Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 is an international funding opportunity for talented women scientists and engineers from eligible low- and middle-income countries. The program supports women pursuing PhD and postdoctoral research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at recognized universities and research institutions abroad.

The Faculty for the Future program was established by the Schlumberger Foundation in 2004 with the goal of advancing gender equality in STEM and supporting women who can become researchers, educators, innovators and leaders in their communities. In 2026, the program reached the milestone of supporting its 1,000th Fellow worldwide.

Quick Facts

• Scholarship: Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028
• Provider: Schlumberger Foundation
• Study Level: PhD and Postdoctoral Research
• Field: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Study Location: Universities and research institutions abroad
• Target Group: Women from eligible low- and middle-income countries
• Application Opens: September 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: November 7, 2026
• Results: Early April 2027
• Application Fee: Free
• Master’s Programs: Not eligible

The Foundation is particularly encouraging applications in Physical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, where women remain significantly underrepresented.

What Does the Faculty for the Future Fellowship Offer?

The Faculty for the Future grant provides financial support for eligible academic and research expenses. Grants can be worth up to USD 50,000 per year for PhD programs and up to USD 40,000 per year for postdoctoral research programs.

Depending on individual circumstances, funding may help cover expenses associated with the study or research program, while exceptional childcare support may also be available under specific conditions.

The grant is initially awarded for one academic year. Renewal is not automatic and depends on factors including academic progress, references and the Foundation’s renewal assessment.

Fields of Study

The fellowship supports advanced research across STEM disciplines. For the 2027 application cycle, the Schlumberger Foundation is particularly interested in:

• Physical Sciences
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Other relevant STEM disciplines

The Foundation places particular emphasis on areas where women are underrepresented in science and engineering.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established by the Schlumberger Foundation. Candidates must:

• Be a woman and a citizen of an eligible low- or middle-income country where women are underrepresented in STEM.
• Be preparing for a PhD or postdoctoral research program in a STEM discipline.
• Be enrolled, admitted or have applied to a recognized university or research institute abroad.
• Have an excellent academic record.
• Demonstrate a commitment to returning to their home country or region after completing their studies.
• Have a proven record of teaching experience in their home country.
• Demonstrate plans to contribute to their home country through academic research, STEM entrepreneurship or public-sector policy.
• Demonstrate leadership and active community engagement.
• Have a track record of encouraging young people, particularly girls and women, to pursue STEM.

The program does not fund Master’s degree studies.

Host University Requirement

Applicants must have applied to, been admitted to, or already be enrolled at a host university or research institute abroad. The institution should be well recognized and have strong research capabilities in the applicant’s field.

The Schlumberger Foundation does not provide an accredited list of host universities. Applicants are encouraged to apply to strong universities abroad in their chosen discipline. The quality of the host institution is also considered during the selection process.

Selection Criteria

The Faculty for the Future Fellowship is highly competitive. Successful applications go through four selection rounds, with reviewers considering several aspects of the candidate’s academic and professional profile.

Key selection criteria include:

• Academic performance
• Quality of references
• Quality of the host university
• Commitment to returning home
• Commitment to teaching, STEM entrepreneurship or policymaking
• Relevance of the research to the applicant’s home country
• Leadership and community engagement
• Commitment to inspiring girls and women to pursue STEM

A strong application should therefore demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a clear vision for how the applicant will use their expertise to create impact after completing their studies.

Return to Home Country

An important component of the Faculty for the Future program is the applicant’s commitment to contributing to their home country or region.

Applicants should demonstrate how their education and research experience will help them contribute to:

• STEM education and teaching
• Scientific research
• Technology and innovation
• STEM entrepreneurship
• Public policy
• Community development
• Opportunities for women and girls in STEM

The Foundation may consider an applicant’s existing connections with universities and institutions in their home country as evidence of their commitment to return and contribute.

Application Timeline for 2027–2028

For the 2027–2028 Faculty for the Future Fellowship, the official application timeline is:

Application Opens: September 1, 2026
Application Deadline: November 7, 2026
Expected Results: Early April 2027

Applications are accepted only through the online application system during the official application period.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Review the official eligibility requirements and confirm that your country, academic program and STEM field meet the program criteria.

Step 2: Secure a Host University

Apply to a recognized university or research institute abroad that offers a suitable PhD or postdoctoral research opportunity.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Develop a strong application that clearly connects your academic background, research plans, career goals and commitment to contributing to your home country.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Materials

Ensure that all required information, references and supporting documents are complete and consistent before submission.

Step 5: Submit Online

Complete and submit the application through the official online system before November 7, 2026. The Foundation recommends planning well in advance because producing a high-quality application takes time.

Why Apply for the Faculty for the Future Fellowship?

The Faculty for the Future Fellowship provides more than financial assistance. Successful applicants become part of an international network of women scientists, engineers, researchers and STEM leaders.

The program aims to support women who can become:

• University researchers and educators
• Scientific and technical leaders
• STEM entrepreneurs
• Policy contributors
• Mentors and role models
• Agents of scientific and socioeconomic development

Since its establishment, the program has focused on creating greater gender parity in science while developing a global community of women capable of using STEM knowledge to address major challenges.

Official Application

Applications for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 are submitted through the official online application system.

Official Schlumberger Foundation Application Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Faculty for the Future Fellowship for?
It is designed for women from eligible low- and middle-income countries who are pursuing or preparing for PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM.

Does the fellowship fund Master’s degrees?
No. The Faculty for the Future program does not fund Master’s-level studies.

How much funding is available?
Grants can provide up to USD 50,000 per year for PhD studies and up to USD 40,000 per year for postdoctoral research.

Do I need to have a host university?
Yes. Applicants must have applied to, been admitted to or already be enrolled at a recognized university or research institute abroad.

Is there an age limit?
The official eligibility criteria do not specify a fixed age limit. The selection process instead considers the candidate’s academic profile, career plans, leadership and potential long-term impact.

Can the fellowship be renewed?
Yes, renewal may be possible, but it is not automatic. Academic progress, references and other program requirements are considered during the renewal process.

Is there an application fee?
No. Applications are submitted through the official online system.