WAAW Foundation STEM Bursaries 2026 – A Chance for African Female Students
If you’re a young woman in Africa who loves science, technology, engineering, mathematics or pharmacy, the WAAW Foundation is giving you a chance to study without the heavy cost. Their 2026 STEM bursary covers part of your tuition and rewards you for helping your community. The application closes on 19 December 2025, so start reading now to see if you qualify and how to apply.
Why this bursary matters
The WAAW Foundation (Working to Advance African Women) wants to see more African girls succeed in STEM fields. They know that when women get the tools to study and grow, whole communities can improve. The scholarship is aimed at those who:
- Are female and under 32 years old
- Come from an African country and are studying there
- Are working on their first Bachelor’s degree in a recognized African university or college
- Have a good academic record and show that they need financial help
- Have already done some volunteer work or shown leadership in school or community projects
The scholarship is not for medical or nursing studies—pharmacy is the only health‑related area that counts.
What the bursary gives you
You will receive two payments:
- First payment – after you finish at least three community outreach projects.
- Second payment – after you finish a total of six outreach projects.
Each project can be a science fair, a coding workshop for girls, a clean‑water initiative, or anything that uses your STEM knowledge to help others. The goal is to encourage you to use your skills for good while you study.
Which subjects are covered
You can use the scholarship for any STEM subject, including:
- Biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
- Computer science, software engineering, or information technology
- Electrical or mechanical engineering
- Pharmacy
Medicine and nursing are not included.
How to know if you qualify
Here’s a quick checklist:
| Requirement | Yes / No |
|---|---|
| Female? | |
| Under 32? | |
| African origin? | |
| Studying in Africa? | |
| First‑degree student? | |
| In 1st, 2nd year or 3rd year of a 5‑year degree? | |
| Studying at a recognized university? | |
| Strong grades? | |
| Need financial help? | |
| Volunteer or leadership experience? |
If you tick “yes” on every point, you’re in the running.
The selection steps
- Check you meet the rules – the foundation will look at your details.
- Submit the online form – you’ll fill it out in one go; you can’t edit after sending.
- Shortlist – the foundation reviews all applicants.
- Ask for references – they’ll need two letters from people who know your work.
- Interview – shortlisted students will talk with the selection panel.
- Award – if you pass all stages, you’ll receive the scholarship.
What you’ll need to fill out the application
Before you start, gather these documents:
- Scanned copy of your Student ID card
- Personal details (name, address, phone, email)
- Education background and family info
- Four essays (300 words each for three essays, 200 words for the last one)
- Essay 1 – Your proudest achievement and how it shows leadership.
- Essay 2 – Your career goals and how the bursary will help.
- Essay 3 – Why female education in Africa matters for development.
- Essay 4 – Your financial needs and how the scholarship will ease them.
- A personal statement or motivational letter
- Contact details for two references (professor or mentor)
If your application is shortlisted, you must send:
- Two reference letters directly to the foundation (one from a university professor and one from a mentor or advisor)
- Your current signed and sealed academic transcript
How to apply
Ready to start? Click the link below to fill in your details. Remember to finish the whole form in one sitting and double‑check every answer. Missing or wrong information can disqualify you.
Apply for the WAAW Foundation STEM Bursaries 2026
Last date to apply
Make sure you submit by 19 December 2025. Applications after this date will not be accepted.
Good luck, and let this opportunity help you build a bright future in STEM!