18 Fellowships for Women in Undergraduate and Graduate School

Oct 15, 2024

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The Forté Fellows Program offers financial packages for women who have been accepted into a participating MBA program. Fellows receive leadership development opportunities and more!

There are numerous fellowship opportunities designed specifically to support women at various stages of their academic and professional careers. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate student, or PhD candidate, these fellowships offer funding and resources to help you succeed in your field. This list includes fellowships for women interested in a wide range of disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), law, public policy, design, and many more. Explore this comprehensive article on fellowships for women across different disciplines and career levels.

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1. AAUW American Dissertation Fellowships

The American Fellowship program, established in 1888 by AAUW, is the oldest non-institutional graduate funding source for women in the U.S. It supports women scholars pursuing full-time dissertation completion, postdoctoral research, or preparing research for publication for eight consecutive weeks. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are evaluated on scholarly excellence, project originality, and commitment to advancing women and girls. The Dissertation Fellowship offsets living expenses for scholars in their final dissertation year. It is open to all fields, with a focus on STEM and gender issues.

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2. Amelia Earhart Fellowship

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship, established in 1938 by Zonta International in honor of the renowned pilot, awards $10,000 annually to up to 30 women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences. Aimed at increasing women’s representation in the aerospace industry, where they constitute only 25% of the workforce, the fellowship supports students at any accredited university worldwide. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. program, have completed at least one year of their program or hold a master’s degree in a relevant field, and not graduate before April 2025. Since its inception, the fellowship has supported 1,305 women from 77 countries, many of whom have achieved significant professional success.

3. British Council Women in STEM Scholarships

The British Council, in collaboration with UK universities, offers the global Women in STEM scholarship program. This initiative aims to support women with a STEM background who need financial assistance and aspire to motivate future generations to enter such fields. The scholarship is open to eligible candidates seeking postgraduate studies at UK universities. If required, recipients benefit from full tuition coverage, a living stipend, travel expenses, visa and health insurance fees, and reimbursement for an IELTS English language test. The specific benefits may vary by institution, but the program ensures comprehensive financial support for its scholars.

4. Brooke Owens Fellowship

The Brooke Owens Fellowship aims to inspire and advance the careers of talented young women and gender minorities passionate about the aerospace industry. Up to forty undergraduate students are selected each year for purpose-driven, paid internships at top aerospace companies and organizations. These fellows are paired with senior and executive-level mentors, receiving guidance and support throughout the 12-week summer program. During this period, they engage in meaningful projects, develop valuable skills, and earn a living wage. The fellowship is open to women and gender-minority undergraduate students from any major at universities or community colleges.

5. Chicana Latina Foundation Leadership and Scholarship Program

The Chicana Latina Foundation grants merit-based scholarships worth $1,500 to 40-45 outstanding Latina students each year. Recipients engage in a year-long program and are chosen based on their dedication to equality and justice for Chicana and Latina women and their demonstrated leadership and service to the Latinx community. Eligible applicants must self-identify as Chicana and/or Latina and be enrolled as graduate or undergraduate students at accredited colleges, community colleges, or universities in California counties.

6. Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard-Foundation Stipends

The Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard-Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Research assists talented young women with children, helping them achieve the freedom and mobility needed to advance their scientific careers. Eligible applicants include graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from any nationality who work in experimental natural sciences and medicine. These applicants must be conducting research at a university or research institute in Germany or be postdoctoral fellows who obtained their doctoral degree from a German university and are continuing their study abroad. Annually, the Bayer Foundation donates 20,000 € to support two exceptional young women.

7. Congressional Fellowships on Women and Public Policy

The Congressional Fellowships on Women and Public Policy aim to develop future leaders in public policy who can analyze and address issues through the lens of women’s perspectives, experiences, and needs. This unique graduate-level fellowship program on Capitol Hill offers practical expertise in policymaking as fellows work directly in congressional offices. Open to current graduate students or those who have completed a graduate program within two years of the fellowship start date, participants earn graduate credit while gaining hands-on experience. Fellows receive a biweekly stipend and funding for health insurance, supporting their immersion in the legislative process and their contributions to shaping policies that impact women.

8. Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowship

The Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowship supports women from Global South countries who have completed a Bachelor’s degree and have been accepted into a graduate program focusing on themes aligned with the International Peace Research Association’s goals. Each fellow receives $5,000 annually for up to two years, with funds disbursed upon enrollment in the graduate program. The fellowship prioritizes financial need in its selection process, aiming to assist candidates lacking substantial funding. This initiative empowers women scholars to pursue advanced studies contributing to peace research and development in their home regions.

9. Dr. Anne Moses IGNITE Fellowship Program

The IGNITE Fellowship Program seeks out diverse and enthusiastic young Gen Z leaders nationwide, equipping them with the tools and networks to wield political influence, mobilize their peers, and promote civic engagement. Dr. Anne Moses Fellows are integral to IGNITE’s mission, expanding and sustaining college programs while advocating for youth empowerment in political leadership. This community comprises women leaders committed to overcoming barriers in politics. Fellows dedicate 15 hours per week over 18 months, participating in IGNITE conferences, events, and specialized trainings, all with travel expenses covered. Joining the cohort offers opportunities to lead projects, engage with IGNITE chapters, access professional development, and amplify impact in advancing IGNITE’s mission.

