Applications are open for the 2026/2027 WAAW Foundation Need-Based Scholarship. The opportunity supports female students of African origin who live and study in Africa and are pursuing undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). The scholarship is a one-time award of US$500.
Applications close on 18 December 2026 at 12:00 noon West Africa Time (WAT).
MySchoolGist previously covered an earlier WAAW Foundation Scholarship round for female African students. That article relates to a previous cycle; the eligibility and application information below is for the 2026/2027 intake.
Who can apply for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship?
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a female student of African origin, living and studying in Africa.
- Be currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme at a university or college in Africa.
- Be studying a STEM-related course.
- Be in the first or second year of study or in the third year of a five-year programme.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Show evidence of leadership, volunteering and community service.
- Be below 32 years of age.
The foundation's scholarship information excludes postgraduate degrees and second or subsequent degrees. It also states that Medicine and Nursing students are not eligible, while Pharmacy students may apply. Applicants should check the official eligibility guidance for their course before submitting an application.
Scholarship value and responsibilities
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship is a one-time award of US$500. The foundation says selected scholars are expected to contribute to their communities and promote women's participation in STEM through the WAAW STEM Chapter at their institution.
To meet the programme's participation requirements, scholars are expected to:
- Be an active member of a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter or establish one at their institution if none exists.
- Participate in at least three of the six STEM outreach programmes.
- Attend and participate in at least three monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions.
- Submit outreach reports using the foundation's official reporting process.
The foundation links scholarship disbursement and continued recognition as an active scholar to fulfilment of these milestones.
Documents required
The application guidance lists the following supporting documents:
- Two reference letters. One must be written by a professor at the applicant's institution; the other may be from an academic supervisor, adviser or mentor.
- A scanned copy of the applicant's school identity card.
- A signed and sealed copy of the current university transcript, required during the second-stage review.
How to apply
Interested and qualified students should complete the online application through the WAAW Foundation Scholarship page. Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their supporting documents before starting the form.
The foundation's current application guidance says the form contains five questions, four of which have a 300-word limit. Applicants are encouraged to provide specific, truthful examples of their academic achievements, leadership, community service and financial circumstances. See the foundation's 2026/2027 application guidance for advice on the written responses.
Application deadline
The deadline for the 2026/2027 WAAW Foundation Scholarship is 18 December 2026 at 12:00 noon WAT. Applicants are advised to submit before the closing date rather than wait until the final hours.
For the latest instructions and the application form, visit the official WAAW Foundation Scholarship page.
