Getting into college is a big step. But paying for college can be hard, especially for young African women in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

This is where grants come in. Grants/scholarships are financial gifts that help students pay for their education. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back. They help cover tuition, books, lab fees, and even travel for internships or research programs.

For many African women, getting these grants and scholarships are a lifeline. They are the difference between dropping out and graduating.

At WAAW Foundation, we believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s why we provide scholarships, and mentorship to young African women in STEM. Since 2007, we’ve supported thousands of women across 22+ African countries.

Our scholarships don’t just help students stay in school. They help them grow into leaders. WAAW Scholars go on to start STEM chapters in their colleges, build community projects, and give back in powerful ways. They become mentors, innovators, and role models in their fields.

We’ve seen the results firsthand. A student from Nigeria used her scholarship to complete her engineering degree. Today, she’s a cyber security analyst at First Bank Of Nigeria (Patience Mamah). A WAAW Scholar from Uganda works as the secretary-general for the Internet Society Uganda chapter (Lilian Kamara). These stories are the reason we do this work.

 

Support A Girl in STEM Today

So how do you find support as a woman in STEM?

  • Apply for grants and scholarships early. Many organizations like WAAW open applications months before the school year begins.

  • Join a STEM network. WAAW offers leadership programs, chapters, and training workshops and summits to help students grow beyond the classroom.

  • Look for mentors. Having someone who has walked the path can guide you through school, career, and life.

Current Grants and Scholarships for African Women in STEM

If you’re a woman in Africa pursuing STEM, here are top grants and scholarships for African women in STEM you should explore:

  • WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship: Provides financial support to African women pursuing STEM degrees. Waaw Foundation

  • L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Program: Offers research grants to women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa. Wikipedia

  • 2025 Learn Africa Programme: Provides postgraduate scholarships to African women, fostering female talent and leadership in academia and research. mujeresporafrica.es

  • Afro-Tech Girls Scholarship Fund: Aims to award scholarships to female STEM undergraduates. globalgiving.org

  • OWSD PhD Fellowships: Offers fellowships to women from developing countries to pursue Doctorate degree (PhD) research in natural sciences, engineering, and information technology. Wikipedia

  • MMEG South Africa Program: Accepts applications from women pursuing studies in South Africa. forwomeninscience.com+1MMEG+1

  • Progress Women in STEM Scholarships: Includes various scholarships for women in STEM fields, with applications opening in March 2025. Progress.com

  • MPOWER Financing Women in STEM Scholarship: Awards scholarships to female international students enrolled in STEM programs, with a deadline of July 31, 2025.


How WAAW Supports African Women in STEM

 

WAAW Foundation gives more than just scholarships, we create support systems for African women in STEM.

Here’s what we offer:

  • Scholarships & Grants
     We provide financial aid to help cover tuition, lab fees, and essential academic costs, so money doesn’t stop your dreams.

  • STEM Chapters & Leadership Programs
     Across African universities, our STEM Chapters empower young women to lead local initiatives, mentor peers, and run STEM events. Learn about our STEM chapters’ activities

  • Mentorship & Training
     From STEM summits and technical workshops to mentorship, we help you build real-world skills and confidence to thrive beyond the classroom.

  • Fellowships & Internships
     We connect scholars to fellowships, internships, and opportunities to gain global exposure.

  • Alumni & Peer Network
     Once you join WAAW, you’re part of a growing family of women changing the STEM space in Africa.

 

Are you a woman in STEM looking for support? Or do you know someone who is?

Are you a student? Visit our website to learn more about our grants and programs.

Partner or donate to support future women leaders in STEM.