10. Faculty for the Future Fellowships

The Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future Program aims to empower women from developing countries and emerging economies who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Eligible candidates must be female citizens of these regions, pursuing a PhD or post-doctoral research in STEM disciplines at a host university or research institute abroad. Applicants must possess an outstanding academic record and a commitment to return to their home country upon completing their studies to contribute to socio-economic development. Demonstrated teaching experience and a clear intention to pursue academic or entrepreneurial roles in STEM or contribute to STEM policy-making are essential. The program emphasizes leadership, community outreach, and encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM careers.

11. Forté Fellows Program

Forté Fellowships are highly esteemed awards recognized across the business school community and beyond. Designed for MBA students who embody leadership qualities and support advancing women in business, Forté Fellows align closely with this mission. To be considered, applicants must first apply to an MBA program at a participating school. Full-time student awards are available universally, with part-time and executive awards offered at select institutions. Beyond financial support, Forté Fellows gain automatic access to extensive resources, exposure to top companies within the Forté network, and a lifelong network of peers. Fellows also benefit from leadership development opportunities and engagement in Forté’s initiatives to promote women in business both on campus and beyond.

12. Generation Google Scholarship (APAC)

The Generation Google Scholarship for women in computer science supports second or third-year undergraduate students in Asia Pacific pursuing degrees in computer science or related technical fields with a $2,500 award for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship aims to cultivate future leaders in technology by prioritizing candidates who exhibit a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion alongside exemplary academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited universities for the current academic year and intend to continue their studies full-time the following year. The application process involves submitting online forms, including general information, a resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and responses to short essay questions.

13. Impact WRKSHP: Design Fellowship

Impact Wrkshp offers a unique 12-week summer fellowship tailored for women in design, pairing interdisciplinary design students or recent graduates from programs like interior design, architecture, exhibition design, product design, furniture design, or graphic design with local K-12 schools in Jersey City, New Jersey. This immersive experience equips fellows with tools, training, and mentorship to execute a design project within the school environment. Fellows commit to 3-hour sessions 2-3 days weekly throughout the fellowship period. In addition to covering project-related expenses and fabrication costs, Impact Wrkshp provides each fellow with a monetary stipend, fostering hands-on learning and community engagement through design innovation in education.

14. MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship

The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship program aims to empower female international and DACA students pursuing STEM degrees in the U.S. or Canada, recognizing their potential to shape the future of science and technology. Founded to address gender disparities in STEM, the scholarship supports high-potential students who aspire to become role models and advocates for women in these fields. The program offers annual awards totaling $6,000 for the Grand Prize, $2,000 for the Runner-Up, and $1,000 for Honorable Mention recipients. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program at a participating institution supported by MPOWER. They must meet specific visa or residency requirements to be eligible.

15. Optica Women Scholars Program

The Optica Women Scholars program aims to empower future female leaders in optics and photonics by awarding 20 scholars annually with a $10,000 merit and need-based grant. Designed for undergraduate and Master’s students, recipients receive a one-year Optica Student Membership, access to a mentorship platform, and connections with industry mentors. Applicants must identify as women, be enrolled in optics, physics, chemistry, math, or engineering programs, and demonstrate academic potential through GPA, publications, and awards. The program values inclusivity by recognizing and accommodating career breaks due to eldercare or parental leave.

16. Rankin Foundation Scholar Grants

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation invites applications for its scholarship programs aimed at women demonstrating financial need. The foundation offers three types of grants: the Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant, open to students nationwide aged 35 or older pursuing technical or vocational education or their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree at a U.S. accredited institution; the Emerge Grant, available to residents of Georgia and Montana aged 25 or older pursuing similar educational paths; and the Tribal Scholar Grant, specifically for Tribal members aged 25 or older attending Tribal Colleges for technical or vocational education or their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree. These grants provide crucial support beyond tuition, empowering recipients to achieve their educational goals and advance their careers.

17. The Science Ambassador Scholarship

The Science Ambassador Scholarship, sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, offers a full-tuition scholarship to women and non-binary students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) studies. Applications will require applicants to create a three-minute educational video on a STEM topic. The video should serve as a mini-lecture, demonstrating clarity, creativity, accuracy, and a deep passion for the subject matter. High school seniors and undergraduate college students are eligible to apply, and past winners’ videos can inspire applicants aiming to showcase their knowledge and enthusiasm effectively. This scholarship seeks to empower future STEM leaders through innovative and informative presentations.

18. Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS) Program

The Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS) supports women pursuing degrees in computer science, information management systems, or related IT fields. WITS aims to empower women to become future leaders in the information technology industry. The program is available to women across the United States annually, and it launches in the first quarter, with awards granted by the second quarter. Each recipient can receive up to $2,500. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled or accepted at a two- or four-year college or university in the U.S. for the upcoming school year, pursuing careers in computer science, information technology, management information systems, or related fields. Evaluation is based on criteria including academic performance, community service, and responses to essay questions.

Interested in more fellowships for women? Check out 15 Fellowships for Women in Science!

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