Women in IT: Best Global Scholarships & Courses for Female Coders

This gap has prompted global efforts to create more inclusive pathways for women to enter and succeed in the tech industry. Organizations, universities, governments, and NGOs now offer scholarships, mentorships, and targeted coding programs specifically for women and girls. These initiatives aim not only to create equity but to enhance innovation by bringing more diverse voices into the field.

Why Supporting Women in IT Matters Today

Promoting gender equity in tech is not just a matter of fairness—it is essential for sustainable innovation and economic growth. Studies show that diverse development teams perform better, bring more creativity, and create solutions that serve broader audiences. When women are included in software and product development, the results are often more user-centric, safe, and effective for a wide range of users.

For women themselves, a career in IT offers competitive salaries, high flexibility, global mobility, and opportunities for leadership. However, barriers such as gender bias, lack of access to early education, and absence of mentorship often make it harder for women to enter the field. Scholarships and free or low-cost coding courses help remove these barriers and enable more women to gain the skills needed to thrive in tech.

This is especially critical in developing economies, where access to STEM education and employment can significantly change the financial trajectory of individuals and their communities. Globally, there is increasing recognition that closing the gender gap in technology benefits everyone.

Recent Global Trends and Changes (2024–2025)

The last year has seen notable growth in funding and support programs for female coders:

• UNESCO’s 2024 “Women in STEM” campaign expanded digital literacy and coding workshops across 15 countries, focusing on Africa and South Asia.

• In March 2024, Google announced a new round of the Women Techmakers Scholarship, offering $10,000+ to female-identifying students pursuing computer science in North America, Europe, India, and Africa.

• The 2025 Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), one of the largest gatherings for women in tech, reported record attendance, reflecting the growing visibility of women in the field.

• EdTech platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity partnered with tech companies to provide free coding bootcamps and certification programs specifically for women, including beginner Python, Java, and Data Analytics tracks.

In addition, many coding schools now offer flexible online learning options to reach women in remote or underserved communities, including refugees and those re-entering the workforce after a career break.

Key Policies and Government Support for Women in Tech

Policies supporting gender equality in IT vary by country, but several governments and international organizations have implemented initiatives to encourage female participation:

• India’s Digital Skilling Initiative for Women (2024–2027): Offers fully-funded coding and AI courses to women from underserved communities through platforms like Skill India and NASSCOM.

• European Union’s Digital Europe Program: Includes funding for women-led digital startups and support for gender-inclusive tech training.

• USA’s STEM Opportunities Act (updated 2024): Provides scholarships and grants for women in STEM fields, especially underrepresented minorities.

• Canada’s CanCode Program: Funds nonprofits that deliver coding training for girls and young women from K–12 through to post-secondary levels.

• Africa Code Week (UNESCO & SAP): Continues to offer female-focused coding bootcamps across sub-Saharan Africa, reaching over 1.8 million youth in 2024 alone.

These laws and funding efforts reflect a broader acknowledgment that women’s participation in tech is not just desirable, but necessary for digital transformation and inclusive economies.

Tools, Courses, and Scholarship Resources for Female Coders

If you’re a woman or girl interested in starting a career in coding or IT, there are numerous global resources available to help you get started, including scholarships, bootcamps, and mentorship programs. Below is a curated list of some of the most notable opportunities:

Scholarships for Female Coders

Free & Low-Cost Courses for Women in Tech

• SheCodes (https://www.shecodes.io/): Offers free beginner workshops for women globally, plus advanced tracks in JavaScript, Python, and more.

• Women Who Code (https://www.womenwhocode.com/): Offers free online events, code labs, and mentoring sessions.

• Girls Who Code (https://girlswhocode.com/): Targets girls aged 13–18, but now expanding to college-level learners.

• ReDI School of Digital Integration: Offers free tech courses to women, migrants, and refugees in Europe.

• Coursera Women in Tech Tracks: In partnership with organizations like IBM and Google, offering free or discounted certification paths.

Mentorship and Community Resources

• TechLadies (Asia-based): Offers a strong peer-to-peer mentorship program and job placement support.

• Django Girls: Global community that organizes free Python workshops for women.

• Ada Developers Academy: Provides coding bootcamps and internships in the US for women and gender-diverse people.

• 100Devs: Inclusive, free bootcamp often welcoming underrepresented groups in tech including women and LGBTQ+ communities.

These resources can be a launchpad to a successful IT career, regardless of your background or location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of scholarships are available for women in IT?
There are merit-based, need-based, and identity-based scholarships. Many are aimed at undergraduates, but there are also programs for graduate students, bootcamp learners, and working professionals returning to education.

Do I need prior experience in coding to apply for these courses or scholarships?
Not always. Many beginner-friendly courses and scholarships are open to those with no prior experience, especially those designed to promote diversity in tech.

Can women from developing countries apply for global scholarships?
Yes. Many scholarships, like those from Google and Adobe, are open to international applicants, including from developing nations. Always check the specific eligibility criteria.

Are there part-time or online options for mothers or working women?
Yes. Many platforms now offer fully online, self-paced courses with flexible schedules. Bootcamps like SheCodes, Ada Academy, and Coursera partner programs are designed to accommodate non-traditional learners.

Are there any mentorship programs available for women in tech?
Yes. Organizations like Women Who Code, TechLadies, and AnitaB.org offer structured mentorship, peer networking, and access to female tech leaders.

Final Thoughts

The world of IT is changing, and more women than ever are stepping into roles as developers, engineers, data analysts, and leaders in technology. While barriers still exist, the increase in scholarships, targeted education programs, and supportive communities is opening doors for women and girls around the world. Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance your tech career, the resources and opportunities available today make this a pivotal moment to join the movement and shape the future of technology.

Women in IT aren't just filling seats—they’re building the next generation of digital innovation.