Top scholarships for Indian women in engineering

Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to be underrepresented worldwide, including in India. To bridge this gap, several organizations offer scholarships exclusively for women pursuing engineering and other STEM fields.

Whether you’re pursuing your master’s, or a Ph.D. in engineering, securing one or more of these scholarships can make your education more affordable.

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Key statistics for Indian women in engineering

  1. Total number of Indian students in the U.S. (2023/2024):Indian students now form the largest international student group in the U.S., with a record-breaking 331,602 students in 2023/2024. This surge reflects a growing trend of Indian students seeking world-class education and better career opportunities in the U.S.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report
  2. Proportion of Indian students among all international students:Indian students now make up 29.4% of the total 1.1 million international students in the U.S. This means that nearly one in three international students in the U.S. is from India, further cementing their dominance in global student mobility.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report
  3. Record high international STEM enrollment in the U.S.International students continue to dominate STEM fields in U.S. universities, with nearly half (56%) of international students across academic levels pursuing STEM fields of study. One in four (25%) studied math and computer science, while nearly one in five (19%) studied engineering.. The STEM-OPT extension allows students to work in the U.S. for up to three years, significantly increasing their career prospects and return on investment.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report

Top scholarships for women in engineering

Many scholarships are available for women worldwide who want to pursue an education in engineering and STEM within India, the U.S., or other international locations. Here are five top scholarship opportunities:

1. MPOWER Financing’s Women in STEM Scholarship

MPOWER Financing provides financial aid to women from across the globe pursuing STEM education. It awards three Women in STEM scholarships to international or DACA female students in the U.S. or Canada.

  • Grand prize: US$6,000 (INR 5,00,000)
  • Runner-up award: US$2,000 (INR 1,65,000)
  • Honorable mention: US$1,000 (INR 82,500)

Learn more and apply

2. IEEE Frances B. Hugle Scholarship

This scholarship, awarded by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), supports women excelling in engineering.

  • Award amount: US$2,500 (INR 2,06,000)
  • Eligibility: Open to female IEEE student members who’ve completed at least two years of an undergraduate program in the U.S. that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
  • Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.7/4.0, two essay responses, and two recommendation letters.

Learn more and apply

3. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) grants over 300 scholarships annually to women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering, technology, or computer science.

  • Award amount: Between US$1,000 (INR 82,500) and US$9,000 (INR 7,50,000)
  • Eligibility: Must be enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering or computer science program

Learn more and apply

4. SAE International Scholarships

SAE (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers) offers multiple scholarships for women pursuing undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees, especially in the automotive and aerospace fields.

  • Selection criteria: Academic excellence and demonstrated passion for engineering
  • Award amounts: Vary based on the scholarship

Learn more and apply 

5. Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Zonta International funds this prestigious Ph.D.-level fellowship for female students in aerospace engineering or space sciences.

  • Award amount: US$10,000 (INR 8,25,000)
  • Number of awards: Up to 30 globally each year

Learn more and apply

Do your research on women in engineering scholarships

If you’re pursuing a career in engineering and need help funding your education, there are several STEM scholarships for female students to choose from. Research each one carefully, as eligibility criteria vary among scholarships.

Try to apply as early as possible, especially if you’re an Indian student applying for international scholarships, as you may need to submit additional documentation such as financial statements, academic transcripts and proof of admission.

Earning one or more of these scholarships can help turn your educational goals into reality while also increasing the representation of Indian women in STEM fields.

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FAQs


1. Can Indian students apply for international women in STEM scholarships?

Yes! Many scholarships, including those from MPOWER, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and Amelia Earhart Fellowship, accept applications from Indian students planning to study in the U.S. or Canada.

2. What are the best government scholarships for Indian women in engineering?

Some of the top Indian government scholarships include AICTE Pragati, DST Women Scientist Scheme, and INSPIRE scholarships.

3. How do I apply for an engineering scholarship in the U.S. from India, and what documents are typically required for scholarships in India?

To apply for an engineering scholarship in the U.S. from India, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare essential documents such as academic transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and proof of financial need. Most scholarships, whether in the U.S. or India, typically require academic records, a statement of purpose (SOP), and recommendation letters. It’s crucial to apply before the respective deadlines for both scholarship types.

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