The WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2026/2027 is an opportunity for female African students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees at universities across Africa. The scholarship provides financial assistance, mentorship and opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through community outreach.
Applications for the next WAAW Foundation Scholarship are expected to reopen in November 2026. The foundation awards annual STEM scholarships to academically promising female students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to promoting STEM education among young African girls.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor: WAAW Foundation
- Scholarship Type: Partially Funded
- Host Institutions: Universities and Colleges in Africa
- Scholarship Worth: $500
- Number of Awards: Varies
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
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WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2027 | Programme Overview
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship is an annual initiative supporting young African women pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM-related fields.
The programme combines financial assistance with mentorship, leadership development and community engagement. Selected scholars are expected to participate in STEM outreach activities and join or establish a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at their institution.
The scholarship is awarded as a one-time grant of $500, paid in the recipient’s local currency equivalent.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be female students of African origin, living and studying in Africa.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree programme.
- Be studying a STEM-related course at a university or college in Africa.
- Be in their first or second year of study, or third year if enrolled in a five-year programme.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Show evidence of leadership, volunteering or community service.
- Be below 32 years of age.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship supports STEM-related disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics and Chemistry
- Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Environmental and Agricultural Sciences
Note: Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Business, Social Sciences and Humanities are not eligible under the foundation’s published requirements.
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Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- $500 scholarship award to support educational expenses.
- Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Leadership and career-readiness training.
- Access to a network of African women in STEM.
- Opportunities to participate in community STEM outreach programmes.
Scholarship Outreach Requirements
Recipients must actively participate in WAAW Foundation STEM outreach activities.
The scholarship is paid in two instalments:
- First instalment: After completing at least three STEM outreach activities.
- Second instalment: After completing a total of six outreach activities.
Scholars must also participate in an existing WAAW STEM Chapter or establish one where none exists.
Failure to fulfil the outreach requirements may affect scholarship payments.
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Interested applicants should follow these steps when the next application cycle opens:
- Visit the official WAAW Foundation Scholarship portal.
- Review the eligibility requirements and application instructions.
- Access the online scholarship application form when applications reopen.
- Complete the form with the required personal, academic and financial information.
- Prepare and submit the requested essays or personal statements.
- Provide details of two academic or professional referees.
- Review and submit the application before the announced deadline.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and asked to submit additional documents.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Personal and contact information.
- Academic and educational background.
- Information demonstrating financial need.
- Personal statement or essays explaining career goals and interest in STEM.
- Details of two academic or professional referees.
Shortlisted candidates may additionally be required to submit:
- Two reference letters, including one from a professor at their institution.
- A signed and sealed university transcript.
- A scanned copy of their student identification card.
Applicants should follow the document submission instructions issued for the new application cycle.
Application Deadline
To Be Announced. Applications are expected to reopen in November 2026.
