Girl Up STEM Scholarship (2026) Apply for $2,500 Funding in China

January 18, 2026
by
MST

The Girl Up STEM Scholarship 2026 provides financial support for young women to pursue higher education in technical fields. This award targets students who demonstrate a strong commitment to gender equality and community leadership. The program allows recipients to use funds for tuition, books, and essential educational equipment at accredited institutions.

The United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up initiative sponsors this scholarship to bridge the gender gap in science and technology. Eligible candidates receive a $2,500 cash award paid directly to their chosen college or university. The selection committee prioritizes applicants who actively participate in Girl Up clubs or gender justice advocacy.

Applicants must submit an online portfolio that includes a personal statement and a short video essay. The program seeks “changemakers” rather than perfect students, focusing on your leadership potential and vision for social impact. You must be between 13 and 24 years of age to apply for these undergraduate awards.

You May Read This: All STEM Scholarships click here.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s or Associate degree) and Technical School students.
Location: Global (Open to all nationalities).
Institution(s): Any accredited 2-year, 4-year, or vocational college.
Program Period: One academic year (Renewable upon application).
Course Offered: All STEM fields, including Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences.
Deadline: May 17, Anually (Standard annual deadline).

Scholarship Coverage

The Girl Up STEM Scholarship provides a fixed financial grant to alleviate the economic burden on young women in tech. The scholarship awards a $2,500 one-time payment for the academic year. These funds are transferred via check or ACH transfer directly to the student’s financial aid office.

The scholarship covers the following expenses:

Tuition Fees: Direct payment toward your semester or annual enrollment costs.
Academic Materials: Support for textbooks, lab fees, and required software.
Project Support: Access to the Girl Up network to implement a social impact project in your community.
Global Summit Access: Potential invitations to the Annual Girls Leadership Summit in July to network with industry leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 Girl Up STEM Scholarship, you must meet these specific requirements:

Gender Identity: You must identify as a woman, including cis, trans, and non-binary individuals.
Age Range: Candidates must be between 13 and 24 years old at the time of application.
Girl Up Connection: You must be a Girl Up member (Club member, event attendee, or program participant).
Academic Status: Applicants must be enrolled in a higher education institution or be a high school senior planning to enroll by the fall.
Field of Study: You must be pursuing a STEM degree or contributing to STEM-related community projects.

Application Process

Follow these detailed steps to apply for the Girl Up STEM Scholarship:

Register Online: Create a profile on the Kaleidoscope application portal or the official Girl Up website.
Verify Enrollment: Upload a copy of your official transcript or university ID to prove your academic status.
Draft Essays: Write three short essays (250–500 words each) regarding your leadership experiences and commitment to gender justice.
Create a Video: Record a 2-minute video essay answering why you chose STEM and how you intend to use it as a platform for change.
Submit Recommendation: Obtain one letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or Girl Up advisor.
Final Submission: Complete the demographic and financial information sections before the May deadline.

Deadline

The Girl Up Scholarship typically operates on an annual cycle:

April 28, 2026: The application portal officially opens for the 2026 cycle.
May 17, 2026: The final deadline to submit all documents and the video essay.
July 2026: Winners are announced during the Annual Girls Leadership Summit.