Many young African women want to study science, technology, engineering or maths. Money and support often stand in the way. The WAAW Foundation Scholarship helps female undergraduate students in Africa who study a STEM course. It gives a one time award of 500 US dollars and a place in a community of women in STEM. In return scholars take part in STEM outreach and inspire younger girls.
Announcements say the 2026/2027 applications open on 30 October 2026. But the foundation’s own scholarship page currently says applications are closed and to check back in November 2026. The deadline has not been announced. Prepare now and watch the official page.
Quick Facts
Last Information checked: 24 October 2026
| Item | Details |
| Scholarship | WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 |
| Provider | WAAW Foundation |
| Who can apply | Female undergraduate students of African origin who live and study in Africa |
| Fields | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics |
| Award | One time award of 500 US dollars or the local currency equivalent |
| Application opens | 30 October 2026 as announced. |
| Deadline | To be announced |
| Age | Below 32 years |
About the WAAW Foundation
WAAW stands for Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women. The foundation was formed in 2007. It works to increase the number of African girls and women in science, technology, engineering and maths. It supports them through scholarships, mentorship and outreach in university STEM chapters. It says it has awarded more than 91 scholarships over the years.
Scholarship Benefits
- A one time award of 500 US dollars or the local currency equivalent
- Access to a community of students who share an interest in STEM
- Mentorship and professional growth chances linked to the foundation’s work
- Leadership training through outreach and chapter activities
- A place in a WAAW STEM Chapter at your university
- A chance to inspire younger girls to choose STEM
- Practice in leadership communication and project organising
Who Can Apply
The published rules say you must meet all of these.
- You are female
- You are of African origin and you live and study in Africa
- You are in a bachelor’s degree programme
- You study aSTEM-relatedd course at a university or college in Africa
- You are a first year orsecond-yearr student. Or you are a third-year student on a five year course
- You can show financial need
- You have an excellent academic record
- You have shown leadership volunteering and community service
- You are below the age of 32
Course rules
- Medical and nursing students are not eligible
- Pharmacy students can apply
- Postgraduate programmes such as master’s, MBA and doctoral degrees are not covered
- A second or later degree is not covered
- A course that only has some maths or technical parts is not automatically STEM. Ask the foundation if you are not sure
No single minimum grade is published. Do not assume a grade cutoff. Read the official instructions when the form opens.
STEM Outreach Duties and Payment
The foundation expects scholars to take part in STEM outreach. You must be an active member of a WAAW STEM Chapter at your university. If there is no chapter you are expected to start one with help from the foundation.
The published guidance describes two payments:
- First payment after you finish at least three STEM outreach activities
- Second payment after you finish six outreach activities and meet the chapter and reporting rules
Outreach can include sessions for schoolgirls, mentoring science clubs, workshops and other approved programmes that promote STEM. You must report each activity the way the foundation asks. Check the exact amounts and dates for the 2026/2027 group when they are published.
Documents You Need
| Document | Notes |
| Two reference letters | One from a professor at your institution. One from an academic supervisor, adviser or mentor |
| School ID card | A clear scan that matches your application |
| University transcript | Signed and sealed. Needed in the second stage review |
| Application answers | The form may ask about your goals, your financial needs, your interest in STEM and your community service |
Ask your referees early. Request your transcript early too. Transcripts can take time.
How To Apply
- Confirm that you meet every eligibility rule.
- Watch the official WAAW Foundation scholarship page for the opening.
- Fill in the online application with true and complete information. Your name, school, course and year must match your records.
- Explain your financial need and your academic goals.
- Describe your leadership and community work.
- Choose your two referees and give them the details.
- Prepare for shortlisting and an interview.
- Submit before the deadline and keep your confirmation.
The selection steps are meeting the eligibility rules then the online application then shortlisting then reference letters then interviews and then the award.
How To Write a Strong Personal Statement
- Show your real interest in STEM. Name the problem or experience that pulled you in
- Be honest about money. Say what the award would change in your studies. Do not exaggerate
- Show your academic drive. Mention project results and how you handled hard times
- Give real community examples. Say what you did who it helped and what you learned
- Link your goals to women in STEM. A small clear plan is better than a huge dream
- Sound like yourself. Do not copy a generic essay
You do not need a big title to show leadership. Mentoring a younger student or running a science club can count.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Thinking the scholarship pays all your fees. It is a 500 dollar award
- Applying when you are in medicine or nursing
- Applying as a final year student or a postgraduate student
- Forgetting the age limit of below 32
- Waiting to ask your referees until the form is open
- Writing about hardship without saying what the money would change
- Using unofficial forms. Apply only on the official page
- Not planning for the outreach duties and reports
Key Dates
- 30 October 2026: Announced opening date
- November 2026: Opening date shown on the foundation’s page
- To be announced: Application deadline
- To be announced: Shortlisting interviews and award announcements
The Bottom Line
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship is a small award with a big purpose. It helps African women in STEM and asks them to lift other girls up. If you meet the rules start collecting your documents and ask your referees now. Then watch the official page for the opening and the deadline.
