WAAW Foundation Scholarship (Undergraduate Scholarship for African Women in STEM)

1. 1

   Confirm you are eligible: a woman of African origin, studying STEM (not Medicine or Nursing) at an African university, in 1st or 2nd year (or 3rd year of a 5-year course) and under 32

2. 2

   Visit the official scholarship page at waawfoundation.org/scholarship/ and open the online application form (hosted on Airtable)

3. 3

   Complete the online form and write your personal statement/motivation and the required essays

4. 4

   List the names of your two references - one professor at your institution and one academic supervisor, advisor or mentor

5. 5

   Submit your application before the annual closing date (the 2025/2026 round closed on 19 December 2025)

6. 6

   If shortlisted, provide your academic transcripts and recommendation letters when requested

7. 7

   Await the selection outcome and, if successful, take part in the required STEM outreach activities to receive the full award

Frequently Asked Questions

Can South African students apply for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship?

Yes. Although the WAAW Foundation is a pan-African scholarship and not South Africa-exclusive, it is explicitly open to South African women studying at South African universities. South Africa is one of the 10 African countries where WAAW runs campus programmes.

How much is the WAAW Foundation Scholarship worth?

It is a one-time award of USD 500 (about R9,000), paid in two installments. The second installment is typically released once you have completed the foundation's required STEM outreach activities. It is not a renewable, multi-year bursary.

Who is eligible for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship?

Female students of African origin who are under 32, studying a first undergraduate Bachelor's degree in a STEM field at an African university, and in their 1st or 2nd year (or 3rd year of a 5-year course). You must show financial need and a strong academic record. Pharmacy is eligible, but Medical and Nursing students are not, and postgraduate study (Master's, MBA, PhD) is not funded.

When does the WAAW Foundation Scholarship open and close?

It runs on an annual cycle. Applications typically open around November each year, and the 2025/2026 round closed on 19 December 2025. The next cycle is expected to open around November 2026 - check waawfoundation.org/scholarship/ for the confirmed dates.