The path to higher education often comes with financial barriers, especially for women who continue to face unique challenges in accessing educational opportunities. Fortunately, numerous grants specifically designed for women can provide the crucial funding needed to pursue academic goals.
Finding the right education grants can transform your educational journey, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed due to financial constraints. These opportunities not only ease the burden of educational expenses but also empower women to advance their careers and contribute to their fields.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:
8+ education grants for women with application deadlines after May 2025
Detailed eligibility requirements, award amounts, and application processes
Expert tips for crafting successful grant applications
P.S., Grantboost’s AI-powered grant writing platform can help you create compelling grant applications. Just fill out a quick survey about your team, mission, and funding goals, and you’ll get customized proposals that fit grant requirements and improve your chances of success. It’s that easy!
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven proposals.
Grant Name | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship Program | Up to $19,000 | Check the website for updates | Women in ABET-accredited engineering programs, demonstrating academic excellence |
Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program | $10,000 | Check the website for 2025 dates | Women in computer science or related fields with leadership potential and strong academics |
L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship | $60,000 | April 15, 2025 | Women with a Ph.D. in STEM, postdoctoral researchers, U.S. citizens or permanent residents |
AAUW Career Development Grants | Up to $20,000 (Degree programs); Up to $8,000 (Non-degree programs) | July 1, 2025 | Women with a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a new credential in STEM, social sciences, or health |
AAUW American Fellowship | $25,000 (Dissertation Fellowship), $50,000 (Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship), $8,000 (Publication Grant) | November 15, 2024 | Women in academia at various stages, contributing to advancing women and girls |
Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation Scholarship | $5,000 | August 1, 2025 | Single mothers with financial need, pursuing a first degree at an accredited institution |
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) | $500 to $2,000 per semester/quarter | Rolling (Year-round) | Survivors of intimate partner abuse, with a clear education or career plan |
Federal Pell Grant | Up to $7,395 | June 30, 2026 | Undergraduate students with financial need, U.S. citizens |
Women have access to various educational grants in 2025, aimed at empowering their academic and professional development. Whether you’re pursuing STEM fields or advancing your career in education, there are multiple funding opportunities to support your educational journey. Below is a list of the top grants for women to help you get started.
The SWE Scholarship Program provides crucial financial support to women pursuing degrees in engineering, engineering technology, and related fields. These scholarships aim to increase female representation in engineering disciplines.
Award Amount: $1 million in scholarships each year
Deadline: It’s an annual program, and the application deadlines for this year have already passed. Be sure to check the website for the latest updates and future application cycles.
Eligibility Requirements:
Women pursuing ABET-accredited bachelor’s or graduate programs in engineering, engineering technology, or related fields
Must demonstrate academic excellence (specific GPA requirements may vary)
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students
Application Process:
Submit an online application through the SWE website
Provide academic records and transcripts
Submit a personal statement of purpose
Include recommendation letters from academic or professional references
The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship supports women excelling in computer science and technology fields, helping to address gender disparities in tech.
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: “It’s an annual program, and the application deadlines for this year have not been announced yet.
Eligibility Requirements:
Women enrolled in computer science, computer engineering, or related technical programs
Must demonstrate leadership in technology
Must have a strong academic record (typically 3.5+ GPA on a 4.0 scale)
Must be enrolled as a full-time student at a university in the US
Application Process:
Complete the online application via the Google Scholarships website
Submit your resume and academic transcripts
Write a personal statement highlighting your achievements and goals
Provide letters of recommendation
The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship represents a significant investment in advancing women’s contributions to scientific research and addressing gender disparities in STEM fields.
Award Amount: $60,000
Deadline: It’s an annual program, and the application deadlines for this year have already passed. Be sure to check the website for the latest updates and future application cycles
Eligibility Requirements:
Women with a Ph.D. in science, engineering, or technology
Must be a postdoctoral researcher
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
Must be affiliated with a U.S. academic or research institution
Must commit to at least 20 hours supporting women and girls in science
Application Process:
Submit your CV and detailed research proposal
Provide a personal statement describing your research and career goals
Include recommendation letters from colleagues or mentors
Apply through the L’Oréal USA website
Feeling overwhelmed by the grant application process? Grantboost’s AI-powered grant writing platform analyzes grant requirements and generates tailored proposals based on your specific background and goals.
By completing a simple survey about your educational journey, you can quickly create compelling applications that speak directly to what funders are looking for.
