If you are a female student from a developing country with the dream to pursue higher education but lack the financial means, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available to help turn your dream into reality. These programs aim to empower women, promote gender equality in education, and foster global development.
Education is a powerful tool for change, especially if you’re a woman from a developing nation. However, you probably face many significant barriers that limit your access to quality higher education, including financial setbacks, cultural expectations, and limited opportunities in your home country.
Scholarships specifically targeting female students from developing countries can help you overcome these obstacles so that you can achieve your goals and give back to your community.
To this effect, we bring this information closer to you and a host of others we have published in the past like scholarships for women in STEM and highest-paying scholarships for African women.
These scholarships for female students from developing countries are offered by various organizations across the world like the Schlumberger Foundation, and they cut across science and technology, arts, and many other fields. So that you can have as many options as possible.
It’s important to note that most of these scholarships are for study abroad. Read on to find out what each of the scholarship programs is offering and how you can apply for them.
Table of Contents
Scholarships for Female Students from Developing Countries
- The Eira Francis Davies Scholarship
- The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF)
- Grace Lake Partners Female Scholarship
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
- Hatfield Lioness Postgraduate Scholarship
- Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship
- Amelia Earhart Fellowship Program
- BHW Women in STEM Scholarship
1. The Eira Francis Davies Scholarship
The Eira Francis Davies Scholarship is a program offered by Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom. The scholarship was established to promote education for women and to provide opportunities for talented women who might otherwise not have access to international higher education due to financial constraints.
The program also aims to invest in women who have the potential to become leaders and change-makers in their home countries.
Now, to apply for the scholarship, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Ensure you’re from an eligible developing country and applying for a qualifying master’s program within the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science
- Highlight any leadership roles or community involvement in your application.
- Clearly explain how the scholarship and your chosen program will help you make an impact in your home country.
- The scholarship is competitive, so strong academic credentials are crucial. At least, hold a 2:1 bachelor’s degree.
- The application process typically opens in the fall for programs starting the following academic year, so meet all deadlines.
You will be considered for the scholarship based on your academic or any other notable achievements, financial need, passion and plans, and ability and plans to contribute back to your home country following your education at Swansea University.
2. The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF)
The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund is a notable scholarship program for women from developing countries. It was established to honor Margaret McNamara who was passionate about education, empowering women, and improving the lives of children in developing countries.
If you are a woman from a developing country committed to improving the lives of women and children in your home country through your education and leadership then you’re the target of this award.
To be eligible for this award, you must be at least 25 years old and enrolled in one of the universities in the US, Canada, or select universities in South Africa and Latin America.
You must also intend to return to your home country or other developing nations within two years of completing your studies.
The grant is between $12,000 and $15,000 for one academic year, although there’s no restriction to specific fields, your chosen field should relate to improving the lives of women and children.
You might be among the winners if you show a commitment to improving the lives of women and children in developing countries, demonstrate financial need, have an excellent academic performance, and possess leadership potential.
The application process usually involves an online application that’s typically open in September every year and documents like personal statements, academic records, and recommendation letters. If you are among the finalists, you may be interviewed.
Here are some application strategies that might increase your chances:
- Start early: The application process is competitive and requires thorough preparation
- Clearly articulate your commitment to women’s and children’s issues
- Demonstrate how your studies and plans align with the fund’s mission.
- Highlight any relevant experience or initiatives you’ve been involved with
- Ensure your references can speak to your potential as a leader and change-maker.
3. Grace Lake Partners Female Scholarship
If you are a talented female student from Nigeria who dreams of studying abroad on scholarship, then you should apply for the Grace Lake Partners Female Scholarship because it is targeted to women like you.
So, if you want to study an undergraduate program in STEM or any discipline that aligns with Nigeria’s development needs you can apply for this scholarship.
Receiving this scholarship will cover your tuition fees and maybe your living expenses. It will also open up various opportunities for higher education and professional development.
Now, to be eligible, aside from being a female student, you must have good academic results, demonstrate financial need, and emphasize any leadership roles or initiatives you’ve taken in school or your community.
The application process for the Grace Lake Partners Female Scholarship involves submitting an application form, providing academic transcripts, writing essays or personal statements, and providing letters of recommendation.
To increase your chances of getting accepted for Grace Lake Partners Female Scholarship, do the following in your application:
- Showcase your academic excellence, particularly in subjects relevant to your chosen field of study.
- Articulate how your education and career goals align with Nigeria’s development needs.
- Clearly explain your financial situation and how the scholarship would enable your education
- Highlight any unique skills, experiences, or achievements that set you apart.
- Start your research and preparation early, as the scholarship can be competitive and often has lengthy application processes.
4. AAUW International Fellowships
The AAUW (American Association of University Women) International Fellowships is a prestigious program that supports women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the US who are not US citizens or permanent residents.
