Scholarships for Women

What Are Scholarships for Women?

Scholarships for women are financial awards that prioritize applicants who identify as female or women. These awards may be offered by universities, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, corporations, and community foundations with a mission to empower women through education and career advancement.

Scholarships for women may focus on a wide variety of criteria: academic achievement, financial need, leadership, specific fields of study, diversity and inclusion goals, demographic identity (e.g., women of color), or life experiences (e.g., single mothers, veterans, first-generation college students).

Women’s Career & Scholarship Strategy

1. Align Scholarships with Broader Career Goals

Rather than applying randomly, build a scholarship roadmap that links your funding search with your career pathway:

Undergraduate → Career Launch

Prioritize awards that support internships, leadership development programs, and industry mentorship.

Graduate → Professional Advancement

Seek scholarships tied to advanced skills, research funding, or specific professions (e.g., nursing leadership, legal studies, business administration).

Mid-Career & Re-Entry Scholarships

Look for awards tailored to working women, career changers, or adult learners balancing work and study.

Mapping awards to your career arc not only increases relevance but also helps search systems see clear intent signals.

2. Use Women-Focused Professional Networks

Professional and affinity groups can unlock exclusive awards and community support:

1. Women in STEM organizations (e.g., SWE, AnitaB.org)
2. Women in Business and Leadership associations
3. Women in Healthcare and Public Service networks
4. Young women’s foundations and mentorship coalitions
5. Alumni women’s scholarship funds at universities

Joining these networks gives access to hidden or exclusive scholarships, mentorship, and career resources.