Application Opens: October 31, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking barriers, inventing solutions, or building technology that changes lives, this is your moment. The WAAW Foundation 2025/2026 Undergraduate Scholarship is now open to female students across Africa pursuing (or aspiring to pursue) degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

At WAAW Foundation (Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women), we believe that every girl with a vision deserves the chance to turn it into impact, not just for herself, but for her community and the continent at large.

About the Scholarship

The WAAW Foundation Scholarship empowers young African women in STEM by providing financial assistance, mentorship, and leadership training. Recipients don’t just receive tuition support, they become part of a pan-African community of women innovators driving change through science and technology.

Each selected scholar receives a $500 award (in local currency equivalent) and gains access to mentorship, professional growth opportunities, and community impact programs through WAAW’s outreach initiatives and campus STEM Chapters.

Why WAAW? A Legacy of Impact

Over the years, WAAW Foundation has awarded more than 91 scholarships to African women studying STEM at top universities,  but our work goes far beyond funding.

Meet some of our inspiring alumnae:

And if you’re wondering what success looks like — our 2022 Scholarship Recipients will tell you themselves.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  • Be a female student of African origin, living and studying in Africa.
  • Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in a STEM-related field.
  • Be in your 1st or 2nd year (or 3rd year for 5-year programs).
  • Demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
  • Show commitment to community leadership and volunteering.
  • Be under the age of 32.

Eligible Fields of Study

We welcome applicants in STEM and STEM-related programs including:

  • Engineering (all fields)

  • Computer Science and IT

  • Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics

  • Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

  • Biochemistry, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Sciences

⚠️ Please note: Core medical programs (e.g., Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Optometry), Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities are not eligible.

The WAAW Scholar Experience

Becoming a WAAW Scholar is more than receiving a grant, it’s joining a lifelong movement.

Every scholar contributes to her community through STEM outreach, and many go on to establish or lead WAAW STEM Chapters in their universities.

You’ll gain access to:

  • Leadership & mentoring programs

  • Career readiness and entrepreneurship training

  • Networking opportunities with professionals and global partners

  • Community impact support through outreach projects

Application Process

  1. Online Application
    Submit your form beginning October 31, 2025. Applications outside the window will not be accepted.

  2. Shortlisting
    Prepare for your essays, you’ll need to share your career goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

  3. Interviews and References
    Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and asked to submit two reference letters and current transcripts.

  4. Award Announcement
    Final awardees will be announced.

💬 Hear From Past Scholars

Still not sure if this is for you? Read Mofiyinfoluwa’s story – A 2021/2022 Scholarship recipient

Support the Movement — Sponsor a Girl in STEM

Every year, hundreds of brilliant young women in Africa dream of pursuing STEM — but financial barriers stand in their way.

When you donate to the WAAW Foundation Scholarship Fund, you’re not just funding education; you’re investing in innovation, leadership, and Africa’s future.

Sponsor an African Girl in STEM today and be part of the story.

Join the Community

Follow WAAW Foundation on Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube for scholarship updates, impact stories, and volunteer opportunities.

Let’s build a future where every African girl who dreams of STEM has the chance to make it real.