The WENOSA Scholarship offers financial support to academically strong South African women studying in critical skills fields. The programme helps final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students complete their qualifications by covering outstanding tuition fees.
The Women’s Empowerment Network of South Africa (WENOSA) will award up to 25 scholarships, with successful applicants receiving up to R50,000 towards verified tuition fees. Applications close on 31 August 2026.
What is the WENOSA Scholarship?
The WENOSA Scholarship is a strategic initiative that supports women pursuing qualifications in sectors where female representation remains low. The programme aims to accelerate women’s participation in South Africa’s critical skills economy through targeted tuition support.
Unlike bursaries that may cover several expenses, this scholarship only pays for verified outstanding tuition fees. WENOSA pays approved funding directly to the applicant’s university. No money is transferred to successful applicants.
WENOSA Scholarship Value
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to R50,000 towards outstanding tuition fees
- Tuition payments made directly to the university
- Financial support based on verified need
- Funding for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate studies
If your outstanding tuition fees are less than R50,000, WENOSA will only pay the verified amount. The remaining funds will support another eligible student. If your fees exceed R50,000, you must provide proof that you can cover the remaining balance.
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Who Can Apply for the WENOSA Scholarship?
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a female South African citizen
- Be registered at a recognised South African public university
- Be in the final year of an undergraduate, Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral qualification
- Have a minimum academic average of 65%
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show leadership potential
- Provide evidence of community involvement or impact
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding. WENOSA evaluates every application against its approved selection criteria.
Priority Fields of Study
Preference will be given to applicants studying qualifications aligned with South Africa’s critical skills needs, including:
- Engineering and Built Environment
- Information and Digital Technologies
- Mathematical Sciences
- Financial Sciences
- Legal Studies
- Environmental Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Food Security and Agribusiness
- Mining, Energy and Industrial Sciences
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Water Sciences and Infrastructure
- Research and Innovation
The programme also prioritises disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Accounting, Economics, Architecture, and Statistics.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application with the following documents:
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID
- Official academic transcript
- Proof of registration
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Latest university fee statement
- Existing bursary or scholarship confirmation letter, if applicable
WENOSA may request additional supporting documents during the verification process.
How Applications Are Assessed
The selection committee evaluates applications using several criteria, including:
Academic Performance
Applicants must maintain a minimum average of 65%. Strong academic consistency improves competitiveness.
Financial Need
WENOSA verifies each applicant’s outstanding tuition fees and financial circumstances before allocating funding.
Leadership Potential
Applicants should demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and the ability to make meaningful contributions.
Community Involvement
The programme values applicants who have positively impacted their communities through volunteering, leadership, or service activities.
WENOSA Scholarship Application Dates
Take note of these important deadlines:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 August 2026 |
| Applications close | 31 August 2026 |
| Expected applicant outcomes | From 1 October 2026 |
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
To apply for the WENOSA Scholarship:
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Complete the official online application form.
- Upload all requested documentation.
- Submit your application before 31 August 2026 at 23:59.
WENOSA only accepts applications submitted through its official online application platform. Applications sent via email, WhatsApp, or social media will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I already receive another bursary?
Yes. However, you must disclose your existing funding and provide supporting documentation during your application.
Does submitting an application guarantee funding?
No. Every application undergoes an evaluation process, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Will I receive the scholarship money directly?
No. WENOSA pays all approved scholarship funds directly to the university.
The WENOSA Scholarship provides valuable financial assistance to talented South African women completing qualifications in high-demand fields. With funding of up to R50,000 towards outstanding tuition fees, the programme helps remove financial barriers while supporting future leaders in South Africa’s critical skills economy.
Eligible students should prepare their documents early and submit a complete application through the official WENOSA online portal before 31 August 2026.
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