About the opportunity
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship enables female college students in Africa to pursue their studies in STEM-related courses. With this scholarship, recipients can focus on achieving their academic goals while volunteering to give back to their communities and promote the engagement of women in STEM through university outreach chapters. WAAW looks for scholars who demonstrate financial need, passion, and a strong drive to make a difference. Selected scholars participate in community outreach programs, monthly meet-ups, and an initial virtual onboarding and orientation program.
Funding and benefits
- One-time financial award of $500 disbursed to the selected scholar's account upon successful fulfillment of required milestones.
- Opportunity to join and lead a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter at your university.
- Participation in leadership development, monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions, and virtual onboarding and orientation.
Who can apply?
- Female students of African origin, living and studying in Africa.
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program studying a STEM-related course at a university or college in Africa.
- Presently a first- or second-year student, or a third-year student in a 5-year degree program.
- Able to demonstrate financial need and possess an excellent academic record.
- Demonstrated commitment to leadership, volunteering, and community service.
- Below the age of 32 years.
- Pharmacy students are eligible, but medical and nursing students are not eligible.
Required documents
- 2 reference letters (one must be written by a professor from your institution of study, and the other from an academic supervisor, advisor, or mentor).
- 1 scanned copy of your school ID card.
- Signed and sealed copy of your current university transcript (required during the second-stage review).
When to apply
- Applications open on October 30, 2026.
How to apply
- Visit the WAAW Foundation official website during the application period to access the online application form.
- Complete and submit the online application form along with required supporting documents such as reference letters and your school ID card.
Additional information
- To qualify for full scholarship payment, scholars must be active members of a WAAW Foundation STEM Chapter, participate in at least three out of six STEM outreach programs, attend at least three monthly Fellows Meet-Up sessions, and submit required outreach reports.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Undergraduate women studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at African universities who have a strong commitment to community service.
- Students looking for leadership opportunities and eager to engage younger girls in STEM through campus outreach chapters.
- Applicants who can clearly demonstrate financial need and maintain solid academic performance.
What should you think carefully about?
- The financial award is a modest, one-time amount of $500, which will not cover all university expenses on its own.
- Recipients must commit time to active community outreach and mandatory WAAW chapter activities to fulfill payment conditions.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity fits undergraduate students seeking supplementary financial assistance, leadership credentials, and structured community-building experience in the STEM sector. It is particularly well-suited for women passionate about advocacy and mentorship who want to build a professional network across Africa while completing their degree.
Our take
Female undergraduate STEM students in Africa who meet the age and academic criteria and are willing to commit to community outreach should seriously consider applying. Those seeking large-scale tuition coverage or studying medicine or nursing should look for alternative funding.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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