University of Wollongong Australia Women in STEM Scholarships 2025-2026 (Worth $20,000)
The journey of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is one filled with both opportunities and challenges. Over the years, various organizations and institutions have stepped up to bridge the gender gap in these fields. One such powerful initiative is the LIFT Internship Scholarship offered by the University of Wollongong (UOW), which is aimed at empowering women to bring their innovative ideas to life, gain hands-on industry experience, and develop their leadership skills. Open to both domestic and international female candidates, this scholarship represents an exciting opportunity for women pursuing higher degree research (HDR) in STEM fields.
About the LIFT Internship Scholarship 2025-2026
The LIFT Internship Scholarship, nominally valued at $20,000, is a multifaceted program designed to support women who aspire to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also offers a pathway for women to participate in a three to six-month industry internship, complemented by leadership development and entrepreneurship training through UOW’s iAccelerate program.
Why LIFT Matters for Women in STEM
The LIFT Internship Scholarship is more than just a financial boost—it is a stepping stone for women to flourish in industries where female representation is still low. As of recent statistics, women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics globally. Programs like LIFT are essential to narrowing this gap by equipping women with the tools, training, and real-world experience they need to succeed in their careers.
The scholarship’s focus on leadership and entrepreneurship further amplifies the value it brings. Participants can harness their potential to take on leadership roles, drive innovation, and implement solutions that address challenges in their communities. With entrepreneurship increasingly becoming a critical driver of economic growth, particularly in STEM fields, the inclusion of the iAccelerate program provides a vital platform for candidates to develop, refine, and launch their business ideas.
Degree Level
University of Wollongong Australia Women in STEM Scholarships 2025-2026 (Worth $20,000) is available to undertake internship level programs at University of Wollongong.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- STEM Field
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Health
Benefits
This internship program is tailored to give women in STEM fields an immersive industry experience. It offers:
- A $9,000 internship stipend for a three-month internship.
- An additional $1,000 support grant to the research group.
- $10,000 worth of training and events including leadership, entrepreneurship programs, and networking.
- For those opting for a six-month internship, an increased stipend of $18,000 is available.
While PhD stipends are paused during the internship period, this program ensures that women get to integrate themselves into the workforce and gain valuable practical experience. Not only does this help in enhancing professional development, but it also provides women with a platform to scale their community-based initiatives or business ideas.
Benefits Beyond the Financial Stipend
The professional development aspect of the LIFT Internship cannot be overstated. Industry placements allow participants to:
- Build valuable professional networks.
- Gain practical insights into how their academic research can be applied to solve real-world problems.
- Receive mentorship from industry leaders and UOW staff.
This hands-on experience is crucial for translating theory into practice and significantly enhances the employability of participants once they complete their research degrees. Moreover, the leadership development course and entrepreneurship program ensure that recipients are not only technically skilled but also well-rounded individuals capable of leading teams, innovating within their fields, and making a lasting impact.
Contributing to the Global STEM Landscape
By promoting female participation in STEM industries, the LIFT Internship Scholarship directly contributes to the larger goal of closing the gender gap in these critical sectors. Women who take part in this program become role models for future generations, inspiring more young women to pursue careers in STEM.
This initiative is particularly important in a global context where the demand for STEM professionals is growing rapidly. As new technologies emerge and the world moves toward more sustainable solutions, the contributions of women in fields like engineering, computer science, and environmental sciences are indispensable.
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to domestic and international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to female Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates at UOW. Candidates must be enrolled in a STEM-related field, which includes Engineering, Environmental & Biological Sciences, Computer Science & Information Technology, Mathematics, and Physics. Both domestic and international students are encouraged to apply, making this a diverse and inclusive opportunity.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be female HDR candidates enrolled at UOW in a STEM field.
- Candidates should be open to engaging in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement training.
- Willingness to commit to a minimum 12-week STEM industry internship, with at least four days per week dedicated to the experience.
This unique opportunity also strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to apply, recognizing the importance of diverse representation in STEM.
Application Procedure
To apply, potential candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Lift-project@uow.edu.au. The EOI should include a brief description (maximum two pages) of the applicant’s research, details of any industry partner or project they have in mind, and how they believe this opportunity would assist their academic and professional career. Even if applicants do not have a specific industry partner in mind, UOW is committed to finding suitable matches for successful candidates.
Conclusion
The LIFT Internship Scholarship at UOW is more than just a financial opportunity—it is a transformational experience that equips women with the skills, knowledge, and network they need to thrive in STEM industries. By fostering leadership, promoting entrepreneurship, and providing real-world experience, the LIFT program is contributing to the global effort of achieving gender equality in STEM. With applications open year-round, now is the perfect time for women at UOW to seize this opportunity and elevate their careers.