This means that female students from developing countries can also apply for this scholarship.
So, if you want to be eligible to apply for this award, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field and plan to return to your home country to pursue a professional career.
However, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate prior advancement of women and girls through civic, community, or professional work.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can go on to apply with your three letters of recommendation, academic records, CV, and essay. The application is online and usually opens in September and closes in November every year.
Your application will be considered based on the following criteria:
- Your academic and professional qualifications.
- The commitment you’ve shown towards the empowerment of women and girls.
- The potential of your project or study to contribute to your home country.
- The quality and feasibility of your proposed plan of study or research.
- Your need for financial assistance.
As you’re making your application, don’t forget to highlight any leadership roles, volunteer work, or initiatives you’ve undertaken. Also, in your essay, use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your potential. Doing these would boost your chances of acceptance.
As for the award amount, it varies as follows:
- Master’s/Professional Fellowship: $20,000
- Doctoral Fellowship: $25,000
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: $50,000
PS: Awards are for one academic year.
5. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
This scholarship is aimed at supporting women from developing countries in pursuing advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Now, this scholarship program was set up in the first place for several reasons including addressing the gender disparity in STEM, empowering women as change agents, promoting diversity in scientific research, and building academic capacity by supporting women to obtain advanced degrees.
So, if you have reasons or goals that match with the above, you can apply and receive funding to pursue PhD or post-doctoral studies in STEM fields at leading universities worldwide.
But you have to be from a developing country and also be committed to returning home after your studies to contribute what you’ve learned to your country’s economy.
The fellowship will give you up to $50,000 each year to cover your studies and other expenses. It may also be renewed, strictly based on your performance, for a maximum of 5 years for PhD and 2 years for post-doctoral studies.
The application typically requires detailed information about your academic background, research proposal, and career plans, as well as letters of reference. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll undergo a telephonic interview.
When choosing your referees, ensure you choose people who can vouch for your academic abilities, research potential, and commitment to your home country.
At the end of the day, your application will be judged based on the following:
- your academic excellence
- The quality and feasibility of your research proposal.
- Your commitment to teaching
- The relevance of your research to your country’s development
- Your potential to hold leadership roles in your country.
6. Hatfield Lioness Postgraduate Scholarship
Once a year, Durham University offers the Hatfield Lioness Postgraduate Scholarship to one or two women from developing countries to empower them to contribute to the development of their home countries.
One of the reasons why the scholarship was set up in the first place is to help close the gender gap in leadership and advanced education in developing countries.
The scholarship covers everything from your tuition and flight fare to living expenses and health surcharge costs.
So, to be eligible to apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Apply for a full-time postgraduate degree at Durham University and be accepted.
- Demonstrate potential to become a leader in your field and contribute to the development of your country.
If you meet the requirements above, you can then go on to apply for the scholarship with your personal statement, references, and academic transcripts.
Your application will be judged based on your academic performance, your potential to be a leader, your financial need, the quality of your proposed study plan and its relevance to your country’s development, and your commitment to return home to make a positive impact.
So, in your application, ensure that you showcase any leadership initiatives you’ve undertaken in your community, and in your personal statement, clearly articulate your academic and professional goals, and how they align with your country’s development needs.
Doing all these would increase your chances of winning the award.
List of Other Scholarships for Women
7. Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship
You will be given $20,000 to study finance at the graduate level in France. Only one winner is selected and it is once a year.
8. Amelia Earhart Fellowship Program
Every year, this program awards $10,000 each to 30 women pursuing a PhD or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering and space sciences in any college.
9. BHW Women in STEM Scholarship
BHW Group will be offering $3,000 to women pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in STEM programs in the US. Applications open in January and are due each April 15th. The winner will be announced on May 15th.
General Scholarship Application Strategies to Boost Your Chances
· Research thoroughly
Understand each program’s specific focus and priorities.
· Plan ahead
Most applications require extensive documentation and preparation. Start at least a year in advance.
· Tailor your application
Customize your personal statement and research proposals for each scholarship.
· Showcase impact
Clearly articulate how the scholarship will enable you to make a difference in your home country.
· Seek for mentorship
Connect with past recipients or academic advisors for guidance.
· Prepare for interviews
Many programs include an interview stage. Practice articulating your goals and motivations.
· Improve language skills
If required, take language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS well in advance.
· Build a strong academic profile
Maintain excellent grades and seek opportunities for research or publications.
· Develop leadership skills
Engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or community projects.
· Follow instructions carefully
Ensure you meet all requirements and submit a complete application package.
Conclusion
These scholarships represent invaluable opportunities for ambitious female students from developing countries. By providing access to world-class education, you can be empowered to become a leader and change-maker in your home country and on the global stage.