Women in Engineering Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide and The Top 20 Scholarships in the USA for Women in Engineering in 2025-2026

Introduction

Are you a girl or woman dreaming to make a career out of your engineering interests, potential and future aspirations?

We´re here for to you help you understand and navigate the women in engineering scholarships and universities space in the USA, Europe and around the world.

The landscape of engineering has historically been male dominated, but the tide is turning. Women in engineering scholarships are important in this transformation, providing financial support and encouragement to aspiring female engineers.

Here, we go into the historical and current state of scholarships across various regions, the benefits and challenges women face in this field, and a detailed list of the top scholarships and opportunities available in the USA for women in engineering.

Top 20 Full Scholarships in 2025 for Women in Engineering in the USA

MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP) Scholarship

Description: A four-week summer program for high school students, including a full scholarship for all admitted students.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Amount: Full program costs, including tuition, room, and board
Deadline: January 15, 2025
Link: https://wtp.mit.edu/

Caltech’s Bechtel Scholarships

Description: Full-tuition scholarships for undergraduate students, with a preference for women in engineering and science.
Location: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: November 1, 2024 (Early Action), January 3, 2025 (Regular Decision)
Link: https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/afford/scholarships

Cornell’s Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars

Description: Full-tuition scholarships for exceptional undergraduate students, including women in engineering.
Location: Cornell University
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: November 1, 2024
Link: https://admissions.cornell.edu/meinig-family-cornell-national-scholars

UT Austin’s Women in Engineering Program (WEP) Scholarships

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering at UT Austin.
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Amount: Varies, up to full tuition and fees
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Link: https://cockrell.utexas.edu/wep/prospective/scholarships

USC’s Merit Scholarships

Description: Full-tuition scholarships for high-achieving students, including women in engineering.
Location: University of Southern California
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Link: https://admission.usc.edu/apply/merit-scholarships/

SWE Scholarship Program

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing ABET-accredited bachelor’s or graduate programs in engineering, technology, and computer science.
Location: USA
Amount: Varies, up to $15,000 per year
Deadline: February 15, 2025
Link: https://swe.org/scholarships/

Microsoft Scholarship Program

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, or related STEM fields.
Location: USA
Amount: Full tuition, fees, and a stipend for living expenses
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/scholarships.aspx

Google Women Techmakers Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women studying computer science, computer engineering, or closely related fields.
Location: USA
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 5, 2024
Link: https://www.womentechmakers.com/scholars

Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women studying computer science, computer engineering, or related fields.
Location: USA
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: September 30, 2024
Link: https://research.adobe.com/scholarship/

AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships

Description: Fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or professional study in architecture, engineering, and computer/information sciences.
Location: USA
Amount: $5,000-$18,000
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/selected-professions-fellowships/

The Generation Google Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing computer science degrees.
Location: USA
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 4, 2024
Link: https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships/generation-google-scholarship/

Microsoft Tuition Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, or related STEM fields.
Location: USA
Amount: Full tuition coverage
Deadline: January 26, 2025
Link: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/usscholarshipprogram

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Program

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science, software engineering, or related fields.
Location: USA
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 18, 2025
Link: https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com/scholarship

Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing degrees in STEM fields, including engineering and computer science.
Location: USA
Amount: $7,000
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Link: https://www.palantir.com/students/scholarship/wit-north-america/

National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing degrees in computing and technology.
Location: USA
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 30, 2024
Link: https://www.aspirations.org/aspirations-computing-college-scholarship

The GEM Fellowship Program

Description: Fellowships for underrepresented minority students, including women, pursuing masters and doctoral degrees in engineering and science.
Location: USA
Amount: Full tuition, stipend, and paid internships
Deadline: November 15, 2024
Link: https://www.gemfellowship.org/students/gem-fellowship-program/

Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS)

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing degrees in information security.
Location: USA
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: February 1, 2025
Link: https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships

Women Techmakers Scholars Program

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing degrees in computing and technology.
Location: USA, Canada
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 8, 2024
Link: https://www.womentechmakers.com/scholars

The Science Ambassador Scholarship

Description: A full-tuition scholarship for women in STEM, including engineering fields.
Location: USA
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: December 14, 2024
Link: https://www.scienceambassadorscholarship.org/

