STEM Scholarships for Women in 2026 Top Awards, Eligibility, and How to Apply

August 25, 2025
by
MST

Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) often face high costs when pursuing higher education. In 2026, several organizations provide fully funded and partial scholarships to close the gender gap in these industries. These programs support undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

Successful applicants receive financial aid to cover tuition fees, research materials, and living expenses. Many of these awards also offer mentorship from industry professionals and access to exclusive networking events. Students can apply for multiple scholarships, if they meet the specific major and residency requirements.

Applying for STEM scholarships requires careful planning and a strong personal statement. Most committees evaluate candidates based on their GPA, community involvement, and passion for innovation. You should begin your search at least six months before your intended start date to ensure you meet all deadlines.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Name	Level of Study	Award Amount
BHW Group STEM	Undergrad / Master’s	$3,000
Palantir Women in Tech	Undergrad / Master’s	$7,000
Microsoft Women in STEM	High School Senior	$5,000
Gertrude M. Cox	Graduate (Statistics)	$1,000
Girl Up STEM	Ages 13–24	$2,500

Scholarship Coverage

STEM scholarships provide varied levels of financial assistance depending on the sponsoring organization. The BHW Group Scholarship offers a $3,000 grant that is paid directly to the student or their institution. This award supports women majoring in fields such as computer science, engineering, and information technology.

The Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship provides a $7,000 award to help with educational costs. Recipients often gain access to professional development workshops and networking sessions with Palantir engineers. These benefits help students secure internships and full-time positions after graduation.

The Microsoft Women at Microsoft Scholarship offers seven awards of $5,000 each. This funding supports tuition at accredited two- or four-year colleges in the United States. In addition to financial aid, Microsoft provides mentorship opportunities to help winners navigate their early tech careers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for these STEM awards, you must meet the following general requirements:

Gender Identity: You must identify as a woman, non-binary, or gender-fluid individual.
Academic Standing: Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Enrollment: You must be a full-time student at an accredited college or university in the upcoming academic year.
Field of Study: Applicants must major in a STEM field, such as mathematics, software engineering, or physics.
Citizenship: Some awards, like the Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship, are limited to U.S. or Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for STEM scholarships in 2026:

Identify Awards: Select 3 to 5 scholarships that match your current academic level and major.
Draft Essays: Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your career goals and your vision for women in STEM.
Request Recommendations: Ask two mentors or teachers for letters of recommendation at least four weeks before the deadline.
Prepare Media: Some applications, like the Girl Up STEM Scholarship, require a 2-minute video essay explaining your impact project.
Submit Transcripts: Upload your official or unofficial transcripts to verify your GPA and enrollment status.
Final Review: Check all application portals for supplementary questions before submitting your final materials.