The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship, launched in 2004, awards fellowships to women from developing and emerging economies to pursue PhD or postdoctoral research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at leading universities worldwide. The Foundation is committed to gender parity in science, and the programme's long-term goal is to accelerate gender equality in STEM by creating conditions that enable more women to pursue scientific careers, developing their talent and capacities for the benefit of their local communities, regions, and the wider world. Since its launch, 863 women from 90 countries have received Faculty for the Future fellowships to pursue advanced research outside their home countries.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Gender: Must be a woman.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country, as classified by the World Bank, where women are underrepresented in STEM disciplines.
- Dual Citizenship: Not eligible if holding dual citizenship where one citizenship is of a developed country. If a grantee obtains citizenship of a developed country after being awarded, the grant will be discontinued.
- Academic Stage: Must be preparing for, enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a PhD or postdoctoral research programme in a STEM field at a university or research institute outside their home country.
- Academic Record: Must demonstrate an excellent academic record and high research potential.
Fellowship Benefits
- Funding: Up to $50,000 per year for PhD candidates and up to $40,000 per year for postdoctoral researchers, based on actual costs for eligible expenses, and renewable through completion of studies, subject to performance, self-evaluation, and supervisor recommendations.
- Childcare Grant: An exceptional childcare grant may be awarded per eligible child, at the Foundation's discretion and subject to conditions in the financial section of the application.
- Network: Access to a global network of women scientists and engineers, the Faculty for the Future alumnae community.
- Mentorship & Development: Mentorship, career development, and leadership training opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with leading international universities.
Fellowships are awarded based on academic ability, leadership potential, and engagement in STEM outreach activities in underserved communities in the applicant's home country.
Selection Process
Applications undergo four rounds of selection, with reviewers assessing candidates on academic merit, research potential, and the applicant's plan to reintegrate and contribute to STEM development in her home country after the fellowship.
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How to Apply
Applications opened September 1, 2026. Apply through the official Faculty for the Future application portal before the deadline of November 7, 2026, at 12:00 noon Central Standard Time (UTC-6). Use Firefox or Chrome to access the application site.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and outcomes are not guaranteed.
