Women’s International Scholarships and Grants

Whether desiring study and internships abroad or wanting to enter a career field that is traditionally male-dominated, academically talented women have many opportunities for financial assistance. Often, the money from Pell grants and student loans can be used to supplement the support gained from one of these programs. Some of the programs reported are also open to men, but many are exclusively for women. All of these programs either support experiences abroad or are offered to international students.

Education, internship and volunteer programs are all included because they are all wonderful for building a resume that will attract employers. Women are making great strides in professional endeavors but still lag behind their male counterparts in terms of the money they are able to earn and the type of positions to which they can aspire. These programs are designed to assist them in pursuing their dreams.

Academic Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are a student’s best friends. Loan money has to be paid back, but anything titled scholarship or grant does not. This means that the student is free to study and learn without worrying about accruing a crippling debt.

Undergraduate Scholarships and Grants

  • Zonta International sponsors the Amelia Earhart Scholarship, intended to assist women to enter fields that have been dominated by males. It encourages women to aspire to positions in aerospace engineering, astronomy, geology, academia, business and the military. The Fellowship helps women purchase computer equipment and research materials and to participate in studies in other parts of the world.
  • Zonta International sponsors the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship of $1,000-$5,000 per year for undergraduate women and women working toward a master’s degree who are pursuing positions in a business-related field. The awards are offered to women from many countries.
  • Society of Women Engineersprovides scholarships to academically qualified women wanting to pursue careers in engineering and computer science. These fields are typically male-dominated. SWE works to encourage talented women to enter these lucrative professions.
  • Boren Awards for International Study target study in places that are underrepresnted and are important to U.S. interests. They include Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America, Central Europe and Asia. The number of awards varies from year to year. These scholarships are sponsored by the National Security Education Program and focus on languages and fields of study considered important to national security. This is taken in a broad view that recognizes the importance of meeting global challenges including sustainable development, environmental issues, hunger and disease, population growth, and economic issues. Boren Scholarships will provide $10,000 per semester, up to $20,000 per year for undergraduate or graduate study. Applications for the 2013 school year must be submitted by January 31, 2013. Individual campuses set their own deadlines. Both male and female students are accepted.
  • The Boeing Company 737-NG Type Rating Certificate Scholarship awards $35,000 to women who possess ratings for Commercial, Instrument and Multi-Engine aircraft to attend an intensive three-week training. The award includes all instructional materials. Housing, meals and transportation are the responsibility of the recipient.
  • The Joseph Finelli Memorial Aviation Scholarship is awarded for either undergraduate or graduate students seeking a degree in aviation. Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded.
  • The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund supports grants for international women studying in the U.S. or Canada. Awards are about $12,000 each and are not renewable. Women who are committed to improving the conditions of women and children and have participated in services for them are invited to apply for these grants. The individuals must come from a lower or middle income developing country and intend to return to their country after completing the program. Participants commit to at least two years of service in the field.
  • The MMMF South Africa grants are offered to women from developing countries who are attending either the University of Pretoria or the University of Cape Town. The award is about $4,000. Women who have established an interest in helping women and children may apply for this program. Participants must demonstrate good academic performance and financial need.
  • Boston University Study Abroad offers a wide array of opportunities to study or intern in other countries. The program is open to students of BU and other students as well. These study and internship programs are a wonderful way to boost a student’s resume for international positions. Both male and female students are accepted.
  • cisabroad.com provides small partial scholarships for their study abroad programs in business; humanities; education; health; science, technology, engineering and mathematics; world languages; social sciences; visual and performing arts; and communication, IT, and design. Both male and female students are accepted. The program works hard to keep the cost of these programs within reasonable bounds.
  • The Critical Language Scholarship Program provides overseas intensive summer instruction in languages deemed critical for the United States. These include Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish and Urdu. The programs are fully funded. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in a degree program in the United States. Both graduate and undergraduate students are accepted. Students in all disciplines are invited to participate.
  • The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi annually awards fifty grants of $1,000 each to undergraduate students wanting to study in other countries. Applicants must be attending a university with a chapter of PKP and maintain a 3.75 grade point average. The application must be accompanied by a letter of acceptance in a program of study. Both male and female students are accepted.
  • Women Chefs and Restaurateurs offers several scholarships and internships, both domestic and international, each year. Deadline for applications is at the end of March or beginning of April. The scholarships are assigned to specific culinary schools.

Graduate Scholarships and Grants

  • The AAUW supports graduate study abroad for women wanting to obtain a graduate degree or significantly contribute to their communities. The selection process is highly competitive. AAUW manages five programs for grants and fellowships, including their International Fellowship program. Inquiries about applications should be addressed to the Iowa City branch office, e-mail address: aayw@act.org.
  • Zonta International sponsors the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship of $1,000-$5,000 per year for undergraduate women and women working toward a master’s degree who are pursuing positions in a business-related field.
  • Georgetown University Law Center offers the Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (SAWA) fellowhip to participants from Africa seeking a Master of Laws degree from Georgetown that centers on international women’s rights. After completing classes, the individuals complete a post-graduation internship. They then return to work for advancement of women’s rights in their own countries.
  • Society of Women Engineersprovides scholarships to academically qualified women wanting to pursue careers in engineering and computer science. These fields are typically male-dominated. SWE works to encourage talented women to enter these lucrative professions.
  • The International Federation of University Women provides fellowships and grants for postgraduate studies, research or training abroad. The number of these grants is limited. For the 2012 year, IFUW will offer the Conchita Poncini Jimenez International Human Rights Fellowship. The aim is to promote gender equality and is in the amount of $20,000. The non-renewable grant will cover 8-12 months of work/study full-time or 24 months of work /study part-time
  • The Critical Language Scholarship Program provides overseas intensive summer instruction in languages deemed critical for the United States. These include Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish and Urdu. The programs are fully funded. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in a degree program in the United States. Both graduate and undergraduate students are accepted. Students in all disciplines are invited to participate.
  • Boren Awards for International Study target study in places that are underrepresented and are important to U.S. interests. They include Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America, Central Europe and Asia. The number of awards varies from year to year. These scholarships are sponsored by the National Security Education Program and focus on languages and fields of study considered important to national security. This is taken in a broad view that recognizes the importance of meeting global challenges including sustainable development, environmental issues, hunger and disease, population growth, and economic issues. Boren Scholarships will provide $10,000 per semester, up to $20,000 per year for undergraduate or graduate study. Applications for the 2013 school year must be submitted by January 31, 2013. Individual campuses set their own deadlines. Both male and female students are accepted.

Internships

Internships provide work experience that is invaluable in building a resume, particularly when the experience is gained in the individual’s chosen field of study. While some internships are unpaid, others will provide a modest stipend. This is especially important if the internship opportunity occurs abroad.

  • National Geographic maintains the Glimpse Correspondents Program for young adults who will be abroad at least 10 weeks either studying or doing volunteer work. They offer a $600 stipend in exchange for writing and photography or video presentations about the location. The money comes in handy, and this is an opportunity to begin developing journalism credits. Both male and female internships are available.
  • Boston University Study Abroad offers a wide array of opportunities to study or intern in other countries. The program is open to students of BU and other students as well. These study and internship programs are a wonderful way to boost a student’s resume for international positions. Both male and female students are accepted.
  • Child Family Health International offers scholarships for its internship abroad program. They are partial scholarships of $1,000 toward any of the health education internships. Priority is given to people from ethnic backgrounds similar to the population to be served. Applications should be submitted online. Recipients must be able to pay the rest of their program fees, airfare and personal expenses. This can be combined with a Diversity Abroad award. This program serves both male and female participants.
  • cisabroad.com provides partial funding up to 70 percent of program cost for students who want to participate in a summer internship program. The program is tailored to accommodate the career goals of the students. Countries for internships include Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand and Spain. This program serves both male and female participants.
  • Women Chefs and Restaurateurs offers several scholarships and internships, both domestic and international, each year. Deadline for applications is at the end of March or beginning of April. The scholarships are assigned to specific culinary schools.
  • The International Women’s Day Scholarship is offered jointly by Gust, an investor relations program and Astia, a nonprofit global agency whose mission is to promote the success of business ventures that are led by women. Participants will attend the Silicon Valley Entrepeneur Program and follow this with a two-month advisory plan. A team of advisors is assigned to assist a company in securing investor funding, marketing effectively, and negotiating competitively.
  • The Sofya Kovalevshkaya Prize is awarded to enable young scientists and researchers from several countries to conduct research. The 2012 prize was won by two Vietnamese women who have made significant contributions to Viet Nam’s industrialization.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer work also helps to build a resume. Many programs will have costs far beyond the stipend allowed to a participant, but the Global Citizen Fund for Diversity Abroad is specifically designed to assist economically disadvantaged participants.