SMART Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for students, including women, pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Includes guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense upon graduation.
Location: USA
Amount: Full tuition, stipend, and employment
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Link: https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart

The BHW Group Women in STEM Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a STEM field.
Location: USA
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Link: https://thebhwgroup.com/scholarship

The ABC Humane Wildlife Women in STEM Academic Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing a degree in a STEM field, with a focus on environmental and biological sciences.
Location: USA
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 1, 2024
Link: https://abcwildlife.com/academic-scholarship

The Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship

Description: Scholarships for women pursuing an undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
Location: USA
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Link: https://www.tun.com/blog/hyundai-women-in-stem-scholarship/

Historical and Current Landscape of Women in Engineering Scholarships

USA United States

Historically, women have been underrepresented in engineering. However, initiatives like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) have made significant strides. In 2023, SWE awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to women pursuing engineering degrees.[1]

The percentage of women in engineering roles has increased from 9% in the 1990s to 16.7% in 2023.[2] That´s quite an increase! Although with its true potential still to be fully accomplished.

Pro-tip: Did you know? SWE was founded in 1950 and is now the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology.

Europe and UK

In Europe, organizations like the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) have been key in promoting women in engineering. As of 2024, women make up 29% of the STEM workforce in the UK, with over one million women in STEM occupations.[3]

This is truly commendable and inspiring from young girls hoping to maximized their STEM potential and hopefully create a successful career throughout their lives in such unique, complex and innovative subjects being creating everyday in this space for the future of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, biotechnology and so much more!

Fun fact: Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer, is often regarded as the first computer programmer for her work on Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine.

Asia

Asian countries are also making progress. For instance, SWE has extended its scholarships to India, supporting women enrolled in Washington Accord-accredited programs.[4]

Other Regions

Globally, various initiatives are supporting women in engineering. For example, the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) offers training grants to female engineers, emphasizing road safety and design.[5]

Benefits and Challenges for Women in Engineering

Benefits

High Demand and Job Security: Engineering roles are in high demand globally, offering job security and opportunities for advancement.
Competitive Salaries: Engineering positions often come with competitive salaries, with women in engineering earning significantly more than in many other professions.[6]
Innovation and Impact: Women engineers contribute to groundbreaking innovations and solutions that impact society positively.
Diverse Opportunities: Engineering offers diverse career paths in fields like aerospace, biomedical, environmental, and more.[7]
Support Networks: Organizations like SWE provide robust support networks, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Real-talk: Despite the challenges, women in engineering are making a real difference and paving the way for future generations, which provides hope and inspirations for girls and women alike for their goals and dreams in engineering and related subjects.

Did you know? AAUW (American Association of University Women) has been providing fellowships and grants since 1888, making it one of the oldest organizations supporting women in higher education.

Challenges

Gender Bias: Despite progress, gender bias and stereotypes persist in the engineering field.[8]
Work-Life Balance: Balancing demanding engineering roles with personal life can be challenging.
Limited Representation: Women are still underrepresented in many engineering disciplines, leading to a lack of role models for girls and women to seek such disciplines in the future.
Funding and Scholarships: Securing full or partial scholarships can be competitive and challenging.
Retention: Women are more likely to switch from STEM to non-STEM fields compared to men.[9]

Inside-info: Many organizations are actively working to address these challenges through initiatives like mentorship programs, diversity and inclusion efforts, and targeted scholarships.

This can help in making girls and women feel more comfortable and motivated to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles and challenges. Women in engineering scholarships is an important issue to address from many angles.

Application Requirements and Criteria For Women in Engineering Scholarships

To be considered for these prestigious scholarships, applicants must typically meet the following criteria:

To be considered for these prestigious scholarships, applicants must typically meet the following criteria: they must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, showcase leadership abilities, and actively participate in extracurricular activities.

A strong GPA often plays a significant role in the selection process, making it essential for students to explore strategies to improve your GPA with weighted classes, which can enhance their academic standing.

Additionally, applicants are usually expected to provide compelling personal statements and letters of recommendation to highlight their unique qualifications.