The AAUW Career Development Grants provide crucial support for women looking to advance or change their careers through education.
Award Amount: Up to $20,000 for degree programs; up to $8,000 for non-degree programs
Deadline: July 1, 2025
Eligibility Requirements:
Must identify as a woman
Must hold a bachelor’s degree earned on or before June 30, 2017
Must be pursuing a new credential (second bachelor’s, first master’s, or non-degree certification/specialized training)
Priority given to women of color, first-generation college graduates, and those from single-parent households
Focus areas include education, health and medicine, STEM, or social sciences
Application Process:
Complete the online application during the submission period (deadline: July 1, 2025)
Submit academic transcripts and professional recommendations
Provide a detailed statement of purpose outlining career goals
Create a comprehensive budget for how funds will be used
Apply through the AAUW website
The AAUW American Fellowship program supports women scholars at various stages of their academic careers, from completing dissertations to publishing research that advances our understanding of women and girls.
Award Amount:
Dissertation Fellowship: $25,000
Eligibility Requirements:
Must identify as a woman
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Must be affiliated with an accredited institution of higher education
Specific requirements vary by fellowship type:
Dissertation Fellows must be in final writing year
Postdoctoral applicants must hold an advanced degree
Publication Grant applicants can be faculty or researchers (tenured professors ineligible)
Application Process:
Submit application through the AAUW website
Provide academic credentials and research proposal
Submit writing samples and bibliography
Include letters of recommendation
Demonstrate how your work contributes to advancing women and girls
Named after the first woman of color elected to Congress, the Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation scholarship supports low-income mothers pursuing education while raising children.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a woman at least 17 years old
Must be a single mother with minor children
Must be pursuing a first degree at a postsecondary institution
Must demonstrate financial need
Must be enrolled in a not-for-profit, accredited institution or program
Application Process:
Complete the online application through the Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation website
Submit proof of single mother status and financial need
Provide academic transcripts and enrollment verification
Include personal statement and educational/career goals
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven support.
The WISP provides financial support to survivors of intimate partner abuse seeking education as a pathway to independence and self-sufficiency.
Award Amount: $500 to $2,000 per semester/quarter (Master’s degree awards average about $1,000 per semester)
Deadline: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a survivor of intimate partner abuse
Must be physically separated from abuser for at least one year but not more than ten years
Must have sought services from a non-profit domestic violence agency for at least six consecutive months
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have immigration status making you eligible for FAFSA
Must demonstrate critical financial need
Must have a definite plan to use education for career advancement or entering/reentering job market
Application Process:
Work with a sponsoring agency (domestic violence organization) that will provide mentoring and support
Complete application form through the WISP website
Submit personal statement detailing educational and career goals
Provide documentation of domestic violence services received
Include proof of acceptance to an accredited educational program
The Federal Pell Grant is the foundation of federal financial aid for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, making it an essential resource for many women pursuing higher education.
Award Amount: Up to $7,395 for the 2025-2026 academic year
Deadline: June 30, 2026 (FAFSA submission deadline for 2025-2026 academic year)
Corrections must be submitted by September 14, 2026
For priority consideration, submit by your school’s priority deadline (typically early spring)
Eligibility Requirements:
Demonstrate exceptional financial need based on the FAFSA
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a valid Social Security number
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Not have previously earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree
Not be in default on federal student loans
Application Process:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov
List all schools you’re considering attending
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) when it arrives
Respond to any requests for verification from your school’s financial aid office
Accept the grant through your school’s financial aid portal
Want to make your grant application process smoother? Grantboost’s Free Plan lets you access best practice templates and 40 monthly boosts with the AI assistant—perfect for students getting started.
If you’re applying for multiple opportunities, the Pro Plan at just $19.99/month gives you unlimited access to all features, helping you stay on top of your applications and increase your chances of success
Beyond the grants listed in this article, numerous other resources can help women fund their education:
Federal Student Aid Information Center: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
StudentAid.gov: Comprehensive information about federal grants, loans, and work-study
Benefits.gov: Find government benefits you may qualify for based on your circumstances
State Higher Education Agencies: Many states offer grants specifically for residents
Financial Aid Offices: Often have information about scholarships not advertised elsewhere
Women’s Centers: May offer grants or know of funding specifically for female students
Department-Specific Scholarships: Many academic departments have funds for students in their programs
Graduate Assistantships: Provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research
American Association of University Women (AAUW): Offers multiple grants beyond those mentioned here
American Medical Women’s Association: Scholarships for women in medicine
Association for Women in Mathematics: Grants for women studying mathematics
Women in Engineering ProActive Network: Resources for women in engineering fields
Fastweb.com: Customized scholarship searches based on your profile
Scholarships.com: Large database of scholarships, including many for women
Candid.org: Information on foundation grants and scholarships
CollegeBoard.org: Scholarship search tool with filters for gender-specific awards
Creating compelling grant applications requires strategic thinking and careful preparation. Here are essential tips to help you stand out from other applicants and maximize your chances of receiving funding.
