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Various African countries Undergraduate Partial Funding

WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026 | African Women in STEM

The WAAW Foundation Scholarship provides $500 to female African undergraduates pursuing STEM degrees, requiring active community outreach through university STEM chapters.

November 6, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Dec 18, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryVarious African countries
Degree LevelUndergraduate
Funding TypePartial Funding
Fields of StudyEngineering, Mathematics, Pharmacy, Science, Technology
DeadlineDecember 18, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The WAAW Foundation Scholarship supports female college students across Africa who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program combines financial assistance with a mandatory leadership and community service component, requiring scholars to establish or join STEM Outreach Chapters at their universities and engage local communities to inspire more girls into STEM fields.

This scholarship is particularly relevant for students in Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a commitment to giving back. Unlike fully funded programs that cover full tuition, this is a one-time $500 award designed to ease financial burdens while building leadership capacity.

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Scholarship Value and Structure

The WAAW Foundation scholarship is a one-time award of $500 paid in full to selected scholars upon successful completion of required milestones. The payment is not automatic upon selection—recipients must actively participate in outreach activities to receive the funds.

Payment Milestones

  • Join or establish a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at your university
  • Participate in at least three of six STEM outreach programmes
  • Attend at least three monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions
  • Submit outreach reports using the official Outreach Report Form
  • Publish activities on social media via the chapter’s official handle

Failure to complete at least three outreaches or maintain active chapter engagement may result in loss of scholarship payment and removal from active scholar status.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Female students of African origin, living and studying in Africa
  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at a university or college in Africa
  • Studying STEM-related courses (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
  • Presently in first or second year, or third year for five-year courses
  • Below 32 years of age
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Hold an excellent academic record
  • Proven track record of leadership, volunteering, and community service

Important Exclusions

  • Medical and Nursing students are NOT eligible—pharmacy students may apply
  • Male applicants are not accepted
  • Graduate programs (Masters, MBA, PhD) are not funded
  • Second or subsequent degrees are not eligible

Application Process

The scholarship follows a multi-stage selection process:

  1. Online Application: Complete the application form on the WAAW Foundation website during the open period
  2. Shortlist: Applications are reviewed and promising candidates shortlisted
  3. Reference Letters: Two references required—one MUST be from a professor at your institution, the other from an academic supervisor/advisor or mentor
  4. Individual Interview: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed
  5. Scholarship Award: Final selections are made and announced

Required Documents

  • Two reference letters (one from a professor, one from supervisor/mentor)
  • Scanned copy of your school ID card
  • Signed and sealed copy of current university transcript (required during Second Stage Review)

Outreach and Chapter Responsibilities

Outreach activities are mandatory, not optional. Scholars must lead or actively participate in events that impact local communities and inspire African girls to pursue STEM. If your institution lacks a WAAW STEM Chapter, you will be supported to establish one with guidance from the Programs Team.

New scholars participate in a virtual onboarding and orientation program covering expectations, reporting templates, and available opportunities.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Be honest and genuine in your personal statement—share your story and STEM passion
  • Highlight academic achievements, leadership skills, and community service
  • Discuss challenges faced and how you overcame them
  • Demonstrate clear financial need with specific examples
  • Show concrete plans for community impact through STEM outreach

Contact Information

For questions, email scholarship@waawfoundation.org. Do not send multiple emails or messages in a short period—single inquiries receive responses.

Related scholarships

Official scholarship page: https://waawfoundation.org/scholarship/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

One-time $500 award paid upon completion of outreach milestones; does not cover full tuition

Eligibility Criteria

Female African undergraduates in STEM (year 1-2, or year 3 for 5-year courses), under 32, with financial need and leadership experience. Medical and Nursing students excluded.

Required Documents

2 reference letters (1 from professor, 1 from supervisor/mentor), school ID copy, signed/sealed transcript

Application Process

1) Complete online application, 2) Await shortlisting, 3) Submit reference letters, 4) Attend individual interview, 5) Receive award upon completing outreach milestones
Apply Now — Official Website

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Frequently Asked Questions

Applications close on December 18, 2026. This is a firm deadline with no extensions.
The WAAW Foundation scholarship is a one-time award of $500. It is not a full scholarship and does not cover complete tuition costs. The payment is disbursed only after scholars complete required outreach milestones.
No. Medical and Nursing students are explicitly not eligible. However, pharmacy students may apply. Only STEM courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are accepted.
You need two reference letters (one MUST be from a professor at your institution, the other from an academic supervisor or mentor), a scanned copy of your school ID card, and a signed and sealed copy of your current university transcript for the second stage review.
The scholarship is highly competitive. Meeting all criteria does not guarantee selection—applicants are compared based on demonstrated financial need, academic strength, leadership, and community service. Rejections often occur because other applicants showed greater need or stronger overall profiles.
No. Outreach is mandatory. You must participate in at least three of six STEM outreach programmes, attend three monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions, and maintain active chapter engagement. Failure to meet these requirements will result in loss of scholarship payment and active scholar status.