GPA: Maintain a high GPA, often a minimum of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Some scholarships may require an even higher GPA.
SAT/ACT Scores: Achieve exceptional SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for engineering students at top universities is often above 1500, while the average ACT score is above 33.[13]
Essays: Submit compelling essays demonstrating passion for engineering, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Letters of Recommendation: Provide strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or supervisors attesting to the applicant’s character, skills, and potential.
Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate significant involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly those related to engineering, leadership, or community service.
Financial Need: Some scholarships may consider financial need as a factor in the selection process.

Inside-info: University scholarship committees often seek candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the field of engineering and related subjects.

The Scarcity of Full Scholarships for Women in Engineering

Despite the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in engineering, full scholarships specifically for women in this field remain relatively rare.

This scarcity can be attributed to several factors: One major reason is the persistent underrepresentation of women in engineering, which limits the availability of targeted funding and sponsorship opportunities.

Additionally, societal stereotypes and historical biases have often discouraged women from entering STEM fields, exacerbating the funding gap.

Addressing this disparity requires acknowledging the importance of women in engineering in fostering innovation, enhancing diversity of thought, and tackling global challenges from broader perspectives.

Limited Funding: Engineering programs often have high operational costs, which can limit the availability of full scholarships for any student, regardless of gender.[15]
Competing Priorities: Universities must balance the need to support women in engineering with other diversity and inclusion initiatives across various fields of study.[16]
Lack of Targeted Efforts: While many universities offer general merit-based scholarships, there are fewer programs specifically designed to recruit and support women in engineering.[17]

The lack of full scholarships for women in engineering can have significant consequences:

Reduced Accessibility: Without adequate financial support, many talented women may be unable to pursue engineering degrees, particularly at top universities with high tuition costs.[18]
Perpetuating Underrepresentation: The scarcity of targeted scholarships can contribute to the ongoing underrepresentation of women in engineering programs and, subsequently, in the engineering workforce.[19]
Lost Talent and Innovation: When women are discouraged from pursuing engineering due to financial barriers, the field loses out on their unique perspectives, skills, and potential contributions.[20]

To address this issue, universities, industry partners, and policymakers can take several steps:

Increase Targeted Funding: Allocate more resources specifically for scholarships and grants aimed at supporting women in engineering.[21]
Collaborate with Industry: Foster partnerships between universities and companies to create scholarship and internship opportunities for women in engineering.[22]
Promote Outreach and Mentorship: Develop programs that encourage young women to explore engineering and provide mentorship to help them navigate the challenges of pursuing a degree in this field.[23]

By implementing these strategies, we can work towards a future where women in engineering have equal access to the financial support they need to thrive and make their mark on the world.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Women in Engineering Scholarships and Universities

What are the eligibility criteria for most women in engineering scholarships at universities? The scholarships provided include partial and fully funded opportunities in a wide range of levels of education and work experience. Eligibility criteria typically include being a female student admitted to or enrolled in an engineering program at the university, maintaining a high GPA, and demonstrating leadership and community involvement.
How can I apply for these university scholarships? Most university scholarships require students to apply for admission to the university first. Scholarship applications may be part of the general admission application or a separate process.
Are there university scholarships specifically for international students studying engineering or also domestic American students? Both American students and international students are welcomed to most universities and scholarships. You must review in depth the specific requirements and criteria that each scholarship has through their websites. [14]
What is the average amount for university-specific engineering scholarships? (h3) Scholarship amounts vary widely, ranging from partial tuition awards to full-ride scholarships covering tuition, fees, room, and board.
How competitive are these university scholarships for women in engineering? (h3) Competition for these scholarships is generally high, as they attract top students from around the world. However, a strong academic record, demonstrated leadership, and a compelling personal story can help applicants stand out.
Are there university scholarships for specific engineering disciplines? Yes, some universities offer scholarships targeted at specific engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, or biomedical engineering. Please research more scholarship opportunities on our Comprehensive Scholarship List here.
What are the benefits of receiving a university-specific scholarship for women in engineering? Benefits include financial support, access to research opportunities, mentorship from faculty members, and a strong network of peers within the university’s engineering community.
How can I increase my chances of receiving a university scholarship as a woman in engineering? To increase your chances, focus on maintaining a high GPA, achieving strong test scores, seeking leadership roles in extracurricular activities, and developing relationships with mentors who can provide strong recommendations.

