The European Central Bank awards 15 scholarships to women from low-income backgrounds who are beginning relevant master’s studies at European academic institutions. Eligible fields are economics, statistics, engineering and computing.
Each scholar receives financial support, mentoring and a one-week visit to the ECB in Frankfurt am Main. The 2026–27 application cycle has closed, and the next cycle’s dates have not been announced.
Benefits & funding
- Fifteen scholarships are available, each providing a €10,000 award paid in one instalment.
- Scholars receive a one-week study visit to the ECB, with the visit costs reimbursed by the ECB.
- The programme includes mentoring by an ECB employee and an introduction to the ECB’s Women in Leadership network.
- The visit provides exposure to the ECB’s central banking and banking supervision work.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be women and nationals of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain or Sweden.
- Applicants must be accepted for or enrolled in a full-time or part-time master’s degree at a degree-granting European academic institution.
- The master’s degree must have a significant focus on economics, statistics, engineering or computing.
- Applicants must have an average grade of at least 80%, or cum laude or an equivalent result.
- Applicants must come from a low-income background and have a financial need that could prevent them from pursuing their studies.
- Scholars must complete the master’s degree within four years of accepting the scholarship.
- No residency, age or work-experience requirement is stated.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Austria · Belgium · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Estonia · Finland · France · Germany · Greece
+ 15 more
Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Latvia · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Malta · Netherlands · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain · Sweden
Education required
Master Enrolled
Gender requirement
Female
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Application process
- 1Complete the online application form during the published application window.
- 2Explain the motivation for the chosen studies, career aspirations and current funding situation.
- 3Submit proof of master’s acceptance or enrolment, official undergraduate transcripts, proof of household income or financial need, and a current résumé.
- 4Ensure the application is complete; shortlisted applicants may be invited to an online interview.
Program timeline
7 April 2026
Online applications opened for the 2026–27 academic year.
Application deadline.
11 May 2026
Expected online interviews.
June 2026
Expected notification of successful candidates.
July 2026
Not announced
Next application window and study-visit dates.