Despite progress in gender equity, women still face unique financial and societal barriers in higher education. Women‑only scholarships offer targeted support to empower female students in STEM, business, the arts, and leadership roles. In this guide, we spotlight eight prestigious awards that each provide up to $15,000 per year—funding you can use for tuition, research, study abroad, or living expenses. Learn eligibility criteria, application requirements, and insider tips to maximize your chances of success.
1. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000–$15,000 per year
Who Should Apply: Undergraduate and graduate women pursuing ABET‑accredited engineering degrees
The SWE scholarship program supports women who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership in engineering. Awards range based on financial need and merit.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Identify as female and be enrolled full‑time in an ABET‑accredited engineering program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.3 (graduate)
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents; international applicants eligible for some awards
Insider Tips
- Highlight leadership roles in SWE chapters, outreach, or mentoring activities
- Showcase hands‑on project experience, internships, or research internships
- Secure a recommendation from a faculty advisor who can attest to both technical and leadership abilities
2. Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000 (U.S.) / $5,000 (Canada)
Who Should Apply: Women in undergraduate or graduate computer science or related technical fields
Honoring the memory of computer scientist Anita Borg, Google’s scholarship aims to increase diversity in tech by providing financial support and mentorship.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Identify as female and be enrolled in a full‑time technical degree program
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Demonstrated leadership and community outreach in tech
Insider Tips
- Include coding or research projects that demonstrate innovation
- Mention participation in hackathons, women‑in‑tech groups, or teaching initiatives
- Connect with campus Google Developer Student Clubs for application support
3. PEO International Peace Scholarship
Award Amount: $12,500 per year
Who Should Apply: Women from other countries pursuing graduate study in the United States or Canada
Administered by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, this scholarship funds women who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Female citizen of a country other than the U.S. or Canada
- Accepted into a graduate program at an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada
- Financial need documented by institution
Insider Tips
- Provide detailed budget estimates and letters verifying financial need
- Obtain recommendations from both academic and community leaders
- Submit a personal statement that emphasizes your long‑term goals and impact
4. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (Women in STEM)
Award Amount: $37,000 annual stipend + tuition allowance (but some directorates cap women’s awards around $15K supplemental funding)
Who Should Apply: U.S. citizens or permanent residents in STEM graduate programs
The NSF‑GRFP fosters the development of a diverse STEM workforce. Some directorates offer supplemental funding earmarked for underrepresented groups, including women.
Eligibility & Requirements
- U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Enrolled in or applying to eligible NSF‑supported STEM programs
- Submit research proposal, personal statement, and three recommendations
Insider Tips
- Emphasize broader impacts of your research on women’s participation in STEM
- Engage mentors to review your proposal for both intellectual merit and impact
- Showcase outreach activities that support women in your field
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Women’s Empowerment Award
Award Amount: Varies by country (up to $15,000 stipend equivalent)
Who Should Apply: Female graduate students and young professionals pursuing research or study in the U.S.
Some Fulbright commissions set aside funding to support women’s leadership and empowerment initiatives. These awards cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Citizen of participating country
- Bachelor’s degree and strong academic record
- Project proposal with a focus on women’s issues or gender equity
Insider Tips
- Partner with U.S. faculty working on gender studies or women’s health
- Detail how your work will promote empowerment or policy change
- Include letters from NGOs or community groups endorsing your project
6. AAUW International Fellowships
Award Amount: $18,000 for master’s / $20,000 for doctoral (some annual awards in the $15K range)
Who Should Apply: Women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies abroad
The American Association of University Women funds women who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to advancing women and girls.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Female citizen of a country other than the U.S.
- Accepted into full‑time graduate program abroad
- Provide transcripts, test scores, and three recommendations
Insider Tips
- Frame your study or research in terms of positive impact on women’s lives
- Obtain one recommendation from a faculty member in gender studies or related field
- Submit clear evidence of past leadership in women’s advocacy
7. SHPE Women’s Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000–$15,000 per year
Who Should Apply: Hispanic women pursuing STEM degrees
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers supports Hispanic women in engineering, computer science, and related disciplines with merit‑based scholarships.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Identify as female and Hispanic/Latina
- Enrolled full‑time in a STEM program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Insider Tips
- Highlight involvement in SHPE chapters and outreach to Hispanic communities
- Mention internships, research, or leadership positions that benefited underrepresented groups
- Secure a recommendation from a SHPE chapter advisor or STEM professor
8. Zonta International Women in STEM Scholarship
Award Amount: $15,000 per year
Who Should Apply: Female STEM undergraduates demonstrating academic excellence and financial need
Zonta International awards local and international scholarships to women in STEM fields who exemplify academic achievement and leadership potential.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Identify as female and be enrolled in a STEM undergraduate program
- Demonstrate financial need and academic merit
- Submit resume, two recommendations, and a personal statement
Insider Tips
- Describe how the scholarship will remove financial barriers
- Include examples of leadership—both academic and community‑based
- Obtain one recommendation from a financial aid or student affairs officer verifying need
Conclusion & Next Steps
Women‑only scholarships can be transformative, providing both financial support and networks of mentorship and advocacy. To get started, create a shortlist of two or three awards that align with your field, background, and goals. Map out each deadline, gather transcripts and recommendations early, and tailor every essay to highlight both your achievements and your vision for women’s empowerment. With focused preparation and the insider tips above, you’ll be well on your way to securing up to $15,000 per year to fuel your academic journey.