Before writing your application, take time to understand the organization offering the grant:
Study their mission and values - Align your application with what the organization cares about most
Review past recipients - Look for patterns in who they’ve funded previously
Understand their priorities - Some organizations focus on academic excellence, while others prioritize community impact or specific career paths
Read their annual reports - These often reveal the outcomes they value most from their funding programs
For example, if applying to the Society of Women Engineers Scholarship, emphasize not just your academic achievements but also your commitment to advancing women in engineering, which is a core part of SWE’s mission.
Grant reviewers read hundreds of applications. Make yours memorable by crafting an authentic narrative:
Be specific and concrete - Instead of saying “I’ve always loved science,” share the moment that sparked your passion
Show growth and resilience - Describe challenges you’ve overcome and what they taught you
Connect your past to your future goals - Create a coherent narrative that shows how this grant fits into your larger journey
Use vivid examples - Include specific instances that demonstrate your character and commitment
A compelling story for the Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation might detail how you balance being a single parent with academic pursuits and how education will create new opportunities for both you and your children.
Wondering how to make your grant proposals stand out from the crowd? Grantboost incorporates proven, field-tested strategies that ensure your applications are compelling and funder-friendly.
With these strategies, you’re not just filling out a form—you’re telling a powerful story that grabs attention and boosts your chances of securing funding
Read Next:
The Art of the Ask | Writing the Letter of Inquiry for a Grant
Writing a Letter of Support for Grants: Examples and Frameworks
Grant Letter of Intent: How to Write One, Examples + Templates
One of the quickest ways to have your application dismissed is by failing to follow instructions:
Create a checklist of all required components
Adhere to word or page limits exactly
Use the requested format for all documents
Submit all supplementary materials as specified
Follow naming conventions for files if provided
Double-check for any unusual requirements specific to that grant
For example, if the AAUW Career Development Grant requests a two-page personal statement in 12-point Times New Roman with one-inch margins, deviating from these specifications could signal to reviewers that you don’t pay attention to detail.
BTW, Grantboost makes it easy to tackle detailed grant applications. Just paste in the grant application, and our AI will analyze the details, extracting the key elements and aligning them with your needs.
This ensures your responses are spot-on and tailored to each specific opportunity, so you can submit proposals that hit all the right marks with minimal effort
Grant deadlines are rarely flexible, and late submissions are typically not considered:
Create a timeline working backward from the submission deadline
Build in buffer time for unexpected delays
Set personal deadlines 3-5 days before the actual deadline
Request recommendation letters early and follow up
Gather required documents well in advance
Test submission systems before the last minute
For instance, if the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship has a December 15 deadline, aim to have your application ready by December 10, allowing time to resolve any technical issues with the submission portal.
Even strong candidates can undermine their applications by making these common errors:
Generic applications not tailored to the specific grant
Focusing only on need rather than also highlighting merit and potential
Grammatical errors and typos that suggest carelessness
Vague or unrealistic goals that don’t connect to the grant’s purpose
Failing to demonstrate how the funding will make a difference in your education
Overlooking the importance of strong recommendation letters from appropriate sources
Read Next: How Long Does It Take to Get a Grant? Your Essential Timeline Guide
Navigating the world of education grants requires persistence, attention to detail, and strategic planning. The grants we’ve covered represent just a fraction of the funding opportunities available to women pursuing higher education.
Key Takeaways:
Start your search early and create a calendar of grant deadlines
Focus on grants that specifically match your eligibility and needs
Prepare compelling applications that clearly demonstrate your qualifications and goals
Diversify your funding sources beyond the grants listed here
Follow up on all applications and be prepared to provide additional information if requested
For women applying to multiple grant opportunities, consider how tools like Grantboost can streamline your process. With AI-powered grant writing assistance, you can create customized, compelling applications more efficiently, allowing you to focus more time on your education and less on administrative tasks.
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven support.
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