ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Female African undergraduates pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can apply for the WAAW Foundation 2026 Scholarship, which offers a one-time financial award of $500, alongside opportunities for mentorship, leadership development and community engagement. Applications close on December 18, 2026.
Female university students across Africa who need financial support to pursue their academic goals have an opportunity to apply for the 2026 WAAW Foundation Scholarship.
The Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation is inviting applications from eligible African women enrolled in undergraduate STEM programmes at universities and colleges across the continent.
The scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers to higher education while encouraging more women to participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Beyond financial assistance, the programme aims to develop young women as leaders and advocates for STEM education by encouraging them to participate in outreach activities that introduce younger girls to opportunities in science and technology.
Selected scholars will receive a one-time award of $500 and become part of the WAAW Foundation’s network of women pursuing careers and leadership opportunities in STEM.
Applications opened on October 30, 2026, and will close on December 18, 2026.
About the WAAW Foundation Scholarship
WAAW Foundation is a nonprofit organisation working to increase the participation of African women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Through its scholarship and mentorship programmes, the organisation seeks to support young women who demonstrate academic potential, financial need and a commitment to contributing positively to their communities.
The scholarship also encourages recipients to give back by participating in STEM outreach activities through WAAW Foundation’s university chapters.
These activities are intended to inspire younger girls, increase awareness of STEM career opportunities and encourage greater female participation in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The 2026 scholarship therefore combines financial assistance with leadership development and community service.
What Does the Scholarship Offer?
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- $500 financial award: A one-time scholarship to support eligible undergraduate students with their educational expenses.
- Leadership development: Opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication and organizational skills through community engagement.
- Mentorship and networking: Access to the WAAW Foundation’s network of African women in STEM and opportunities to connect with other scholars.
- STEM outreach opportunities: Participation in activities designed to encourage more girls and young women to pursue STEM education.
- Professional development: Access to virtual on boarding, monthly Fellows Meet-Ups and the WAAW Scholars community.
The $500 award is not an automatic upfront payment. According to the foundation’s guidelines, selected scholars must fulfill specified participation and outreach requirements to qualify for the full scholarship disbursement.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to female students of African origin who are living and studying in an African country.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be female and of African origin.
- Be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme at a recognized university or college in Africa.
- Be studying a course related to Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
- Be in the first or second year of their undergraduate programme, or the third year of a five-year degree programme.
- Be below 32 years of age.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Show evidence of leadership, volunteering and community service.
The scholarship is intended for students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. It does not fund master’s degrees, MBAs, PhDs or second and subsequent degrees.
Important course restriction: Medical and nursing students are not eligible to apply. Pharmacy students are eligible, provided they meet the other requirements.
What Are the Documents Required?
Interested applicants should prepare the following documents:
1. Two reference letters
Applicants must provide two references. One must be written by a professor from their current institution, while the second should come from an academic supervisor, adviser or mentor.
2. School identification card
A scanned copy of the applicant’s current university or college identification card is required.
3. Academic transcript
A signed and sealed copy of the applicant’s current university transcript will be required during the second-stage review.
Applicants should also be prepared to provide information about their academic achievements, financial circumstances, leadership experience and involvement in community service through the application process.
What Will Be Expected of Selected Scholars?
Receiving the scholarship also comes with responsibilities.
WAAW Foundation expects selected students to actively participate in its STEM outreach activities and help encourage more girls to explore careers in science and technology.
Scholars are expected to:
- Become active members of an existing WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at their institution or establish one if their university does not already have a chapter.
- Participate in at least three of the six STEM outreach programmes organized during the scholarship period.
- Attend and participate in at least three monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions.
- Submit reports of their outreach activities using the foundation’s official reporting process.
- Ensure their outreach activities are published through the chapter’s official social media channels.
- Participate in the mandatory virtual on boarding and orientation programme.
These requirements form part of the conditions for receiving the full scholarship payment. Failure to maintain the required chapter participation and complete the outreach activities may affect eligibility for disbursement.
How to Apply for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026
Interested and eligible female students can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official WAAW Foundation scholarship web page.
- Review the eligibility requirements and scholarship guidelines carefully.
- Click the application link provided on the website.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal, academic and financial information.
- Arrange the two required reference letters and prepare a scanned copy of your school identification card.
- Submit your application and monitor your email for further communication from the foundation.
Applicants who progress to the second stage of the selection process should be prepared to provide a signed and sealed copy of their current academic transcript.
The selection process includes eligibility screening, shortlisting, reference checks and individual interviews before the final scholarship awards are made.
Application Deadline
Applications for the WAAW Foundation 2026 Scholarship close on December 18, 2026.
Interested students are encouraged to begin preparing their documents early, particularly the two reference letters, to avoid delays during submission.
For enquiries about the scholarship, applicants can contact the WAAW Foundation through scholarship@waawfoundation.org.
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship provides an opportunity for African women pursuing STEM degrees to receive financial assistance while developing their leadership skills and contributing to their communities.
For eligible students with strong academic records, demonstrated financial need and an interest in encouraging more girls to pursue STEM education, the programme offers an opportunity to combine academic advancement with meaningful community impact.
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