WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027: $500 Scholarship for African Women

Scholarship Details

Introduction

The WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 is an undergraduate funding opportunity for female students of African origin who are living and studying in Africa and pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Organised by the WAAW Foundation, the scholarship aims to help talented African women continue their university education, overcome financial barriers and contribute to the development of STEM education in their communities.

Applications are scheduled to open on 30 October 2026. Successful applicants will receive a one-time scholarship award of US$500 to support their undergraduate studies.

Unlike scholarships that focus exclusively on financial assistance, the WAAW Foundation Scholarship also expects recipients to promote STEM education among girls through community outreach and participation in a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at their institution.

The programme is particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership potential, volunteering experience and a genuine commitment to making a difference in their communities.

Female undergraduate students in Nigeria and other African countries who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to review the application instructions and prepare their documents before applications open.

Benefits of the WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027

1. US$500 Scholarship Award

Selected applicants receive a one-time award of US$500. This financial assistance can help students manage some of the costs associated with their undergraduate education.

The scholarship is not advertised as a fully funded university scholarship, and the official page does not promise that it will cover all tuition fees or living expenses.

2. Support for Women in STEM

The scholarship supports female students pursuing undergraduate degrees in eligible STEM-related fields. It aims to encourage more African women to participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

3. STEM Leadership and Community Engagement

WAAW Foundation scholars are expected to lead or actively participate in STEM outreach activities that inspire girls in their communities to explore science and technology education.

Recipients are also expected to engage with a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at their university or receive support to establish one if their institution does not already have a chapter.

4. Virtual Orientation and Onboarding

Selected scholars participate in a virtual onboarding and orientation programme. This introduces them to the scholarship’s expectations, reporting templates and opportunities available during their scholarship year.

5. Mentorship and Professional Development

The WAAW Foundation’s broader mission includes STEM education, leadership development and entrepreneurship training. Its scholarship programme also emphasises mentorship and community engagement.

Applicants should distinguish these broader programme activities from benefits specifically guaranteed by the current scholarship page.

6. Opportunity to Make a Difference

The scholarship provides an opportunity for recipients to contribute to their communities by encouraging younger girls to consider STEM education and careers.

This outreach responsibility is a core part of the programme, rather than an optional extracurricular activity.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027, ensure that you meet the following requirements.

1. Be a Female Student of African Origin

The scholarship is open to female students of African origin who are living and studying in Africa.

Male students are not eligible for this award.

2. Be Enrolled in an Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants must currently be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme at a university or college in Africa.

The foundation does not fund master’s degrees, MBA programmes, PhD programmes, second degrees or subsequent degrees.

3. Study an Eligible STEM-Related Course

Applicants must be studying a course related to Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

The official scholarship page specifically states that medical and nursing students are not eligible, while pharmacy students may apply if they satisfy the other requirements.

Examples of relevant academic areas may include engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences and other eligible STEM-related disciplines. Applicants should confirm that their particular course meets the foundation’s requirements.

4. Meet the Year-of-Study Requirement

Applicants must fall into one of these categories:

• First-year undergraduate students.
• Second-year undergraduate students.
• Third-year students enrolled in a five-year university course.

Students outside these categories should check the current official guidance to determine whether they qualify.

5. Demonstrate Financial Need

Applicants must demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is intended to support students who face financial barriers to continuing their education.

Your application should explain your circumstances honestly and clearly.

6. Have an Excellent Academic Record

The foundation requires applicants to demonstrate excellent academic performance.

The current official page does not specify a minimum CGPA or GPA. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that a particular score automatically qualifies them.

7. Demonstrate Leadership and Community Service

Applicants should have evidence of leadership, volunteering or community service.

The foundation is interested in students who are willing to contribute to their communities and help promote STEM participation among girls.

8. Be Under 32 Years Old

Applicants must be below 32 years of age to qualify for the scholarship.

These eligibility requirements are published on the foundation’s official scholarship page.

Eligible Courses and Ineligible Programmes

The WAAW Foundation Scholarship is specifically intended for undergraduate STEM education.

Examples of relevant fields include:

• Engineering and related disciplines.
• Computer science and technology-related courses.
• Mathematics and statistics.
• Physics and other eligible sciences.
• Pharmacy.
• Other courses that meet the foundation’s STEM-related requirements.

Programmes that are not eligible include:

• Medicine and Surgery.
• Nursing.
• Master’s degrees.
• MBA programmes.
• PhD programmes.
• Second or subsequent degrees.
• Non-STEM-focused courses.

The official page explicitly excludes medical and nursing students but confirms that pharmacy students may apply. If you study a course that is not clearly covered by these examples, contact the foundation before applying.

Required Documents for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship

Applicants should prepare the following documents for the application and selection process.

1. Two Reference Letters

You must provide two references:

• One reference letter must be written by a professor at your institution of study.
• The second must come from an academic supervisor, adviser or mentor.

Approach your referees early so they have enough time to prepare appropriate letters.

2. Scanned Copy of Your School ID Card

A scanned copy of your current school identification card is required.

Ensure that the scan is clear and that the information can be read easily.

3. Signed and Sealed University Transcript

A signed and sealed copy of your current university transcript is required during the second-stage review.

Follow the instructions provided by the foundation regarding when and how to submit this document.

4. Personal Statement

The foundation advises applicants to prepare an honest and genuine personal statement that explains their story and passion for STEM.

Your statement should highlight:

• Your academic achievements.
• Your interest in STEM and your future career goals.
• Your leadership skills.
• Your volunteering and community-service experience.
• Challenges you have faced and how you have overcome them.
• Your financial circumstances and how the scholarship could support your education.

The official page does not provide a confirmed word limit for the personal statement, so follow any instructions included in the online application form.

How to Apply for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027

Applications are scheduled to open on 30 October 2026. Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application.

Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Website

Go to the official WAAW Foundation Scholarship page:

Read the eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions and application instructions carefully.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you are a female student of African origin living and studying in Africa, enrolled in an eligible undergraduate STEM-related course, and within the permitted year of study and age range.

You should also be able to demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership and community-service experience.

Step 3: Prepare Your Personal Statement

Write a clear, honest personal statement explaining your interest in STEM, your academic goals, your achievements and your community involvement.

Explain the challenges you have faced and how the scholarship would help you pursue your education and contribute to your community.

Step 4: Arrange Your Reference Letters

Contact a professor at your institution and an academic supervisor, adviser or mentor who can provide the two required reference letters.

Make sure each referee understands the purpose of the scholarship and has enough time to prepare their letter.

Step 5: Prepare Your School ID and Transcript

Scan your school ID card and find out how to obtain a signed and sealed copy of your current university transcript.

The transcript is required during the second-stage review, according to the official scholarship FAQs.

Step 6: Complete the Online Application

When the application window opens, visit the official scholarship page and follow the instructions to access and complete the online application form.

Provide accurate information and ensure that your application reflects your genuine academic record, financial circumstances and community-service experience.

Step 7: Prepare for Shortlisting and an Interview

The scholarship process includes eligibility screening, online applications, shortlisting, reference letters, an individual interview and the final scholarship award.

The foundation states that the scholarship is highly competitive. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Step 8: Attend the Orientation if Selected

Selected scholars will participate in a virtual onboarding and orientation programme covering scholarship expectations, reporting templates and opportunities available during the scholarship year.

Scholarship Payment and Outreach Requirements

Receiving the WAAW Foundation Scholarship also comes with responsibilities.

The current official page describes the award as a one-time US$500 scholarship and states that payment is linked to the fulfilment of required milestones.

To qualify for the full scholarship payment, selected scholars are expected to meet the following conditions:

1. Join or Establish a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter

Scholars must be active members of a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at their institution. If their university does not have a chapter, the foundation’s Programmes Team will guide them through the setup and approval process.

2. Participate in STEM Outreach Activities

Scholars are expected to participate in at least three of the six STEM outreach programmes and lead or actively contribute to activities that benefit their local communities.

Outreach is mandatory because the foundation aims to inspire and empower more African girls to pursue STEM education.

3. Attend Fellows Meet-Up Sessions

Scholars must attend and participate in at least three monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions.

4. Submit Outreach Reports

Each outreach activity must be documented using the official Outreach Report Form. Activities must also be published on social media through the relevant STEM Chapter’s official account.

5. Understand the Payment Conditions

The official page says the scholarship is disbursed in full to the selected scholar’s account after successful fulfilment of the required milestones. It also warns that failing to complete at least three outreach activities or maintain active chapter engagement may affect payment eligibility and continued recognition as an active WAAW Scholar.

Because the page discusses both full payment after milestones and requirements for qualifying for the full award, applicants should review the latest instructions carefully and ask the foundation to clarify the exact payment schedule if necessary. <Cite refs={[“turn532920view0”]}/>

Application Deadline

Application opening date: 30 October 2026.

Application closing date: Not specified on the current official scholarship page.

The foundation has announced the opening date but has not published a confirmed closing deadline on the page reviewed for this article.

Applicants should check the official website and online application form for updates. Do not rely on an unverified closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the WAAW Foundation Scholarship?

The scholarship is a one-time award of US$500 for selected eligible undergraduate students.

Can Nigerian students apply?

Yes. Nigerian female students of African origin who live and study in Africa can apply if they meet the academic, financial-need, age, course and other eligibility requirements.

Can medical and nursing students apply?

No. The official scholarship page excludes medical and nursing students. Pharmacy students are eligible to apply if they meet the other requirements.

Can master’s and PhD students apply?

No. The foundation does not fund master’s degrees, MBA programmes, PhD programmes, second degrees or subsequent degrees.

Is there a minimum CGPA requirement?

The official page requires an excellent academic record but does not specify a minimum CGPA or GPA.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

No. The published award is a one-time US$500 scholarship. It should not be described as a fully funded university scholarship.

Are community outreach activities compulsory?

Yes. Scholars are expected to participate in STEM outreach, engage actively with a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter, attend the required Fellows Meet-Up sessions and submit outreach reports.

What if my university does not have a WAAW STEM Chapter?

The foundation states that selected scholars will receive support and guidance from its Programmes Team to establish a chapter at their institution.

When is the application deadline?

Applications open on 30 October 2026. A confirmed closing date is not stated on the current official page.

How can I contact the foundation?

For scholarship questions, email scholarship@waawfoundation.org. The foundation asks applicants to send their questions once rather than sending multiple messages within a short period.

Conclusion

The WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 offers eligible African women an opportunity to receive a one-time US$500 award while pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM-related fields.

Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership and community-service experience. Selected scholars are also expected to participate in outreach programmes that encourage more girls to pursue science and technology education.

If you are an eligible female undergraduate student in Nigeria or another African country, start preparing your personal statement, reference letters and school ID ahead of the 30 October 2026 application opening date.

Review the official requirements carefully, especially the mandatory outreach responsibilities, and check the foundation’s website for the confirmed closing deadline.

Application Link

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

Application opens: 30 October 2026.

Scholarship award: US$500, one-time award.

Eligible applicants: Female students of African origin living and studying in Africa.

Study level: Undergraduate bachelor’s degree.

Eligible fields: STEM-related courses; medical and nursing students are excluded, while pharmacy students may apply.

Application deadline: Not yet specified on the official page.

Scholarship enquiries: scholarship@waawfoundation.org

General enquiries: inquiries@waawfoundation.org

Telephone: +234 909 677 4358 or +234 816 986 9458.