The Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programme, offering financial assistance to female undergraduate students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses across Africa.
The scholarship is designed to support academically outstanding young women who demonstrate financial need while encouraging them to promote female participation in science and technology through leadership, volunteering and community engagement.
According to the foundation's official scholarship page, the programme offers a one-time award of $500 to selected beneficiaries to support their educational pursuits and help reduce some of the financial challenges associated with university studies.
Beyond the financial assistance, recipients will join the WAAW Foundation's network of STEM scholars and are expected to encourage younger girls and women to explore opportunities in science and technology.
The scholarship is open to female students of African origin who are living and studying in an African country.
Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme at a recognised university or college in Africa and be studying a STEM-related course.
Eligible students must be in their first or second year of study, or in their third year if enrolled in a five-year degree programme.
Candidates must also be below 32 years of age and demonstrate financial need, strong academic performance, leadership ability, volunteering experience and commitment to community service.
The eligible fields cover Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, while students studying Medicine and Nursing are excluded from the programme.
However, Pharmacy students are eligible to apply, according to the foundation's published guidelines.
The scholarship does not cover postgraduate programmes such as master's degrees, MBAs or PhDs, and students pursuing second or subsequent degrees are not eligible.
Interested applicants are required to provide two reference letters, with one written by a professor from their institution and the other provided by an academic supervisor, adviser or mentor.
A scanned copy of the applicant's school identification card is also required during the application process.
The foundation states that a signed and sealed copy of the applicant's current university transcript will be required during the second-stage review.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare their documents carefully and provide accurate information about their academic achievements, financial circumstances, leadership experience and interest in STEM.
Successful applicants will also have responsibilities beyond receiving the scholarship award.
Selected scholars are expected to participate actively in a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at their university or establish one where such a chapter does not already exist.
They must participate in at least three of the six STEM outreach programmes and attend at least three monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions.
Scholars are also required to submit reports documenting their outreach activities and ensure that their activities are published through their chapter's official social media account.
These requirements form part of the programme's conditions for receiving the full scholarship payment, making community engagement an important component of the opportunity.
The foundation also provides virtual onboarding and orientation to explain scholars' responsibilities, reporting procedures and available opportunities.
The WAAW Foundation scholarship forms part of its wider mission to increase the participation of African women in STEM fields by addressing financial barriers and developing a network of female innovators, mentors and future professionals.
Through its outreach activities, the organisation seeks to encourage more girls to consider careers in science, engineering, technology and mathematics while helping existing university students develop leadership and community-building skills.
For eligible students, the opportunity offers financial support alongside the chance to gain practical leadership experience, professional connections and exposure to STEM advocacy.
The foundation officially opened the 2026 scholarship application on October 30, 2026, and applications are currently being accepted through its online portal.
However, the official scholarship webpage does not specify an application closing date, so interested candidates are advised to apply early rather than rely on unverified deadline information.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should visit the official WAAW Foundation scholarship webpage, review the requirements and complete the online application form.
Application Link: "Apply here" (https://waawfoundation.org/scholarship/)
Application Deadline: Not specified on the official website. Applicants should check the portal for updates.