Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 Full Funding, Mentorship, Eligibility and How to Apply

Zayna Shaw Foundation opens fully funded STEM scholarship for Nigerian women

Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 has officially opened applications for its flagship scholarship programme aimed at empowering outstanding female engineering students in Nigeria. The initiative combines full financial support with structured mentorship, giving beneficiaries the opportunity to excel academically while preparing for successful careers in engineering.

Designed specifically for women studying Chemical Engineering, the scholarship targets talented undergraduate students from Nigeria’s South-West region who have demonstrated academic excellence. Beyond tuition support, recipients will gain access to experienced mentors from academia and industry to help bridge the gap between university education and professional success.

Here’s everything prospective applicants need to know about the Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026, including eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, and the application process.

What Is the Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026?

The Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship is the foundation’s flagship educational initiative created to increase female representation in engineering and other STEM-related careers.

The programme seeks to nurture the next generation of women engineers by providing deserving students with financial assistance alongside long-term mentorship.

Each successful applicant will be matched with an experienced mentor, known as a “Partner in Progress,” who will provide academic guidance, career advice, leadership development and professional support throughout the scholarship period.

The scholarship is exclusively available to undergraduate students studying Chemical Engineering at recognised Nigerian public universities.

Who Can Apply for the Zayna Shaw Foundation Scholarship?

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must satisfy several academic and residency requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

Be female.
Be a Nigerian citizen with valid identification.
Be an indigene of any South-West Nigerian state.
Be enrolled in a recognised Federal or State University in Nigeria.
Be studying Chemical Engineering.
Have completed at least one academic session.
Have a minimum CGPA of 4.0 on a 5.0 scale (or equivalent).
Be currently in 200 to 500 level.

The scholarship is designed to recognise outstanding academic performance while encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles within engineering and STEM industries.

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Scholarship Benefits: More Than Financial Support

Unlike many scholarship programmes that focus solely on tuition assistance, the Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 combines financial aid with career development opportunities.

Selected scholars will receive:

Full scholarship funding.
Structured mentorship from experienced professionals.
Career guidance throughout their undergraduate studies.
Professional development support.
Networking opportunities with industry experts.

The mentorship component is intended to prepare scholars for life after graduation by connecting them with professionals who can provide practical insights into engineering careers.

Documents Required for Application

Applicants are expected to prepare several supporting documents before submitting their applications.

Required documents include:

Completed application form.
Valid student identity card.
Official identification such as a National Identification Number (NIN) or international passport.
Latest academic transcript or result slip.
Reference letter from a university professor.
A personal statement of not more than 500 words explaining:
- Why they chose Engineering.
- How the scholarship will support their academic and professional goals.
- Their vision as a future female engineer in Nigeria.

Submitting complete documentation will improve an applicant’s chances during the selection process.

How to Apply for the Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official application portal provided by the foundation.

Applicants are encouraged to:

Complete the online application form carefully.
Upload all required supporting documents.
Review their submissions before final submission.

Although no application deadline has been announced, interested students are advised to apply early to avoid missing any future closing date once announced.

FAQ

What is the Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026?

The Zayna Shaw Foundation Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship programme for outstanding female Chemical Engineering students in Nigeria. It also includes structured mentorship from experienced professionals.

Who is eligible for the Zayna Shaw Foundation Scholarship?

Applicants must:

Be female.
Be Nigerian citizens.
Be indigenes of South-West Nigeria.
Study Chemical Engineering.
Attend a recognised Federal or State University.
Have completed at least one academic year.
Maintain a minimum CGPA of 4.0/5.0.

Is the Zayna Shaw Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The programme provides full scholarship funding alongside structured mentorship and career development opportunities.

Which students can apply?

Only undergraduate female students studying Chemical Engineering in recognised Nigerian public universities are eligible.

Can first-year students apply?

No. Applicants must have completed at least one academic year before applying.

What CGPA is required?

Applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 on a 5.0 scale or its equivalent.

What documents are required?

Applicants need:

Completed application form
Student ID
Valid government-issued ID
Academic transcript or result
Reference letter
Personal statement

Is IELTS required?

No. IELTS is not required for this scholarship.

Does the scholarship include mentorship?

Yes. Every selected scholar is paired with a mentor known as a Partner in Progress to provide academic and career guidance.

What courses are eligible?

The scholarship currently supports students studying Chemical Engineering.

Who can write the recommendation letter?

A university professor should provide the reference letter.

When is the application deadline?

The foundation has not announced an official deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Applicants should complete the online application form and upload all required documents through the official application portal.

Why is the scholarship only for women?

The programme aims to increase female participation and leadership in engineering and STEM careers by supporting academically outstanding women.

Can students from other regions of Nigeria apply?

No. The scholarship is specifically reserved for female students who are indigenes of South-West Nigeria.

Is the scholarship available every year?

The scholarship is expected to run in phases, with the 2026 edition currently accepting applications. Interested students should monitor announcements from the foundation for future opportunities.