The Faculty for the Future Fellowship supports women from eligible developing and emerging economies who are pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM at a university or research institute outside their home country. The programme is run by the Schlumberger Foundation and focuses on strengthening women’s participation and leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. New applications for the 2027 fellowships opened on 1 September 2026. The fellowship is competitive and applicants must already have applied to, been admitted to, or be enrolled at an eligible host institution abroad.
For the 2027 round, the official application portal lists a closing date of 7 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CST (UTC-6). Reference letters have a later deadline of 14 November 2026. Grants can be worth up to USD 50,000 per year for PhD study and up to USD 40,000 per year for postdoctoral research, depending on actual eligible expenses. Applicants should rely on the official Faculty for the Future portal for the final rules and submission requirements.
Faculty for the Future Fellowship Details
The award is intended for women whose advanced STEM training can contribute to research, teaching, public-sector problem solving, entrepreneurship, or broader scientific development in their home countries. The host university or research institute must be outside the applicant’s home country, except for limited sandwich arrangements where the final degree is awarded by the foreign host institution.
The initial grant period is one academic year. Renewal is not automatic and depends on academic progress, references, and the programme’s annual review. Applicants are responsible for identifying a suitable host university and supervisor, and the quality of that host environment forms part of the selection process.
Programme | Faculty for the Future Fellowship |
|---|---|
Host | Schlumberger Foundation |
Study level | PhD and postdoctoral research |
Field | STEM disciplines |
Maximum funding | Up to USD 50,000/year for PhD and USD 40,000/year for postdoctoral research |
Application deadline | 7 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CST (UTC-6) |
Reference deadline | 14 November 2026 |
Official source | Faculty for the Future application portal |
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Faculty for the Future Fellowship Benefits
The financial package is based on the applicant’s actual study and research costs. The official FAQ says the award may cover tuition, bench fees, accommodation, living costs, books, insurance, local transport, visa fees, travel, and eligible conference expenses.
The maximum annual amount is USD 50,000 for PhD programmes and USD 40,000 for postdoctoral research. An exceptional child-care grant may also be available at the Foundation’s discretion when the programme’s conditions are met. The award does not cover school tuition fees for children.
- Up to USD 50,000 per year for PhD study
- Up to USD 40,000 per year for postdoctoral research
- Eligible tuition, living, travel, visa and research-related expenses
- Potential child-care support in qualifying cases
Also Check: Researchers considering other competitive international awards can review Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027-28.
Related opportunity: Readers comparing this opportunity can also review the EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship as a related fellowship.
Also explore: Readers comparing this opportunity can also review the ARC Future Fellowships as a related fellowship.
Faculty for the Future Fellowship Eligibility
Applicants must be women and citizens of an eligible developing or emerging economy where women are underrepresented in STEM. A person is not eligible if she also holds citizenship of a developed country. The programme does not impose an age limit, although remaining years of potential teaching and professional contribution can be considered during selection.
Candidates must be preparing for a PhD or postdoctoral research programme in a STEM discipline. Master’s-level study is not funded. Applicants need strong academics, leadership and community engagement, plus a clear plan to return home and contribute through research, teaching, policy or entrepreneurship.
How to Apply
Create an account on the official Faculty for the Future application website and complete the online form. Applicants should prepare their academic history, research proposal, personal statements, host-institution information, financial details and supporting documents carefully. The portal can be updated before final submission, but a submitted application cannot be edited afterward.
Referees receive instructions through the online system, so candidates should enter referee details well before the closing date. The official application site recommends using a supported browser and checking the FAQ before contacting the programme. Keep a copy of the final application and verify that all reference letters are submitted by the separate referee deadline.
Application Deadline
The official deadline for new and renewal applications is 7 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CST (UTC-6). Applicants in other time zones should convert the deadline and submit early rather than waiting until the final hours.
Reference letters must be submitted online by 14 November 2026. Selection results are normally available by the end of March 2027. A successful award then remains valid for study at one of the host institutions listed in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions concern funding limits, age, study level and whether applicants may already be enrolled abroad. The official FAQ confirms that current PhD and postdoctoral researchers may apply if they otherwise satisfy the criteria. It also confirms that there is no formal age limit.
Applicants should remember that meeting the eligibility rules does not guarantee selection. The programme reviews academic quality, references, research relevance, host university quality, leadership and commitment to the home country.
Does the fellowship fund master’s degrees?
No. The programme funds PhD study and postdoctoral research in eligible STEM fields, not master’s programmes.
Is there an age limit?
No formal age limit is stated. The selection process can still consider the number of professional and teaching years an applicant is likely to have after completing the funded training.
Conclusion
The Faculty for the Future Fellowship is a substantial international STEM award for women from eligible developing and emerging economies. Strong applicants combine academic excellence, a clear research plan, a strong host institution, leadership experience and a credible commitment to contribute at home.
Candidates should submit the online application before 7 November 2026 and ensure references arrive by 14 November 2026. Funding can reach USD 50,000 per year for PhD study and USD 40,000 for postdoctoral research, but the final award is based on eligible costs and programme review. Always verify the current conditions on the official application portal before submission.
