Opportunities for women in STEMM
Griffith takes pride in our Remarkable Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) programs, outreach and initiatives that improve women’s access to and participation in STEMM fields. Our STEMM programs support career development for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
We recognise the specific equity issues that women encounter in STEMM fields and are committed to addressing these issues by promoting and tracking women’s applications and supporting their progress and graduation through a range of initiatives and access schemes, including development programs, mentoring, scholarships, and leadership opportunities.
In December 2018, we were recognised for our commitment to addressing gender inequality in STEMM, by being among the first Australian institutions to receive an Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award (2018-2025) and a SAGE Cygnet Award in 2023.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to promoting gender equity and providing equal opportunities for all individuals by fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity.
Women in STEM Initiatives
At Griffith, we engage in university outreach to encourage women's participation in STEM. We also collaborate with other universities, particularly those in the Innovative Research Universities consortium, community groups, government and NGOs in regional and national campaigns. Find out more about some of our initiatives below.
Scholarships and Priority Places for Women Studying STEM
As part of the Australian Government's commitment to support women who are working in paid employment to study an industry-relevant, higher education degree in a STEM field, throughout 2023 and 2024 Griffith University secured 50 places in a newly developed Diploma of Computing and Data Analytics.
Women in STEM Stories
Read stories from women about studying and working in aviation, the built environment, engineering, environment, science and technology.
WiSE & LiTES: Networking & Mentoring for Women
There are a range of support networks and initiatives for women studying STEM subjects at Griffith, including Women in Stem and Education (WiSE), Ladies in Technology Engineering and Science (LiTES) and Women in Engineering – which provide opportunities for members to connect with other women in similar fields, and offer mentoring programs, school outreach workshops, professional development opportunities, industry engagement, and social events.
Brighter Futures Scholarship
The Brighter Futures Scholarships support undergraduate students facing educational disadvantages, such as financial hardship, disruption, disability, or similar challenges. Scholarships are available for both new and current students, with dedicated options for students registered with Student Disability and Accessibility Support, First Peoples students, and Permanent Residents.
STEM Outreach
Griffith Sciences offer a range of outreach activities to expose young people to the wonders of science. This includes interactive workshops, lab experiences, events, bridging and short courses, and programs that are designed to engage and open young minds to further study in STEM.
STEM Camp
Each year, Griffith hosts a 4-day STEM camp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in years 9 and 10. This on-campus experience provides students the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, lab tours, learn about Indigenous student success programs and strengthen their academic skills.
STEM Early Reader Home Resource
Griffith offers parents across Queensland and Australia, our free, highly successful learn-to-read book series. This 24-book sets feature two engaging “cool” girl scientist’s (Suzie) and her “cool” mathematician sister (Millie), who present interesting scientific and mathematical concepts to engage kids and empower parents to explore these ideas with their children while developing and improving reading literacies and fluency.
IBG Circle
The Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG) Circle champions women in science by supporting female researchers. The IBG Circle helps fund scholarships, travel opportunities and essential research resources for female researchers at all stages in their careers.
That's RAD Science! Children’s Picture Books
That’s RAD! Science project brings science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers alive for children through a series of fun and educational children’s picture books about people working in different STEM areas.
Empowering female CALD students
Griffith researchers have launched a trial using technology to empower female culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The first trial of the PlaySTEM: Empowering CALD Female Students through Gamified Career Exploration initiative—funded by a $100,000 grant from the Strengthening Multicultural Queensland program—kicked off in July 2025 at Logan.
Led by Griffith Business School Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing researchers Dr Jiraporn (Nui) Surachartkumtonkun, Dr Carys Chan and Dr Mai Nguyen, alongside School of Engineering and Built Environment's Dr Jennifer-Leigh Campbell, the project aims to reduce access barriers and inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEM and business fields.
The trial brought together Griffith and Mindflight7 to deliver virtual reality workshops, featuring gamified modules that boost STEM engagement and confidence. Insights from these workshops will help refine the program before expanding to more CALD students in South East Queensland.
This initiative exemplifies Griffith Business School’s commitment to equity, community partnership, and preparing future-ready learners.
Supporting women
Scholarships
Griffith University offers a range of scholarships to support women’s access and participation in higher education.
Examples of scholarships for women in underrepresented areas include the:
- Leneen Forde Zonta Scholarship: Provides financial support to a femal undergraduate student at Logan campus experiencing significant hardship, in recognition of Leneen Forde's legacy.
- Dorothy Ford Memorial Piano Scholarship: Supports a female student at Queensland Conservatorium studying classical piano who demonstrates financial need and academic excellence.
- The Vivienne Cowlishaw-Shortell Scholarship: Assists a first-year female undergraduate student facing financial or educational disadvantage, with priority given to single mothers.
- Joshua Creamer and Kara Cook Excellence in Law Scholarship: Encourages female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students to pursue excellence and leadership in the legal profession.
- Laurenson Family Imagine Bursary: Aids a female student enrolled in a dual arts and business degree who shows creative ambition and academic promise.
- MBA Sustainable Leadership Scholarship for Women: Offers $5,000 toward tuition for female students commencing the MBA program, promoting leadership and sustainability in business.
Undergraduate & postgraduate scholarships
Higher degree by research scholarships
Financial support for students
Job Opportunities
At Griffith University we believe in, strive for and celebrate the remarkable.
We are known for our high impact research, outstanding student experience, our commitment to social justice and our welcoming environment. We're proud of our remarkable achievements, of our people and their passion for making a positive difference. Together we contribute to the development of knowledge and learning in an attractive environment which values excellence, equity, diversity, and innovation.
Explore our jobs page and join our remarkable team with an opportunity on our jobs page.
Access and Participation Pathways for Women
Over 60% of Griffith’s student and staff population are women. We support women to access education and provide flexible pathways, scholarships and mentoring to support women to complete their studies.
Mentoring for Women
Griffith offers over 30 mentoring programs for staff and students that support women to develop skills for personal and professional growth, identify career goals, expand professional networks, succeed in studies, and receive career advice.
Gender Equity
Griffith’s Gender Equity Statement describes the University’s stance and approach to gender equity
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Griffith’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy supports our values and commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice
Griffith is committed to encouraging applications by women in subjects where they are underrepresented. Since 2020, the proportion of women receiving degrees in STEM has progressively increased.
| Year | Female graduates in STEM |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 474/1498 (32%) |
| 2021 | 537/1615 (33%) |
| 2022 | 457/1287 (36%) |
| 2023 | 419/1235 (34%) |
| 2024 | 541/1497 (36%) |
Study STEMM at Griffith
Engineering, IT and Aviation
Bring your learning to life working on real projects with industry
Student story: Monique Quirk
Griffith engineering graduate | Civil Engineer at GHD
Medicine, Dentistry and Health
Build your healthcare career with hands-on clinical learning in world-class facilities
Student story: Beth Hamilton
Griffith medicine graduate | 2018 Rhodes Scholar
Griffith medicine grad named Queensland’s 2018 Rhodes Scholar
Architecture, Construction and Planning
Develop industry connections and gain valuable experience
Student story: Montannia Chabau-Gibson
Griffith planning student
Science and Environment
Learn from award-winning experts in the classroom and get hands-on experience in the field.
