The programme aims to inspire and empower female students from Hong Kong to pursue their academic and career ambitions by providing them with fully funded opportunities to pursue a Master’s degree at Newcastle University.  

Helen Challis, Director, International Office Newcastle University, said: “We are proud to partner with the British Council and Sir Tang Shiu Kin Education Trust to offer these scholarships, which aim to address gender disparity in higher education and provide opportunities for talented women to excel in their chosen fields."

Globally, data shows that female enrolment in higher education is particularly low for subjects such as information and communication technology, the natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, engineering and manufacturing and construction. The British Council Scholarship for Women is an initiative aimed at redressing this balance, with an understanding that increased access to education and training for women in these areas can lead to better scientific outcomes, increased diversity in the workplace and provides variety in perspectives and ideas - alongside giving organisations and the disciplines in which they operate a competitive edge. 

Professor Richard Davies, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Global and Sustainability Newcastle University, added: "We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Through this ongoing collaboration, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in higher education and empowering women to become future leaders and change-makers."

Transforming lives and career opportunities

This is the fourth successive year that the University has worked in collaboration with the British Council to support these initiatives, having welcomed the first cohort of students from South Asia in 2021.

Rakshya Gywali from Nepal, was among the first cohort of scholars and said “My dream of pursuing higher education in water resources was not possible without the financial support from The British Council. I was honoured to be part of the scholarship scheme and I hope that more girls like me can benefit from the programme into the future.”

The Scholarships for Women provides successful recipients with full tuition fee coverage and a monthly stipend. Additionally, recipients will receive a return economy class ticket and assistance with other study-related costs such as the IELTS exam fee, visa application, NHS surcharge, and study materials.

Applications for the scheme are now open and the following degree programmes are eligible:

• MSc Environmental Engineering
• LLM Emerging Technologies and the Law
• MSc Sustainability Management
• MSc Economics and Finance
• MA International Development and Education with Cross Cultural Communication

Further details on the scheme, including eligibility criteria and information on how to apply can be found on the universities funding database. Applications must be submitted by 30 April 2024, with programmes commencing in September 2024.