WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027: $500 for African Women in STEM

Applications are open for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027, supporting African women pursuing undergraduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The scholarship provides a one-time US$500 award and combines financial support with a commitment to help more girls engage with STEM.

Organisation: WAAW Foundation
Study location: Universities and colleges in Africa
Study level: Bachelor’s degree
Award: One-time US$500 scholarship, subject to programme requirements
Application cycle: 2026/2027
Opened: 30 October 2026
Deadline: Not stated on the current scholarship page or application form

Who can apply?

• Female students of African origin who live and study in Africa.
• Students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in an eligible STEM course at an African university or college.
• First- or second-year students, or third-year students on a five-year university course.
• Applicants younger than 32 years.
• Students who can demonstrate financial need and an excellent academic record.
• Applicants with evidence of leadership, volunteering and community service.

Eligible courses and exclusions

Only STEM-related courses qualify. Medicine and nursing students are not eligible; pharmacy students may apply. The scholarship does not fund master’s, MBA or PhD programmes, or second and subsequent degrees.

Scholarship value and payment

The scholarship is a one-time US$500 award. Payment depends on fulfilling WAAW’s programme milestones. Selected scholars should review their award instructions carefully: the scholarship FAQ describes full payment after required milestones, while the application form refers to scholarship instalments.

Programme commitments

Applicants must be ready to meet the commitments listed in the current application form:

• Attend the mandatory virtual orientation and onboarding session.
• Establish or join a WAAW STEM Chapter, onboard at least six fellows and lead at least eight STEM outreach programmes for girls.
• Participate in monthly Fellows’ Meet-Ups, respond to surveys and engage in the scholars’ online community.
• Complete outreach and engagement milestones to qualify for scholarship disbursement.
• Maintain communication with WAAW and consent to the use of their name, photos and stories in programme communications and media.

Documents and application essays

Prepare a clear photo or scan of your school ID card and two signed academic reference letters. The current form requests both letters from lecturers or faculty members. A signed and sealed current university transcript is required during the second-stage review.

The application asks for responses about:

• Your proudest achievement and community leadership: up to 300 words.
• Your career goals and how the scholarship will help: up to 300 words.
• Women’s education in Africa and its impact on research, development or the economy: up to 300 words.
• Your personal, family or financial circumstances: up to 200 words.
• Supporting projects, extracurricular activities, volunteering, awards and previous scholarships or fellowships, including dates.

How to apply

1. Open the WAAW Foundation scholarship application form below.
2. Read the eligibility rules and programme commitments. Select the 2026/2027 application year.
3. Complete your personal and education details, write the essays and upload the requested documents.
4. Review every answer before submitting. Submitted applications cannot be edited.

Apply for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship ↗

Application deadline and selection

The current call opened on 30 October 2026. A closing date, time and time zone are not stated on the scholarship page or form. Check the application portal for updates and apply early.

The selection process includes eligibility screening, online application review, shortlisting, reference-letter review, an individual interview and the scholarship award.