Conclusion

University-specific scholarships for women in engineering provide invaluable opportunities for talented students to pursue their passions at top institutions. However, you full find the provided scholarship list also includes scholarships from private companies, foundations and governments.

This list is limited, and you can find more possible opportunities at our Comprehensive Best Fully Funded Scholarship List here. By offering financial support, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research, these scholarships help create a more diverse and innovative engineering workforce.

Call-to-action: If you are a woman aspiring to make your mark in the world of engineering, don’t hesitate to dream big and apply for these transformative scholarships.

Your unique perspective and skills are needed now more than ever to tackle the challenges of the future! Don´t be scared or feel overwhelmed; on the contrary – rise to the occasion with courage, strength and all your intelligence and valuable skills to make yourself be seen and your voice heard!

Women in Engineering Scholarships will have a better change to grow and provide access to a wider range of girls and women looking for opportunities, if we make this a priority and current women in engineering showcase their accomplishments to serve as role-models to incentivize these efforts in the United State and worldwide.

Citations

Society of Women Engineers. (2023). SWE Scholarships. https://swe.org/scholarships/
National Science Foundation. (2023). Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering. https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf23329/
STEM Women. (2024). Women in STEM Workforce 2024. https://www.stemwomen.com/women-in-stem-workforce-2024
Society of Women Engineers. (2023). SWE Global Scholarships. https://swe.org/global-scholarships/
International Road Assessment Programme. (2023). Training Grants for Female Engineers. https://irap.org/training-grants-female-engineers/
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Architecture and Engineering Occupations. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm
American Society for Engineering Education. (2023). Diversity in Engineering. https://diversity.asee.org/
Pew Research Center. (2023). Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in STEM Fields. https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/02/15/gender-discrimination-and-sexual-harassment-in-stem-fields/
National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). STEM Attrition: College Students’ Paths Into and Out of STEM Fields. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2023/2023001rev.pdf
Society of Women Engineers. (2023). SWE International Scholarships. https://swe.org/international-scholarships/
The Princeton Review. (2023). SAT and ACT Scores for Engineering Students. https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/engineering-sat-act-scores
Institute of International Education. (2023). International Student Scholarships. https://www.iie.org/Programs/International-Student-Scholarships
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Average SAT and ACT Scores for Top Engineering Schools. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/average-sat-and-act-scores-for-top-engineering-schools
Educational Pathways International. (2023). Scholarships for International Students in the USA. https://www.educationalpathwaysinternational.org/scholarships-for-international-students-in-the-usa/
American Society for Engineering Education. (2023). The Cost of Educating Engineers. https://www.asee.org/papers-and-publications/publications/college-profiles/the-cost-of-educating-engineers
Inside Higher Ed. (2023). Balancing Diversity Initiatives in Higher Education. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/03/12/balancing-diversity-initiatives-higher-education
National Society of Professional Engineers. (2023). Encouraging Women in Engineering. https://www.nspe.org/resources/diversity-and-inclusion/encouraging-women-engineering
American Association of University Women. (2023). Barriers and Bias: The Status of Women in Engineering. https://www.aauw.org/resources/research/barrier-bias/
Society of Women Engineers. (2023). Women in Engineering: A Review of the 2023 Literature. https://swe.org/research/women-in-engineering-a-review-of-the-2023-literature/
Harvard Business Review. (2023). How Diversity Makes Us Smarter. https://hbr.org/2023/01/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter
National Science Foundation. (2023). Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers. https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5383
University-Industry Demonstration Partnership. (2023). Fostering University-Industry Collaboration for Diversity in STEM. https://uidp.org/fostering-university-industry-collaboration-for-diversity-in-stem/
American Society for Engineering Education. (2023). Best Practices for Promoting Diversity in Engineering Education. https://diversity.asee.org/best-practices-for-promoting-diversity-in-engineering-education/

BFFS Scholar Quest

Women in Engineering Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide and The Top 20 Scholarships in the USA for Women in Engineering in 2025-2026

Table of Contents