It’s the 21st century, and education is for all, so there are no limitations for female students, even in developing countries. If you reside in a developing country, your interest is still held high by many organizations, government, and non-government. So, yes, in 2024, you can get the perfect scholarship for female students from developing countries. It doesn’t matter what country you come from, as long as it falls into the ‘developing’ category, then there is a scholarship for you. In this post, we will talk about really unique scholarships available for female students who want to keep their school dreams alive.
Scholarship for Female Students from Developing Countries 2024
Here is the top scholarship for female students from developing countries:
1. OFID Scholarship Award
Application Portal: OFID Scholarship Award Application
Let’s start with the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). I have helped people apply for scholarships here, and they provide scholarship opportunities for students from developing countries, including women. These scholarships are for those who want to pursue graduate studies in fields related to development. This scholarship program aims to help in building human capacity and support women’s empowerment. It does this by offering chances for women to get higher education.
Scholarship Amount
Covers full tuition, a monthly allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance.
2. The United Nations University (UNU) Scholarships
Application Portal: United Nations University Scholarships Application
Female students from developing countries are provided scholarships by the United Nations University. These scholarships are for those who wish to pursue graduate and postgraduate studies in fields like sustainable development, peace, and global governance.
The UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and the UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) are some of the institutions that offer these scholarships. Female students from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Amount
Varies based on the program.
3. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
The Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future program offers fellowships to women from developing countries who are pursuing PhD or postdoctoral studies in physical sciences, engineering, and technology. The goal of the program is to boost the presence of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, inspiring them to become leaders and role models in their home countries.
Amount
Up to $50,000 annually.
Application Portal: Faculty for the Future Fellowships Application
4. PEO International Peace Scholarship
Application Portal: PEO International Peace Scholarship Application
We also have the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), another scholarship for female students from developing countries that provides the International Peace Scholarship for women from developing countries. This scholarship is for those who want to study at the graduate level in the United States and Canada. The program’s goal is to promote international understanding and peace through education.
Amount
Up to $12,500 annually.
5. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Application Portal: Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship Application
Adobe Research has established the Women-in-Technology Scholarship. It’s for female students who are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields.
This scholarship for female students from developing countries particularly targets females from developing countries. The aim is to motivate more women to excel in technology and to lead in the field. Female students from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Amount
$10,000.
6. Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Application Portal: Amelia Earhart Fellowship Application
If you had been thorough in your research, you would have come across Zonta a lot of time. Yes, this is a reliable scholarship giver. This time, we have the Amelia Earhart Fellowship provided by Zonta International, for women who are pursuing PhD or doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or engineering.
This fellowship is for women in aerospace fields and to increase their presence in these traditionally male-dominated areas. Women from developing countries are encouraged to apply.
Amount
$10,000.
7. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Application Portal: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application
Leading universities in Africa, Europe, and North America, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offer full scholarships to female students. These are for academically talented students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, focusing particularly on women.
This scholarship for female students from developing countries is dedicated to fostering leadership development, community involvement, and entrepreneurship to nurture a new generation of African leaders.
Scholarship Amount
Covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, and other necessary costs.
8. World Bank Group Scholarships Program
Application Portals
- JJ/WBGSP: Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- RSMFP: Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The World Bank Group provides various scholarship opportunities for citizens from its member countries, including those in developing regions.
Notably, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) and the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) focus on encouraging female students to pursue higher education in fields related to development.
Amount
Covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, travel expenses, and health insurance.
9. Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
Application Portal: Margaret McNamara Education Grants Application
A nonprofit organization, Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG), provides financial support to female students from developing countries. The grants from MMEG are given to women who are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of women and children back in their home countries.
This grant program assists female students in pursuing higher education in the United States, Canada, certain universities in Latin America, South Africa, and the UK.
Scholarship Amount
Each grant is about $15,000.
10. AAUW International Fellowships
Application Portal: AAUW International Fellowships Application
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides International Fellowships for women from developing countries who are interested in pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States.
So, if you have been looking for a fellowship that empowers women and girls through education and to build a global network of female leaders, this one is for you.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open only to female applicants
- Must not be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Bachelor’s degree should be completed by the application deadline
- Must plan to study full-time in the United States
Benefits
- Master’s/Professional Fellowship: $18,000
- Doctorate Fellowship: $20,000
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: $30,000
Other scholarships for female students from developing countries
- Forté MBA Fellowships
- The Nestlé Scholarship For Women
- Society of Women Engineers
- American Association of University Women
- The Schlumberger Foundation
- Google Anita Borg Scholarships
- Women Techmakers Scholars Program
- Batonga Foundation Girls Scholarships
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
- Award Scholarships For African Women
- Bhw Scholarships For Women In Stem
- Sbmef Scholarships
- Aias Foundation Women in Scholarships Fund Program
- Akili Dada Women Fellowships
- Eira Francis Davies Scholarship
- Dorothy Marchus Senesh fellowships
- The Critical Language Scholarship Program
Conclusion
So, as promised, I collected these 27 scholarships, alongside some that people are not really talking about. I advise you to apply for as many of them as you can, even if it means up to 20 from this list. Eventually, at least one of them will call you up and give you the scholarship funds.
Read also: Scholarships for African Students in Europe 2024-2025