  • The LIV Fund is available to students who want to study, intern or volunteer in Latin America. Program founder David Garrett established the organization to promote positive cultural exchange. LIV operates in 21 countries: Argentina, Venezuela, Belize, Uruguay, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Ecuador, Guatemala and El Salvador. The program awards two $500 scholarships each month. This program serves both male and female participants.
  • Diversity Abroad.com’s Global Citizen Fund sponsors economically disadvantage students who want to participate in a volunteer experience abroad. This program serves both male and female participants

International grants and scholarships are available to enable individuals to pursue their interests in promoting global understandings and initiatives; obtain careers that would otherwise be out of reach; and build interesting resumes that attract prospective employers. The education and experience gained from these unique programs will do much to enhance the participant’s career.

35 Comments

  • Reply Seedika Meighoo April 27, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    I am really interested in the scholarship, it would be a great help.

    • Reply HARRIET October 30, 2013 at 9:03 am

      I am very much interested to being sponsored to go back to school. I like this programme so much, kindly support me

    • Reply irena September 15, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      respected,
      do you give scholarships for habitats in BiH
      best regards,

  • Reply Christina Kapininga Kachaje June 6, 2012 at 8:42 am

    If given an opportunity of this scholarship,i will use it to improve my family status and my Country.

  • Reply Ancy Soko June 6, 2012 at 11:46 am

    I need to further my education by enrolling for a B.A. Degree in Business Administration. I work for a bank without a degree you can not be recognised or promoted so I want to help myself with your help. Am a widow with 4 children all going to school I can not manage to pay for myself so I need your help desperately. I have been working for 25 years but no reward please look at my case and consider me positively if you need any information please contact me.

  • Reply ROSE September 28, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    I am very interesting to improve my career of study, I believe having this opportunity I will became competency and professional and I will became international women(that is my dreams).

  • Reply Rigobert Bahati April 3, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    I need to futher my education by enrolling for a B.A. Degree in Business Administration.I work for a Locaux NGO here in Kampala with a degree ,you can not get more money for your scholarship so l want to help myself with your help.
    Am a widow with 4 children all going to school , i can not manage to pay for muself desperately, l have been working for 15years but no reward please look at my case and consider me possitively if you need any information please contact me , and here l will became competency and professional and l will became lnternational man in my life.

  • Reply Namyalo Suzan April 16, 2013 at 9:27 am

    I am interested in continuing with my studies.But the problem is the finances but if I get this opportunity it will be a great chance for me to reach my dreams of improving my family and community status.

  • Reply sima rabbi May 12, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    I am a math teacher in high school.I have a master degree in math education and interest to continuing my study for getting phd.I am interested in geometry and serched how to enhancing teaching and learning geometry through discovery approach. then if I get this opportunity it will be a great chance to reach high study in math education.

  • Reply Hamida May 14, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    I am a Kenyan living in Kenya ( East Africa). I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in one of the

    universities here.

    Psychology is a new field here and I am lucky to be admitted in the 1st PsyD program in Kenya.The services of a clinical Psychologist are badly

    needed here because of the many traumas that people are going through.

