The WAAW Foundation (Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women) 2026 Scholarship Programme provides crucial financial and leadership support to young African women pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This initiative is designed to close the gender gap by empowering academically talented women with a one-time financial grant of $500, alongside mentorship, leadership training, and membership in a STEM Outreach Chapter. Applicants must be currently enrolled in their first, second, or third year (for five-year courses) at a recognized African university and demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need. The application deadline is December 19, 2025.
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WAAW Foundation 2026 Scholarship Summary
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution/Host | WAAW Foundation (Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women) |
| Country/Region | African Countries |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate Degree (First, Second, or Third Year) |
| Target Audience | Young African Women |
| Coverage | Financial Grant, Mentorship, and Leadership Development |
| Reward Value/Range | $500 one-time financial grant |
| No IELTS Required | Not Applicable |
| Deadline | December 19, 2025 |
WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026: Empowering African Women in STEM Details
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship Programme is a dedicated effort to cultivate a new generation of female scientists, engineers, and technologists who will utilize their expertise to drive innovation and sustainable development across the African continent. This programme addresses the significant underrepresentation of women in STEM disciplines by providing both financial aid and essential career development resources.
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WAAW Foundation 2026 Scholarship Benefits
Tier 1: Financial Grant
The core financial benefit is a grant designed to alleviate the economic burden associated with higher education:
- One-time financial grant of $500 to be used flexibly by the recipient. This fund can cover various educational expenses, including tuition fees, required textbooks, or general living expenses.
Tier 2: Mentorship and Leadership Development
Beyond funding, the scholarship is a platform for holistic growth, focusing on career readiness and community impact:
- Mentorship and Leadership Training: Recipients gain access to WAAW’s extensive empowerment network, receiving invaluable guidance and professional skills development from experienced mentors.
- Membership in a STEM Outreach Chapter: Scholars become active members of a STEM Outreach Chapter, where they serve as mentors and leaders, promoting STEM education within their local communities and fostering the next generation of innovators.
Tier 3: Long-Term Impact
The scholarship is a long-term investment aimed at closing the gender gap and accelerating continental growth:
- Gender Gap Reduction: The programme directly supports academically talented women, helping them successfully complete their undergraduate degrees and enter science and technology careers.
- Community Transformation: It cultivates leaders who are committed to using their technical expertise to tackle local challenges and accelerate sustainable development in their home communities.
Eligibility Requirements for WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026
To qualify for the 2026 scholarship, applicants must meet the following strict criteria:
- Academic/Study Status:
- Must be a female student of African descent living and studying in Africa.
- Must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate programme at a recognized African university or college.
- Must be majoring in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
- Year of Study:
- Must be in their first or second year of study.
- Students in a five-year course may be eligible if they are in their third year.
- Demographics:
- Must be aged 31 or younger at the time of application.
- Performance & Service:
- Must demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Must show verifiable financial need.
- Must possess evident leadership potential.
- Must actively engage in volunteer work or community service.
Required Documents for WAAW Foundation Scholarship
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents during the online application process:
- Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
- Most recent academic transcript, which must be officially signed and sealed by the academic institution.
- Valid student identification card or university ID.
How to Apply for WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
Interested candidates must complete the online application via the official WAAW Foundation website:
- Preparation and Research: Review all eligibility criteria and gather the three required documents (two letters of recommendation, transcript, and ID).
- Contact Referees: Ask academic or professional referees for the two required recommendation letters well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute delays.
- Complete the Online Application: Visit the official WAAW Foundation website and locate the 2026 Scholarship Application Portal.
- Write and Submit: Complete all fields, write a compelling personal statement (clearly explaining your motivation to study STEM and your vision for community impact), and upload all required documents (ensuring the transcript is signed/sealed and the ID is valid).
- Application Deadline: December 19, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the value of the WAAW Foundation Scholarship?
The scholarship provides a one-time financial grant of $500 to help cover tuition, books, or living expenses, in addition to mentorship and leadership training.
2. Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
The scholarship is specifically for female students of African descent who are currently living and studying in Africa and majoring in a STEM field.
3. Which year of undergraduate study must I be in to qualify?
You must be in your first or second year of an undergraduate programme. If you are in a five-year course, you may be eligible in your third year.
4. Is there an age limit for applicants?
Yes, applicants must be aged 31 or younger at the time of applying for the 2026 scholarship.
5. What are the key non-financial benefits of the scholarship?
Key non-financial benefits include mentorship and leadership training through the WAAW empowerment network, and membership in a STEM Outreach Chapter for community service.
6. What kind of academic documents are required?
You must upload your most recent academic transcript, which needs to be officially signed and sealed by your institution.
7. What kind of professional documentation is required?
Applicants need to submit two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
8. What is the deadline for the 2026 scholarship cycle?
The application deadline is December 19, 2026.
9. Can I apply if I am studying a non-STEM field like Business Administration or Humanities?
No, the scholarship is strictly limited to students majoring in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
10. How important is community service in the application?
It is a core requirement; applicants must actively engage in volunteer work or community service to demonstrate leadership and commitment to their community.
