WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026 for African Women in STEM - WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026

WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026: $500 Award for African Women Studying STEM

Applications for the 2026 WAAW Foundation Scholarship open on October 30, 2026, and the deadline is December 18, 2026. The scholarship supports young African women pursuing undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at universities and colleges across Africa.

About the Scholarship

The scholarship is offered by the WAAW Foundation (Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women). The foundation works to open up STEM education for African women and to encourage their participation in scientific research, technological innovation and community development. Through its scholarship program and STEM outreach initiatives, it aims to prepare women to become future leaders and change-makers in their communities.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants receive:

• Financial support: A one-time award of $500 to help cover education and related academic expenses.
• STEM leadership development: Opportunities to build leadership skills through STEM outreach activities.
• Networking: Access to the WAAW Scholars community and monthly Fellows Meet-Ups.
• Community engagement: A chance to promote girls’ participation in STEM through outreach programs and STEM Chapters at their universities.
• Virtual orientation and onboarding: Guidance on scholarship expectations, reporting requirements and available program opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

1. Be female and of African origin.
2. Live and study in an African country.
3. Be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a recognized university or college in Africa.
4. Be in the first or second year of an undergraduate program, or in the third year of a five-year program.
5. Be pursuing a STEM-related degree.
6. Demonstrate financial need.
7. Have an excellent academic record.
8. Show leadership potential, volunteering experience and community service.
9. Be below 32 years of age.

Important: Students of medicine and nursing are not eligible. Pharmacy students may apply if they meet the other requirements. The scholarship does not fund master’s degrees, MBAs, PhD programs, or second and subsequent degrees.

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarship covers undergraduate STEM-related disciplines, including:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Other eligible STEM-related disciplines

Required Documents

Get these ready before you start the application:

1. Two academic reference letters: Both must be signed. One should come from a professor at your institution, and the other from an academic supervisor, advisor or mentor.
2. Scanned student ID card: A clear scan of your current university or college ID.
3. Current university transcript: A signed and sealed copy of your latest transcript. This is only needed if you reach the second-stage review.
4. Personal statements and essays: Your answers to the essay questions on the application form.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the online application form. Open the official WAAW Foundation Scholarship application form and fill in every required section.

Step 2: Take part in the selection process. If your application moves to the second-stage review, you may be asked to submit a signed and sealed copy of your current transcript.

The selection process runs from eligibility check and online application to shortlisting, reference letters, an individual interview and the final award.

What Selected Scholars Must Do

Students who receive the scholarship are expected to:

• Attend the mandatory virtual orientation and onboarding session.
• Establish or join a WAAW STEM Chapter at their institution.
• Onboard at least six fellows and lead a minimum of eight outreach programs that empower girls in STEM.
• Join monthly Fellows Meet-Ups, complete surveys and stay active in the WAAW Scholars online community.
• Keep in touch with the WAAW Foundation and meet its reporting and engagement requirements.
• Consent to the use of their names, photographs and stories in program communications and media.

Application Deadline

The deadline is December 18, 2026. Don’t wait until the last week. Reference letters from professors and mentors take time, so ask for them early.

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Need Support With Your Application?

Not sure where to start, or stuck on your essays or documents? Contact us for support on +250 784 868 557.

For questions about the scholarship itself, you can also email the WAAW Foundation at scholarship@waawfoundation.org. They ask that you send one email only and avoid repeated messages.