WENOSA

About WENOSA

The Women's Empowerment Network of South Africa, known as WENOSA, works to open doors for women. It focuses on skills development, training, business funding, economic opportunities and advocacy support. Its wider goal is to grow women into leaders across South African industry, particularly in fields where women are still under-represented.

The WENOSA scholarship is one part of that effort. It tackles a specific problem. Many women reach their final year of study, then run out of money before they can graduate.

How WENOSA supports students

WENOSA offers scholarships to women in their final year of study. In the 2026 round, it planned 25 awards of up to R50 000 each. Ten were for final-year undergraduates and fifteen were for final-year postgraduates, covering Honours, Master's and doctoral study. Priority fields include engineering, economics, sciences, technology and gender studies. Other notices also mention areas such as computing, data science, mathematics and energy, so check the current call for the exact list.

The scholarship does not belong to a single employer or industry. Unlike many corporate bursaries, it does not tie a student to one company. The aim is to fund promising women wherever they may later work. In this way, WENOSA builds a pipeline of female leaders across the whole economy, not just for itself.

Published information says the money is usually paid to the university to settle outstanding tuition, so recipients do not receive cash. However, rules can change, so read the latest notice carefully.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens who identify as female and are registered at a recognised public university. The 2026 round listed a minimum academic average of 65%, evidence of real financial need, and some record of leadership at university or in the community. Selection weighs marks, finances, the fit of your field with national needs, and leadership.

WENOSA accepts applications only through its own online platform. It does not take applications by email, WhatsApp or social media. If someone offers to submit an application for you, or asks for a fee, treat it as a warning sign.

The 2026 round opened on 1 August and closed on 31 August. Dates differ each year, so watch for the next call and prepare early. Have your latest transcript, your fee statement and a short motivation ready. In that motivation, explain clearly how the funding will help you finish your degree. The official WENOSA website remains the best place to confirm the current requirements. Because only a limited number of awards exist, a clear and honest application stands the best chance.