an inventor, scientist, and educator who broke barriers in engineering. This scholarship supports women studying in fields related to electronics and electrical engineering who show exceptional promise in leadership, academics, and service.

The scholarship is offered annually by the IEEE Education Foundation and IEEE Women in Engineering. It recognizes outstanding female students pursuing degrees in electrical, electronics, or computer engineering. The award encourages innovation, creativity, and academic excellence among women engineers worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the IEEE Frances B. Hugle Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as female.
  
• Be enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in electrical, electronics, or computer engineering.
  
• Show academic excellence with a strong GPA.
  
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and involvement in IEEE or other engineering-related communities.
  
• Exhibit a passion for advancing women’s participation in STEM fields.

Award Value

The scholarship offers a USD 2,500 award to one recipient annually. The funds can be used for tuition, academic fees, or other education-related expenses.

Application Process

Students can apply through the IEEE Education Foundation Scholarship Portal. The application typically includes:

1. Completed application form
   
2. Academic transcripts showing current GPA
   
3. Statement of purpose outlining goals, leadership, and contributions to engineering
   
4. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors or engineering professionals

Application Deadline 

The application usually opens in January and closes around April 2026, based on previous cycles. Students are advised to check the official IEEE Foundation announcement each year for updated timelines.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic performance and technical excellence
  
• Leadership in student or professional organizations
  
• Dedication to advancing women in engineering
  
• Clarity and impact of personal statement

Indo‑German Science & Technology Centre Women in Science & Engineering Research Scholarship

The WISER programme by IGSTC supports Indian and German women researchers in STEM through collaborative research projects. It helps women in engineering and science gain international exposure, work on global projects, and contribute to innovation.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a woman holding a regular or long-term research position in an academic institute, research organisation, or industry in India or Germany.
  
• The programme is open to all STEM fields, including engineering.
  
• There is no age limit, but early or mid-career researchers are often preferred.
  
• The application is pair-based both the Indian and German researchers must apply separately but for the same collaborative project.

Benefits & Award Amount

• The Indian awardee’s grant can go up to approximately INR 39 lakhs over three years.
  
• The grant includes travel costs (around INR 1 lakh for visa or insurance) and annual project costs (like consumables and contingency) up to INR 12 lakhs per year.
  
• The grant duration is up to 3 years, including one short-term research stay (up to 1 month per year) in the partner country.

Application Process & Deadline

• Applications are submitted online through IGSTC’s application portal by both partners.
  
• Applicants must identify a host collaborator (in Germany or India), get endorsement letters, and describe each partner’s research role.
  
• Estimated deadline: between February 1 and March 31, 2026, based on the previous cycle.

Institution of Engineering and Technology India Scholarship Award

This scholarship by IET India celebrates the brightest minds in undergraduate engineering across India. It’s not exclusively for women, but women engineering students are definitely eligible and encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate engineering programme (1st to 4th year) at an AICTE/UGC-approved institution in India.
  
• Applicants must have cleared all credit courses so far without backlog.
  
• Applicants must have a minimum aggregate of 70% in their semesters so far.
  
• For women category: women engineering students can apply under both “General” and “Women” categories, but if selected in both, award is given only once.

Benefits & Award Amount

• Regional winners receive INR 60,000, and regional runners-up INR 40,000, plus certificate and 1-year IET membership.
  
• National level: Winner gets INR 3,00,000, 1st runner-up gets INR ,70,000, 2nd runner-up gets INR 1,50,000, with certificate & IET membership.
  
• Total prize pool: Around INR 10,00,000 for the programme in recent edition.

Application Process & Deadline 

• Applications are submitted online, free of cost.
  
• Previous deadlines: for the 2025 edition, the last date was 31 May 2025.
  
• Estimated deadline for 2026: Around May 2026, based on past trends.
  
• Selection process: Multi-stage, online test, regional rounds, then national finals.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application for International Engineering Scholarships

Let’s skip the “keep your grades high” talk, you already know that. Here are 5 underrated but powerful tips that can actually make your scholarship application stand out.

Link Your Goals to Global Impact

Most scholarships love purpose-driven engineers. Don’t just say, “I want to be an engineer.” Say why it matters globally. For example, if you are into renewable energy, mention how your work could help developing nations reduce carbon footprints. That’s the kind of story that wins hearts and funding.

Use Data to Prove Your Achievements

Numbers talk louder than adjectives. Instead of saying, “I led a team on a project,” say “I led a 4-member team that reduced circuit testing time by 30%.” It shows measurable success, scholarship reviewers love that.

Highlight Soft Skills with Tech Examples

Yes, you are an engineer, but can you communicate like one? Mention examples where you explained complex designs to non-tech people or led a mixed team. It shows leadership, empathy, and collaboration, traits global programs value a lot.

Include a Unique Personal Element

Your personal story is your power move. Maybe you fixed your school’s broken lab equipment out of curiosity, or you built a low-cost device for your community, these moments show real passion and grit. Add them. They make you unforgettable.

Show Future Plans with Realistic Steps

Instead of vague lines like “I want to empower women in STEM,” write how. For example, “I plan to start a coding mentorship circle for girls in rural India after graduation.” Real plans make your application believable and visionary at once.

Also Read: Empowering Women in STEM: Duolingo English Test Announces $30,000 Scholarship for Indian Scholars

FAQs

Relatable Reads 

Top Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad	MPOWER Women in STEM & Other Scholarships for Women (2025–26)
9+ Mechanical Engineering Scholarships for International Students 2025	FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship 2025-26: Complete Guide
University of Rochester Scholarships for International Students 2025	Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students (2025 Guide)

This was everything you needed to know about scholarships for women in engineering to study abroad in 2026. These scholarships provide outstanding opportunities for Indian female students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in STEM fields. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.