Women in STEM from developing and emerging economies can now apply for one of the world’s major international fellowship programs supporting PhD and postdoctoral research abroad.
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future application cycle for the 2027 fellowships is open from 1 September to 7 November 2026.
The programme supports women from low- and middle-income countries pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM disciplines at recognised universities or research institutions abroad. The official application portal confirms that the current application cycle is open.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fellowship / Research Funding |
| Program | Faculty for the Future |
| Provider | Schlumberger Foundation |
| Host Location | International — recognised host university/research institute abroad |
| Target Group | Women in STEM |
| Study Level | PhD / Postdoctoral |
| Fields | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics |
| Nationality | Women citizens of eligible low- or middle-income countries where women are underrepresented in STEM |
| Funding Status | Fully funded fellowship support |
| Tuition Support | Grant support |
| Research Support | Grant support |
| Living/Study Support | Grant support |
| Duration | Not specified; grant duration depends on the approved programme |
| Age Requirement | Not specified |
| Work Experience | Not specified as a universal requirement |
| Degree Requirement | PhD or postdoctoral level; Master’s programmes are not funded |
| Host Requirement | Applicant must have enrolled, been admitted, or applied to a recognised host university/research institute abroad |
| Application Opens | 1 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 7 November 2026, 12:00 noon CST (UTC−6) |
| Reference Deadline | 14 November 2026 |
About Faculty for the Future
Faculty for the Future is the flagship fellowship program of the Schlumberger Foundation, created to increase the representation of women in STEM and support women scientists from developing and emerging economies.
The program has supported hundreds of women pursuing advanced STEM research at universities and research institutions around the world.
The Foundation’s stated goal is to help women build advanced scientific careers and return their knowledge and expertise to their home countries and communities.
Who Can Apply?
According to the official programme eligibility information, applicants must:
- Be women.
- Be citizens of a 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 applied to a recognised host university/research institution abroad.
- Demonstrate strong academic potential.
- Demonstrate commitment to returning to and contributing to their home country.
- Have the necessary language skills for their proposed study/research.
The programme does not fund Master’s degrees.
Research Areas
Eligible fields fall within STEM, including areas such as:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Biological sciences
- Health sciences
- Chemistry
- Environmental sciences
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Mathematics
- Other recognised STEM disciplines
The programme has historically supported research across a broad range of STEM fields.
Degree Requirement
The Faculty for the Future programme funds:
- PhD programs
- Postdoctoral research
It does not fund Master’s-level study.
Host University Requirement
Applicants must have:
- Applied to,
- Been admitted to, or
- Already be enrolled in
a recognised host university or research institute abroad.
Applications are not accepted where the applicant has not yet applied to a host institution.
Financial Support
The Faculty for the Future program provides fellowship grants to support women pursuing advanced STEM studies and research abroad.
PhD Grants: Up to $50,000 per year (renewable up to completion).
Postdoctoral Grants: Up to $40,000 per year.
The official programme confirms that it is a grant programme supporting PhD and postdoctoral STEM study and research abroad.
Work Experience
Not specified as a universal program-wide requirement.
Applicants are evaluated on academic ability, leadership qualities, commitment to their home country and other selection criteria.
Application Deadline
7 November 2026 at 12:00 noon Central Standard Time (UTC−6).
Reference letters must be submitted by 14 November 2026.
For applicants in India, the application deadline corresponds to 11:30 PM IST on 7 November 2026.
How to Apply
- Review the official Faculty for the Future eligibility requirements.
- Confirm that your country is eligible.
- Identify an appropriate recognised host university/research institution abroad.
- Apply to or secure admission/enrolment at the host institution.
- Prepare the Faculty for the Future application.
- Prepare your research proposal and supporting information.
- Submit the application through the official online application system.
- Ensure referees submit their references by 14 November 2026.
Important Things to Know
- This opportunity is specifically for women in STEM.
- Master’s programmes are not eligible.
- Applicants need a foreign host university/research institution.
- The programme is highly competitive.
- Strong academic performance, leadership and commitment to contributing to the home country are important.
- The Foundation can support applicants who have already started their PhD/postdoctoral programme abroad, subject to its eligibility rules.
Official Links
Official Faculty for the Future application portal
Official Faculty for the Future eligibility and FAQ
SLB Faculty for the Future programme information
Why This Opportunity Matters
For women pursuing advanced STEM research, this fellowship can provide a pathway to study or conduct research internationally while joining a global community of women scientists.
It is especially valuable for researchers from countries where women remain underrepresented in STEM and who want to use advanced scientific training to create impact in their home countries.
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