The push to get more women into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in India isn't just a slogan—it’s turning into actual cold, hard support for students. In 2025, there are real scholarships specifically aimed at helping women break into STEM fields. These programs do more than fill wallets—they boost confidence, flatten barriers, and build a community of female innovators. Let’s cut the fluff and talk specifics.
Key Scholarships You Can Apply to in 2025
1. L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science (FYWIS)
Every year, L’Oréal awards promising women INR 250,000 scholarships to pursue science degrees. Since 2003, it’s empowered hundreds of economically disadvantaged girls to stay on course in STEM fields.
2. DETermined Scholarship by Duolingo & Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office
This is a game-changer for Indian women aiming to study STEM abroad. It’s a one-time grant of USD 30,000 for tuition costs in the U.S., covering undergrad or postgrad programs starting Spring 2026. Your application needs a solid DET score, academic record, and an innovation proposal or video. Deadline: July 31, 2025
3. SWE India Academic Scholarships
Run by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), these scholarships support women pursuing engineering, engineering technology, or computer science degrees in India for the 2025–26 year. Options available at both bachelor’s and graduate levels
4. Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship
Targeted at first-year female undergraduates in STEM, this 2025–26 program aims to lighten the financial burden during that critical entry year
5. Tata AIG–Avanti Fellows STEM Scholarship
Through Avanti Fellows—a nonprofit aiming to democratize access to top-tier STEM education—Tata AIG offers scholarships specifically for meritorious girls from underserved backgrounds. Great if you’re prepping for exams like NEET or JEE.
6. Indo–U.S. Fellowship for Women in STEMM
Aimed at Indian women scientists and technologists, this fellowship funds international collaborative research opportunities in premier global institutions
7. Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship for Girls
Starting 2025–26, APF is disbursing Rs 2,250 crores over three years—benefiting up to 2.5 lakh girls across 18 states. Each recipient gets Rs 30,000 annually for higher education, regardless of merit or family income. Applications open September 2025.
Why These Matter
- Financial Freedom: These scholarships don’t just chip in—it’s full-on support to keep you focused on STEM, not worrying about loan applications.
- Access to Opportunity: Funding from L’Oréal or DETermined could be the difference between a local degree and global education.
- Visibility for Marginalized Communities: Programs like APF or Tata AIG targets girls from underserved or remote areas.
- Skill Building: SWE scholarships and Avanti Fellows also offer mentorship, coaching, or project support.
How to Boost Your Chances
- Apply early and widely: Each program has its own deadline and criteria.
- Prepare your story: Especially for DETermined—your personal vision, project idea, or statement of purpose matters.
- Tap mentorship programs like Avanti Fellows’ JEE/NEET support or Eklavya’s guidance for marginalized students.
- Keep tabs on the NSP—the Government of India’s National Scholarship Portal—to spot broad-based schemes that might overlap with STEM.
Final Word
All those “women in STEM” campaigns mean zip unless backed by tangible help. Thankfully, India has stepped up. Between L’Oréal’s grants, APF’s mass outreach, DETermined’s global ticket, and institutional mentorship like SWE or Tata AIG, opportunities are rolling in.
If you're a woman chasing a STEM dream, pick one (or more), then go apply. The systems are building. Time to climb on board.
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