WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 For Young African woman in STEM
- Omran Aburayya
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
If you’re a dedicated young African woman studying a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) course and keen to relieve the financial burden of undergraduate study while making an impact, then the WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 is worth your attention. Applications are now open, offering both financial support and the opportunity to belong to a pan-African community of women shaping the future of STEM in Africa. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Africa (applicants must live and study in an African country)
Sponsor: WAAW Foundation (non-profit)
Study level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree)
Target group: Female students of African origin, studying in Africa, in STEM disciplines
Fields of Study: STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Medical and nursing programs are not eligible; pharmacy is eligible.
Value: One-time award of USD $500.
Duration: A single instalment (with second tranche contingent on outreach/engagement)
Application deadline: 19 December 2025 (per announcement) but many sources indicate 30 November; applicants should check the official site for confirmation.
📚 Scholarship Overview
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship is more than just a cash award. Founded with the mission of increasing representation of African women in STEM, the foundation offers not only financial support but also networks, leadership training, and community outreach opportunities.
Selected scholars are expected to join the WAAW Scholars Network, and to participate in or initiate a STEM Outreach Chapter at their university if one does not already exist. As part of the programme, scholars undergo virtual onboarding and orientation where the foundation guides them through expectations, reporting templates and ways to engage in STEM outreach.
Payment is structured in two tranches:
First payment after official selection and verification of documents.
Second payment released after the scholar meets engagement/outreach requirements.
These outreach activities might include participating in or leading two or more STEM events through the WAAW chapter at the university, submitting brief reports or documentation of these activities.
💲 Benefits
Financial support of US $500 to help cover tuition, study-related expenses, or other costs that enable you to focus on your undergraduate STEM degree.
Membership in a community of STEM‐focused young African women: networking, mentorship, leadership training.
Opportunity to lead or contribute to outreach initiatives — building your leadership and service experience, and making a meaningful impact in your university setting and beyond.
Potential for further recognition and development — being part of the WAAW Scholars network gives you exposure and an enhanced profile in STEM and community engagement.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the WAAW Scholarship, you must meet the following:
Be female and of African origin, living and studying in Africa.
Enrolled in your first undergraduate degree at a recognised African university or college, in a STEM-related discipline.
In your first or second year (or third year if you are in a five-year programme) of study.
Must be below 32 years old.
Able to demonstrate financial need and have an excellent academic record.
Have a proven track record of leadership, volunteering or community service.
Studying a STEM discipline (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Note: medical/nursing programmes are excluded; pharmacy is permitted.
Applicants should not already be in a master’s, MBA, PhD or second/subsequent degree programme.
📝 Application Procedure
Confirm your eligibility against the criteria above.
Visit the official WAAW Foundation website during the application period and complete the online application form.
Shortlisting will take place; selected applicants may go through an individual interview.
Submit required supporting documents once shortlisted.
If selected, you will be awarded the scholarship, receive orientation, and then engage in outreach activities as part of the commitment.
🗂️ Documents required
Two reference letters: usually one from a professor at your institution, and one from another academic supervisor/advisor or mentor. References should be sent by your referees directly to WAAW.
One signed and sealed copy of your current transcript from your university.
One scanned copy of your university ID card.
Sometimes, personal essays/motivational statement: e.g., describing your proudest achievement, your future goals in STEM, your community/leadership involvement, and how the scholarship will enable you.
ℹ️ Additional Useful Information & Tips
The scholarship is highly competitive — the strength of your application will depend on how well you articulate your passion for STEM, your leadership/volunteering experience, and your financial need.
If your university does not have an existing WAAW STEM Outreach Chapter, you may be expected to help establish one — this is part of the scholar engagement.
Clearly show how you plan to contribute to your community through STEM outreach: for example, how you might organise workshops for younger girls in your university or local community, or how you might mentor peers. This will strengthen your application.
Be honest, genuine and reflective in your personal statement; share your story, your challenges, your aspirations.
Ensure that all documents are accurate and submitted on time—once submitted, many applications cannot be edited.
Keep track of the official deadline and monitor the foundation website or their social media channels for updates, in case dates shift. Some sources list 30 November while others mention 19 December.