    My dream is to get the right skills and knowledge to be of better service to my people.

    Unfortunately the fees is just so high,I wish I could get some financial aid.

    I do not need cash,I would like the fees to be paid directly to my university( United States International University- USIU Africa)which has WASC accreditation

    Is there a way that I can get any help as far as financial aid is concerned ?

    Hamida

  • Reply Rachelia July 13, 2013 at 5:57 pm

    As a graduate of pharmacy college, I and my younger sister, Elizabeth Endrastiana, wants to study abroad for pursuing doctor chiropractic that will be much needed in my country, Indonesia. We need a full support and scholarships because we come from a simple family, where my father is a pastor, and this field of medical service may strengthen to the present ministry to disadvantaged people group in order to understand the true meaning of life beyond the mere health problem. We will be very happy to hear soon about your response

    • Reply winfred April 27, 2015 at 4:37 pm

      I am a quadriplegic Kenyan lady pursuing a phd in psychology and in dire need for financial support to conduct my research and complete my studies.Kindly assist me to secure a scholarship or a grant.I am even willing to transfer to a University in any other part of the world if only to secure sponsorship. Thank you.

  • Reply Fatu Lois Dumah July 16, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    All along, I wish to get the right skills and knowledge to be of better service to my country, and to the world.

  • Reply Chamu Muvheyo September 18, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    I need a scholarship for my disabled sister to study Bcom Accounting in South Africa.

  • Reply Mischma a MOISE October 10, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    hi!
    I am 30 years old I am a married woman and mother of two children I need to go to school because I never a great opportunity to go because of my financial situation is also to why I married so early now I do not want my husband takes care of everything and tell me what do I know with a degree I can find a job and take care of my children
    Please help me to unhook my diploma in helping me find a scholarship
    Mishma A. MOSES
    (Haiti)

  • Reply Vernon Nielson October 13, 2013 at 9:09 am

    I am trying to overcome my PTSD and Anxiety Disorder stemming from abusive childhood and sexual abuse. The problem is I am not a female. Can you refer to someone who could possibly help? Sorry if I am whining I am just going through a difficult time and struggling very hard against the evil thoughts.

    Vernon

  • Reply catherine Aje Ojiyi November 10, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    I am a widow with five grown ups with four of them in school.I would be glad to access a PhD scholarship in America.I have been a Chemistry ter and Head of Secondary School in Nigeria

  • Reply SRIVIDHYA BALAJI December 17, 2013 at 2:44 am

    Hello
    I am an Indian women and will be completing my under-graduation in Mathematics. I would like to do Masters/Phd in US university. However my family is not in a position to support my studies in abroad. Is there any scholarship available to me? thanks and regards

  • Reply Leela January 3, 2014 at 5:14 am

    Hello, this Leela Khanal from Nepal. I have done my masters in psychology. I am thinking to pursue Psy.D in clinical psychology. And for that I need scholarship opportunity. Is there any scholarship for this course which can I get?

    • Reply Simegn Wolde March 4, 2014 at 8:59 am

      Hello, this is Simegn from Ethiopia, I have done my Diploma in English language and literature. I want to have Degree in any subject area. is there any scholarship for related to these kind of courses?

  • Reply subaita February 4, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    I really want to do my masters in fine art since two years I m trying, please guide me some women scholarships for fine art masters. I m international student from Pakistan.please help me
    SRKhan

  • Reply Simegn Wolde March 4, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Hello, this is Simegn form Ethiopia I hope you will send me a

    reply soon

  • Reply skye mudgway April 29, 2014 at 1:43 am

    I am doing the certificate in business at the moment and really want to go get my diploma in accounting next but really need a scholarship to help me out I’m 22 and have 2 children so finace is tight having only my patner income

  • Reply Tigist May 23, 2014 at 6:35 am

    Hello, this is tigist from Ethiopia I get scholarship in European master in Business Studies but I cant afford the Admission fee and other expenses if there is a grant for me i will be very glad if you give me the chance.

