About WAAW Foundation:
The WAAW Foundation, which stands for “Working to Advance Science and Technology Education for African Women,” is a nonprofit organization with a focus on empowering women in Africa through education and training, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The foundation is dedicated to advancing the participation of African women in STEM careers, leadership roles, and entrepreneurship.
WAAW Foundation offers various programs and initiatives to support its mission, including:
- She Hacks Africa Bootcamp: A program designed to train young African women in software programming and coding skills.
- Summer STEM Code Camp for Girls: An initiative aimed at inspiring young girls to pursue STEM education and careers.
- STEM Cell College to Secondary Outreach Program: This program focuses on promoting STEM education in secondary schools.
- STEM Fellows Training Program: Providing training and mentorship to young African women pursuing STEM careers.
- Academic Scholarships for African College Girls: Offering scholarships to female African students pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM fields.
The foundation aims to increase the number of African women in STEM by 10% by the year 2025. It is funded through contributions from corporate donors and individual donors from around the world.
WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026:
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship for 2025-2026 is designed to provide financial support to African women pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM-related fields. The scholarship is open to female students of African origin who meet specific eligibility criteria.
For the 2022 academic session, the scholarship covers the following courses of study:
- All computer science fields
- All engineering fields
- Agriculture
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical
- Zoology
- Industrial Chemistry
- Pharmacy
- Geography
- Statistics
- Other STEM-related courses may be considered, but certain subjects, such as social sciences, core medical courses (e.g., surgery, nursing, medicine), and art courses, are not covered.
The scholarship is need-based and can provide funding of up to $500 (approximately R7,525).
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship for 2025-2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Female
- African origin
- Under the age of 32
- Studying and residing in one of the African countries
- Enrolled in an undergraduate STEM program in one of the eligible fields mentioned above
- Pursuing a first undergraduate degree (applicants with prior undergraduate degrees are not eligible)
- In the first or second year of the study program (third year for five-year courses)
- Enrolled in a recognized African university
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated volunteering and community service experience
- In need of financial assistance
- Preference is given to underprivileged students, including orphans and those affected by HIV/AIDS.
How to Apply:
To apply for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship for 2025-2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the WAAW Foundation Scholarship Application document.
- Complete the application process through four stages, providing personal details, educational background, and family details.
- Write three essays on specific topics:
- Your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them (within 500 words).
- Your thoughts on education among African females and its impact on the economy and development of Africa (within 300 words).
- The achievement you’re most proud of (within 500 words).
- Write a motivation letter explaining why you are the best candidate for the scholarship, including details about your financial situation and career goals (maximum ten sentences).
- Provide two references (one from a professor and another from an academic supervisor or mentor), including their names and contact details.
Once you are shortlisted, you will need to submit additional documents, including transcripts and school ID cards.
Closing Date:
The closing date for the WAAW Foundation Scholarship application is November 12, at 16:00 hours.
Contact Details:
For further information or inquiries about the scholarship, you can contact the WAAW Foundation at:
