The Schlumberger Foundation has officially opened applications for the 2027–2028 Faculty for the Future Fellowship, one of the world’s leading fully funded opportunities for women pursuing advanced studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The prestigious fellowship supports outstanding women from low- and middle-income countries who are undertaking PhD or postdoctoral research at internationally recognized universities abroad.
Applications are open from 1 September 2026 and will close on 7 November 2026. The programme aims to increase the representation of women in STEM while empowering future leaders who will contribute to research, innovation, education and policy development in their home countries.
About the Faculty for the Future Fellowship
The Faculty for the Future programme was established to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM disciplines across developing countries. By investing in exceptional female scientists and researchers, the Foundation seeks to strengthen scientific capacity, promote gender equality and support sustainable socio-economic development worldwide.
Rather than funding Master’s degrees, the fellowship exclusively supports women pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral studies at high-quality universities and research institutions outside their home country. Fellows are expected to return home after completing their studies and use their expertise to drive meaningful change through academia, entrepreneurship or public policy.
What the Fellowship Supports
The Faculty for the Future Fellowship provides funding for women enrolled in advanced STEM research programmes abroad. While award values vary depending on individual circumstances and available funding, the fellowship is designed to help cover educational and research-related expenses throughout the duration of eligible PhD and postdoctoral studies.
Beyond financial support, fellows join an international community of accomplished women scientists, researchers and STEM leaders committed to advancing scientific excellence and inspiring future generations of women and girls.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy all of the Foundation’s eligibility requirements to be considered.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be female.
- Be a citizen of an eligible low- or middle-income country where women are underrepresented in STEM.
- Be preparing for a PhD or postdoctoral research programme in a STEM discipline.
- Be enrolled, admitted or have already applied to a well-ranked host university or research institute abroad.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Demonstrate a commitment to returning to their home country after completing their studies.
- Show teaching experience or a commitment to contributing to academia, STEM entrepreneurship or evidence-based public policy.
- Demonstrate leadership, community engagement and a strong record of encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM careers.
Applicants holding dual citizenship that includes citizenship of a developed country are not eligible.
Eligible Fields of Study
The fellowship supports research across STEM disciplines, with particular encouragement for fields where women remain significantly underrepresented, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Other eligible STEM research disciplines
The programme places strong emphasis on research with the potential to address challenges facing applicants’ home countries and regions.
Eligible Countries
The 2027–2028 fellowship is open to women from more than 90 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
African eligible countries include:
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
- South Africa’s neighbouring countries including Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Nigeria is not listed among eligible countries
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Senegal
- Cameroon
- DRC
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- And many other eligible developing countries
Applicants should verify that their country appears on the official eligibility list before applying.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications undergo four rounds of selection, with reviewers assessing candidates using several competitive criteria.
Key evaluation areas include:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Strength and quality of academic references
- Reputation of the host university or research institution
- Commitment to returning home after graduation
- Dedication to teaching, STEM entrepreneurship or policy leadership
- Relevance of research to national and regional development
- Demonstrated commitment to inspiring girls and women in STEM
A successful application should present a coherent academic and professional vision that clearly connects the applicant’s research with long-term impact in her home country.
Important Dates
| Application Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 September 2026 |
| Final Deadline | 7 November 2026 |
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their documentation early, as strong applications require carefully developed research plans, references and supporting materials.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship is more than a scholarship—it is a global investment in women who are advancing scientific knowledge and addressing development challenges through STEM. By supporting exceptional female researchers and fostering their return to their home countries, the programme contributes to stronger universities, innovative research ecosystems and greater gender equity in science and engineering.
For women pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research with ambitions to become academic leaders, STEM entrepreneurs or policy influencers, this fellowship represents one of the most prestigious international funding opportunities available.