  • Reply Leela July 10, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Hello, this is Leela from Nepal. I have done my masters in clinical psychology. I am looking to do PsyD in clinical psychology. Required amount for study is too high so I am looking for a financial aid. It would be a great help for me if I receive any financial aid for my further study.

  • Reply Raniya Ahmed Adem September 26, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    I am 18 years old, completed high school this year 2014 with great result. I have been assigned to a university located at the remote area Somali region. Let alone the quality of the education,it is not safe for female. Due to the fact that i registered at the Addis Ababa university extension program to study civil engineering.
    I am grateful to you and i am glad, if you offer and grant me a scholarship in engineering fields, or any computer related technology fields. Many thanks for your support.

  • Reply zeinab July 15, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Dear Sir
    I am a women from IRAN. I have MS in plant biology. I need scholarships for PHD study in other country. I have a girl and I’m a single Mather.
    For years in Iran, I was producing tissue culture plants.
      Due to the financial and economic problems in the country , I was bankrupt. I have very experiences in agriculture and management team work, in science and agriculture or biology.
      I have to grow and continue my life and my work or study abroad at the doctoral level.
    Requirements is sponsored by.
    Please lead and help me for that. I am very glade if you offer me a scholarship in botany or biology . If some associated want to investment in Iran for Agriculture or plant sciences ,I am willing to hear their proposals on Iran or other countries.
    best ragards.

  • Reply cecilenuzi August 10, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    Hello!am cecile nuzi,am 24yld.am a single mother of 2.hoping to get scholarship to study and work abroad.but am happy to get this chance to see this.may God bless you all,who stand on weman’s feature.for me any chance granted to me.i will be happy.am from Nairobi kenya

  • Reply Rebecca Namagembe September 18, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Hello management,
    can i as a girl student living in Africa also apply and win a scholarship in the USA?

  • Reply joyce mtenga November 6, 2015 at 4:16 am

    asking for scholoarship in education ict skills.Thanks in advance.

  • Reply Priscilla November 30, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    I am a disabled lady of 45 years old completed my B.Com degree in 2009. I need financial support to pursue my MBA at Esami Swaziland. I have worked for govrenment for 15 years without any progress.I have tried several times with our inservice training but was told that my age is a limiting factor, but i really am still interested in being qualified in management to be of value at work. I will be so am grateful for your support.

  • Reply kgothatso December 8, 2015 at 5:42 am

    hello, my name is kgothatso I’m from south africa I’m a 19year old lady I finished my highSchool in 2014 and had to stay home the whole year of 2015 since theres no money to send me to school I lost both my parents at a young age and now live with my little brother. my grandparents aren’t able to help because they both not working and they try so hard to provide for us with the money they get from the government which Is not enough. I really want to go to school to build a better future for me and my little brothe at Times I thought of prostituting myself to get money to be able to support me and my little brother but I thank God I never did that for he gives me strength to stay strong. looking forward for your reply
    I’d really appreciate it if I do get a sponsor I’d like to study counselling and communications bit the circle of psychology
    please help.
    Thank you

  • Reply Pratistha Chitrakar July 21, 2016 at 9:25 am

    Hello,

    My name is Pratistha Chitrakar, I’m from Nepal and I want to become a pastry chef. I’ve looked at a lot of pastry schools and while they have great curriculum, I’m afraid I just cant afford them. I ‘d be grateful if you could help me out.
    Thank you.

  • Reply RENO SMITH September 16, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    Hello. I am trying to assist my niece in The Bahamas who has lost her parents in death and really needs assistance in attending college in the USA to study psychology. If anyone can assist please email me at renovsmith@gmail.com. She would like to attend Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island but will accept a scholarship to any regionally accredited college. Thanks.

  • Reply Mercy Ghambi October 25, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    Hello,

    My name is Mercy Ghambi, i would like to study BCOM in finance. Your consideration will be highly appriciated

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