Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the roles, identities, and inequalities shaped by gender across cultures and societies. It examines how systems of power—such as patriarchy, race, sexuality, and class—affect gendered experiences. Students of Gender Studies often engage in research on feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s empowerment, masculinity studies, and global gender policies.
Pursuing higher education in this field can be costly, especially for international students. Thankfully, several fully funded scholarships provide financial support to promising students in Gender Studies and related areas. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living stipends, research costs, and sometimes travel expenses, allowing students to focus on advancing knowledge and promoting social change.
In this article, we’ll explore the Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships in Gender Studies, each with a short description and a direct apply link. These opportunities support students who are passionate about gender equality, policy reform, and inclusive development, helping them contribute to a fairer and more equitable world.
Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships in Gender Studies
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds outstanding international students to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge, including Gender Studies. It covers tuition, living costs, airfare, and research expenses. The program seeks future leaders committed to improving lives worldwide, making it a great fit for those studying gender, human rights, and social justice.
👉 Apply here
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The UK government’s Chevening Scholarships are fully funded awards for international students pursuing master’s degrees in the UK, including Gender Studies. They cover tuition, monthly stipends, travel costs, and other expenses. Chevening emphasizes leadership and community impact, making it perfect for students advancing gender equality and women’s rights globally.
👉 Apply here
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program offers fully funded scholarships to international students pursuing master’s or PhD studies in the USA. Students can specialize in Gender Studies, women’s empowerment, or related social sciences. The award includes tuition, airfare, living stipends, and health insurance, enabling global scholars to research and promote gender equality.
👉 Apply here
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies (GEMMA – Europe)
GEMMA, the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Women’s and Gender Studies, is a prestigious program taught across European universities. It provides full funding, covering tuition, travel, insurance, and living allowances. The program is highly interdisciplinary and globally recognized, ideal for students passionate about feminist and gender-focused research.
👉 Apply here
5. DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Courses (Germany)
The DAAD EPOS Scholarships support international students in Germany, funding master’s and PhD programs related to development. Students interested in Gender Studies within development, human rights, or sociology are eligible. Funding includes tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances.
👉 Apply here
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
This Swedish government scholarship offers fully funded master’s opportunities, covering tuition, stipends, and insurance. Students interested in Gender Studies, women’s rights, and global equality can apply to top universities in Sweden. The program emphasizes leadership and global change.
👉 Apply here
7. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship funds students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in the UK. Gender Studies applicants focusing on human rights, development, and social change are encouraged. It covers tuition, airfare, stipends, and allowances.
👉 Apply here
8. AAUW International Fellowships (USA)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships to women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the USA. It supports Gender Studies and related fields, funding tuition, living costs, and research. This program empowers women to advance gender equality worldwide.
👉 Apply here
9. Rotary Peace Fellowships (Global)
Rotary offers Peace Fellowships for master’s or certificate programs in peace, conflict resolution, and development, which often intersect with Gender Studies. The fellowship covers tuition, travel, and living expenses at partner universities worldwide.
👉 Apply here
10. Open Society Foundation Civil Society Leadership Awards (Global)
The CSLA program supports students committed to human rights, gender justice, and democracy. It funds master’s studies abroad, covering full tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance. Ideal for Gender Studies students seeking global advocacy training.
👉 Apply here
11. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships (Global)
The Aga Khan Foundation offers fully funded scholarships for postgraduate students from developing countries. Gender Studies students focusing on women’s empowerment, policy, and development are eligible. The award covers tuition and living expenses.
👉 Apply here
12. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships (UK)
The University of Edinburgh provides research scholarships for PhD candidates, including those in Gender Studies. The award covers tuition and research costs for outstanding international students. Edinburgh has strong programs in feminist and gender research.
👉 Apply here
13. Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Funded by the Australian government, these scholarships cover full tuition, living stipends, airfare, and health insurance. Students can pursue Gender Studies and related programs at leading Australian universities, with a focus on development and inclusion.
👉 Apply here
14. Gates Millennium Scholars Program (USA)
This program provides full funding for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the USA, with a focus on leadership and underrepresented groups. Students studying Gender Studies, women’s rights, or diversity can apply. Funding covers tuition, books, and living expenses.
👉 Apply here
15. Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (Netherlands)
The Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS) supports master’s students, including those in Gender Studies, with tuition and living grants. Leiden is known for its strong humanities and social sciences programs, making it an excellent choice for gender-focused scholars.
👉 Apply here
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for Gender Studies scholarships without a background in social sciences?
Yes, many programs welcome applicants from various disciplines, as long as their research aligns with gender-focused themes.
Q2: Do I need to prove financial need?
Some scholarships are merit-based, while others (like Commonwealth or Aga Khan) consider financial need. Check specific requirements.
Q3: Are these scholarships only for women?
No, most are open to all genders, but many prioritize applicants committed to advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
Q4: Do scholarships cover family expenses?
Some programs (like DAAD and Fulbright) may provide limited support for dependents, but most fund only the student.
Q5: What career paths are available after Gender Studies?
Graduates often work in NGOs, policy think tanks, academia, government agencies, journalism, or international organizations.
Conclusion
Gender Studies equips students with the tools to challenge inequality, advocate for human rights, and drive inclusive development worldwide. Fully funded scholarships play a crucial role in making this education accessible, ensuring that financial barriers do not stop passionate scholars from pursuing their goals. Whether through global programs like Fulbright and Erasmus or specialized fellowships like AAUW and GEMMA, there are many opportunities for students to gain world-class training in Gender Studies.
By applying strategically and highlighting leadership potential, students can secure funding and contribute to meaningful social change in their communities and beyond.
Thanks for these various opportunities for it’s through them that we get exposed and are able to find out on the various opportunities around the globe.