The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships 2027–2028 support eligible women from developing countries pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM abroad. Apply by 7 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Schlumberger Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027–2028 Faculty for the Future Fellowships, a programme supporting women from eligible low- and middle-income countries who are pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The programme aims to strengthen women’s participation in STEM, promote research and innovation, and support the development of future scientific leaders. Fellows are expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of their home countries or regions after completing their studies.
The fellowship supports researchers studying or conducting research at recognised universities and research institutions abroad. It is intended for candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, community involvement and a commitment to encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM careers.
New applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 7 November 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Schlumberger Foundation |
| Programme | Faculty for the Future Fellowships |
| Fellowship cycle | 2027–2028 |
| Study level | PhD and postdoctoral research |
| Fields | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) |
| Study location | Recognised university or research institution abroad |
| Target applicants | Eligible women from low- and middle-income countries |
| Application opening date | 1 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 7 November 2026 |
| Funding amount | Not specified in the supplied announcement |
| Application method | Online |
| Official website | Schlumberger Foundation |
Fellowship Benefits and Objectives
The Faculty for the Future programme aims to support women pursuing advanced STEM research while strengthening connections between scientific knowledge and development in their home countries.
The programme focuses particularly on disciplines where women remain underrepresented, including physical sciences, engineering, computer science and mathematics.
Selected fellows are expected to develop their research expertise, contribute to scientific innovation and build careers that support their home countries or regions.
The programme also encourages fellows to promote STEM education, mentor younger people and help inspire more girls and women to enter scientific and technical fields.
The supplied information does not specify the individual award amount or the complete funding package for the 2027–2028 cycle. Applicants should consult the official application information for the current funding terms.
Qualifications and Eligibility
To be eligible for the Faculty for the Future Fellowships, applicants must meet the programme’s stated requirements.
1. Nationality and Gender
Applicants must be women and citizens of eligible low- or middle-income countries where women are underrepresented in STEM disciplines.
Applicants who hold dual citizenship, including citizenship of a developed country, are not eligible under the stated rules. The Foundation also states that a grant may be discontinued if a recipient obtains citizenship of a developed country after receiving the award.
2. Academic Level and Research Field
Applicants must be preparing for a PhD or postdoctoral research programme in a STEM discipline. The programme does not fund master’s-level studies.
Candidates should have an excellent academic record and demonstrate strong research potential.
3. Host University or Research Institution
Applicants must have enrolled, been admitted or applied to a recognised university or research institution abroad with a strong reputation for research in their field.
Applications are not accepted from candidates who have not yet applied to a host institution.
For sandwich programmes, the final degree must be awarded by the host university abroad or jointly with the home university, rather than solely by the home-country institution.
4. Commitment to Home Country Development
Applicants must be willing to return to their home country or region after completing their studies and contribute to its socio-economic development.
The programme identifies possible pathways including an academic or research position in a STEM faculty, STEM entrepreneurship addressing regional challenges, or public-sector leadership that supports evidence-based STEM policymaking.
5. Teaching, Leadership and Community Engagement
Candidates must demonstrate a record of teaching experience in their home country and a commitment to contributing to STEM development after their studies.
Applicants must also demonstrate leadership skills, active community outreach and a track record of encouraging young people, particularly girls and women, to pursue STEM education and careers.
Eligible Countries
The supplied announcement includes an eligible-country list labelled 2026–2027. Countries listed include Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria and several other countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific.
Because that list is labelled for the previous cycle, applicants should confirm that their country remains eligible for the 2027–2028 fellowship before applying.
Additional Information
Applications are accepted exclusively through the programme’s online application system.
Application period: 1 September 2026 to 7 November 2026.
Selection Criteria
The Foundation states that successful applications pass through four selection rounds. Reviewers pay particular attention to:
- Academic performance.
- The quality of recommendation letters.
- The reputation and research strength of the host university.
- The applicant’s commitment to returning to their home country.
- Commitment to teaching, STEM entrepreneurship or policymaking.
- The relevance of the research to the applicant’s home country.
- Commitment to inspiring girls and women to pursue STEM.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early, follow the instructions carefully, present a clear and consistent career plan, and disclose information about other fellowships, scholarships or sponsorships.
How to apply: Visit the Schlumberger Foundation website and locate the Faculty for the Future programme to access the application system and current eligibility instructions.
Applicants should ensure that their academic records, references, research plans and evidence of leadership are ready before submitting their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship?
It is a fellowship programme intended to support eligible women from low- and middle-income countries pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM at recognised institutions abroad.
2. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for new applications for the 2027–2028 cycle is 7 November 2026.
3. Does the fellowship fund master’s degrees?
No. According to the supplied eligibility criteria, the programme supports PhD preparation and postdoctoral research, not master’s-level studies.
4. Can women from Zimbabwe apply?
Zimbabwe appears on the supplied eligible-country list for 2026–2027. Applicants should confirm whether Zimbabwe remains eligible for the 2027–2028 cycle and ensure they meet all other criteria.
5. Can I apply if I have not applied to a university abroad?
No. The stated criteria require candidates to have applied to, been admitted to or enrolled at a recognised host university or research institution abroad.
6. Must fellows return to their home countries?
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to returning to their home country or region and contributing to its socio-economic development after completing their studies.
7. What research fields are prioritised?
The programme supports STEM disciplines and particularly encourages applications in areas where women are underrepresented, including physical sciences, engineering, computer science and mathematics.
8. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
The supplied announcement does not state the award amount for the 2027–2028 cycle. Candidates should check the official programme guidelines for current funding details.
9. What are the main selection criteria?
Reviewers consider academic performance, references, the host institution’s research reputation, research relevance to the home country, commitment to return, teaching or policy contributions, and efforts to encourage women into STEM.
10. How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the Faculty for the Future application system accessed via the Schlumberger Foundation website.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships may be relevant to women seeking advanced STEM research opportunities abroad while planning to contribute to scientific development in their home countries. Applicants should pay particular attention to the nationality requirements, academic eligibility, host institution criteria and commitment to returning home.
With the deadline approaching on 7 November 2026, eligible candidates should review the official guidelines and prepare their supporting documents promptly.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares educational and funding opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Schlumberger Foundation and does not administer the fellowship. Applicants should verify eligibility, funding details and application requirements through the official programme website.
SEO Keywords: Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships 2027–2028, Schlumberger Foundation scholarship, STEM fellowships for women, PhD fellowships for women, postdoctoral research fellowships, international STEM funding, fellowships for African women, Zimbabwe STEM fellowships, women in science funding, PhD research abroad, engineering fellowships for women, computer science fellowships
