Pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) opens doors to innovative careers that drive global progress. For international students, funding these studies can be challenging due to high tuition and living costs. Fortunately, 2026 brings a range of scholarships tailored for non-U.S. citizens aiming to study abroad, particularly in the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond. These awards not only cover financial needs but also offer networking, internships, and mentorship to build a strong foundation in STEM fields.
This list highlights the top 10 STEM scholarships for international students starting or continuing studies in 2026. Selections are based on award value, accessibility for internationals, prestige, and relevance to diverse STEM disciplines like computer science, engineering, biotechnology, and data science. Eligibility often includes academic excellence (typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher), enrollment in a full-time STEM program, and sometimes essays or recommendations. Deadlines vary, so check official sites early. With applications opening soon, now is the time to prepare transcripts, personal statements, and references.
Top 10 STEM Scholarships for International Students
1. MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
This scholarship empowers female international students and DACA recipients to pursue STEM degrees in the U.S. or Canada. It addresses gender gaps in tech and science by providing financial support to those from underrepresented backgrounds. Winners receive up to $6,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, totaling $24,000. Funds can cover tuition, books, or housing at partner universities like Brandeis or NYU.
Eligibility: Women enrolled or accepted full-time in a STEM undergraduate or graduate program at an MPOWER-eligible school. No U.S. citizenship required; open to all nationalities. Applicants submit a 500-word essay on overcoming challenges in STEM. Deadline: January 31, 2026. Ideal for students passionate about innovation in fields like environmental engineering or AI.
2. Educations.com Undergraduate in STEM Scholarship
Designed for beginners in STEM, this award supports international undergraduates starting their degrees abroad in fall 2025 or later, making it perfect for 2026 entrants. It covers up to $5,000 in tuition for in-campus programs at accredited colleges worldwide. Past winners from countries like India and Brazil highlight its global reach.
Eligibility: International students from any country enrolling in a bachelorās STEM program (e.g., mechanical engineering or biology). Requires a motivation letter and proof of acceptance. No prior STEM experience needed, but enthusiasm for global impact is key. Deadline: Varies by program start, typically August 2026 for fall intake. This scholarship stands out for its simplicity and focus on first-year transitions.
3. DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines
Germanyās DAAD offers generous funding for masterās students in math, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering from developing and emerging countries. Awards include a monthly stipend of 934 euros, health insurance, travel allowance, and tuition waivers, totaling over 20,000 euros per year. Programs start October 2026 at top universities like TU Munich.
Eligibility: Graduates from eligible nations with a bachelorās in STEM and strong academic records. Includes a German language course if needed. Applications require a research proposal and two references. Deadline: October 2025 for 2026 starts. Itās a top choice for those seeking Europeās engineering hubs and post-study work visas.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (STEM Focus)
The iconic Fulbright program funds international graduate students for one to two years of STEM masterās or PhD study in the U.S. Grants cover full tuition, living expenses (up to $50,000 annually), airfare, and health insurance. STEM applicants often prioritize fields like renewable energy and data analytics.
Eligibility: Citizens of participating countries (over 150 nations) with a bachelorās degree and leadership potential. Involves a detailed project proposal and interviews. No age limit, but under 35 preferred. Deadlines: Vary by country, often May to October 2025 for 2026 awards. Fulbrightās prestige boosts resumes and alumni networks.
5. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellorās International Scholarship ā African Women in STEM
This Australian award targets African women pursuing STEM bachelorās or masterās degrees at Macquarie University. It provides 20,000 AUD annually for tuition, plus a 10,000 AUD stipend, renewable up to four years. Focus areas include biotechnology and cybersecurity.
Eligibility: African female international students with a GPA equivalent to 3.0+, accepted into a full-time STEM program. Requires an academic transcript and personal statement on STEM contributions. Deadline: February 2026. It excels in promoting diversity and offers Sydneyās vibrant research scene.
6. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
For students from developing countries, this need-based award funds 50% as a grant and 50% as a loan for STEM postgraduate studies worldwide, including the UK and U.S. Total support reaches $50,000 over two years, covering tuition and living costs. STEM fields like civil engineering and environmental science are prioritized.
Eligibility: Residents of AKF focus countries (e.g., Pakistan, Kenya) with demonstrated financial need and academic merit. Involves essays on community impact. Deadline: March 2026. Its repayable structure encourages long-term commitment, with forgiveness options for low-income alumni.
7. AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarships (International Eligible)
AFCEA supports second-year undergraduates and graduates in cybersecurity, engineering, and related STEM fields with awards from $2,500 to $5,000. International students at U.S. or allied universities qualify, especially those in defense-tech tracks. Includes mentorship from industry pros.
Eligibility: Full-time sophomores or above in accredited programs; GPA 3.0+. One application covers multiple awards; requires resume and essay on tech leadership. Deadline: April 2026. Great for networking in global security and IT sectors.
8. AAUW International Fellowships (STEM Emphasis)
The American Association of University Women funds women from outside the U.S. for graduate or postdoctoral STEM research. Masterās awards: $20,000; doctoral: $25,000; postdoc: $50,000. Covers any U.S. institution, with funds for tuition and research.
Eligibility: Non-U.S. women pursuing full-time STEM degrees; strong academic record required. Submit a project proposal and three recommendations. Deadline: November 2025 for 2026-2027. It champions womenās voices in male-dominated fields like physics and computer science.
9. MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
Open to all international students at U.S./Canadian schools, this merit-based award gives $2,000 to $8,000 for any degree, but STEM applicants (e.g., robotics or bioinformatics) are favored for their innovation potential. No essay; based on profile strength.
Eligibility: Enrolled full-time at partner schools; legal study permission. Upload transcripts and a bio. Multiple rounds; next: December 2025. Its ease of application makes it accessible for busy STEM undergrads.
10. PixelPlex STEM Scholarship
This contest-style award offers $2,000 for essays on emerging tech like blockchain or VR, ideal for international undergrads/grads in STEM. Focuses on creative thinkers from any country studying in the U.S.
Eligibility: Enrolled in STEM/economics; submit 1,200-word essay. No GPA minimum. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Stands out for rewarding forward-thinking ideas over traditional metrics.
These scholarships can cover 20-100% of costs, reducing debt and allowing focus on studies. Total word count: 1,028.
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FAQs
Can international students apply for U.S. federal aid like Pell Grants alongside these scholarships?
No, federal aid is U.S. citizen-only, but these private scholarships stack with institutional aid.
What if Iām already in my second year of STEM; are there options?
Yes, many like AFCEA and AAUW target sophomores and above; check renewal policies.
Do these require work experience?
Rarely for undergrads; grad awards like DAAD prefer research or internships.
How competitive are they?
High; aim for GPAs above 3.5 and compelling essays on STEM impact.
What documents are typically needed?
Transcripts, acceptance letters, essays, and 2-3 references; prepare early.
Are there country-specific restrictions?
Some like Macquarie focus on Africa; others are global.
Can funds be used for online programs?
Usually no; most require full-time on-campus enrollment.
