WAAW Foundation invites African female students to apply for STEM Bursaries 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 19 December 2025
Bursary Location: Africa (students studying at recognised institutions across African countries)
WAAW Foundation STEM Bursaries 2026
The WAAW (Working to Advance African Women) Foundation is inviting applications from female students of African origin to apply for its Scholarship Programme for the 2026 academic year.
The WAAW Foundation bursary is aimed at empowering young African women who are pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications and who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.
⚠️ Important: The scholarship does not fund Medical or Nursing studies, but Pharmacy studies are funded.
What the WAAW Foundation Scholarship Covers
The WAAW Foundation scholarship provides financial support paid in two tranches (installments):
- First payment: Made after the completion of at least 3 outreach activities
- Second payment: Made after the completion of a total of 6 outreach activities
The scholarship also places a strong emphasis on community outreach, leadership, and service, ensuring that beneficiaries actively contribute to social development while studying.
Fields of Study Funded
The scholarship is awarded for studies in STEM-related fields, including but not limited to:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Pharmacy
❌ Excluded fields: Medicine and Nursing
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all the following minimum requirements:
- Must be female
- Must be younger than 32 years old
- Must be of African origin
- Must be residing and studying in an African country
- Must be enrolled for a first undergraduate Bachelor’s degree
(Second degrees, Honours, Masters, MBA or PhD studies are not funded) - Must be studying towards a STEM-related qualification
- Must be:
- In 1st or 2nd year of study, or
- In 3rd year if studying towards a 5-year degree
- Must be studying at a recognised university or college in Africa
- Must have a strong academic record
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have experience in volunteering, leadership, or community service
Selection Process
The WAAW Foundation scholarship selection process includes the following stages:
- Verification of eligibility criteria
- Online application submission
- Shortlisting of candidates
- Requests for reference letters
- Individual interviews
- Final award of the scholarship
Required Information for Online Application
Applicants must have the following information and documents ready before starting the application (the form cannot be saved or edited after submission):
- Scanned copy of Student ID card
- Personal and contact information
- Education background and family details
- Essays (very important – heavily weighted in selection):
- Essay 1 (300 words): Your proudest achievement and leadership impact
- Essay 2 (300 words): Career goals and how WAAW will help you achieve them
- Essay 3 (300 words): Female education in Africa and its impact on development
- Essay 4 (200 words): Your financial need and how the scholarship will assist
- Personal statement / motivational letter
- Two (2) academic or professional references
(Name, relationship, organisation and contact details)
Documents Required From Shortlisted Candidates
If shortlisted, applicants will be required to submit:
- Two reference letters (emailed directly to WAAW by referees):
- One from a university professor
- One from an academic supervisor, mentor, or advisor
- Current signed and sealed academic transcript from your institution
How to Apply
Click here to apply for the WAAW Foundation STEM Bursaries 2026:
👉 https://airtable.com/appyw4lczE5E2laJe/shr1VhyUcfMmNxWKW
⚠️ Ensure you complete the entire application in one sitting and submit accurate information. Incomplete or incorrect applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 19 December 2025
Late applications will not be accepted.