Applications are open for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships 2026-2027 cycle - funded PhD and postdoctoral awards for women in STEM from eligible low- and middle-income countries. Awards support advanced research at internationally recognised universities abroad, with results expected in early April 2027.
New and renewal applications are accepted 1 September - 7 November 2026 (12:00 noon Central Standard Time, UTC−6). Reference letters are due by 14 November 2026. Grants are based on actual expenses - up to about USD 50,000/year for PhD and USD 40,000/year for postdocs.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Schlumberger Foundation pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Faculty for the Future Fellowships 2026-2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Schlumberger Foundation - Faculty for the Future |
| Who | Women from eligible developing / emerging economies |
| Level | PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM (Master’s not funded) |
| Host | Well-ranked university / research institute abroad |
| Grant (indicative max) | Up to USD 50,000/year (PhD) · up to USD 40,000/year (postdoc) |
| Applications open | 1 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 7 November 2026, 12:00 noon CST (UTC−6) |
| Reference letters | By 14 November 2026 |
| Results | Early April 2027 |
| Priority fields | Physical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics |
| Official apply portal | fftf.slb.com |
| Programme page | schlumbergerfoundation.com/apply-now |
What Is Faculty for the Future?
Launched by the Schlumberger Foundation, Faculty for the Future funds outstanding women scientists and engineers from countries where women are underrepresented in STEM. Fellows pursue PhD or postdoctoral research abroad, then return home to strengthen universities, research, entrepreneurship, and evidence-based STEM policy.
Grants typically help cover tuition/bench fees, accommodation, living costs, initial travel, visas, and conference expenses - based on documented need, not a flat stipend.
Eligibility
You must meet all of the Foundation’s criteria, including:
- Be a woman and a citizen of an eligible low- or middle-income country where women are underrepresented in STEM
- Not hold dual citizenship that includes a developed country
- Be preparing for a PhD or postdoctoral STEM programme (Master’s degrees are not funded)
- Be enrolled, admitted, or already applied to a well-ranked host university/research institute abroad
- Hold an excellent academic record
- Commit to returning home to contribute to socio-economic development
- Show teaching experience and/or plans for academia, STEM entrepreneurship, or STEM policy leadership
- Demonstrate leadership, community outreach, and a track record of encouraging girls and women into STEM
Always confirm your country on the official eligible-countries list before applying. If you do not meet the criteria, do not apply - ineligible applications are not retained.
Funding Overview
- PhD: up to about USD 50,000 per year (or equivalent)
- Postdoc: up to about USD 40,000 per year (or equivalent)
- Based on actual eligible expenses (tuition, living costs, travel, visa, conferences, etc.)
- Possible discretionary childcare support in some cases (see official FAQs/application form)
- Renewals may be available subject to performance and reintegration plans
Selection Criteria
Applications typically go through multiple review rounds. Reviewers pay particular attention to:
- Academic performance
- Quality of references
- Quality / reputation of the host university
- Commitment to return home
- Commitment to teaching, STEM entrepreneurship, or policymaking
- Relevance of research to the home country
- Commitment to inspiring girls and women into STEM
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility and host-university status on schlumbergerfoundation.com/applications.
- Prepare a coherent research and career plan linking your STEM work to impact at home.
- Register / log in on the official portal: www.fftf.slb.com (Firefox or Chrome recommended).
- Submit your completed application by 7 November 2026, 12:00 noon CST.
- Ensure referees submit letters online by 14 November 2026.
- Await results in early April 2027.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 7 November 2026, noon CST |
| Reference letter deadline | 14 November 2026 |
| Notification of results | Early April 2027 |
Official Links
Apply - Faculty for the Future portal
Apply now overview - Schlumberger Foundation
Applications, eligibility & criteria
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) 2027
- Google DeepMind AI Scholarship France 2026
- Endeavour Women in Tech Scholarship 2026
- ADB Japan Scholarship Program 2026
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Faculty for the Future Fellowships 2026-2027
Does it fund Master’s degrees?
No. Only PhD and postdoctoral STEM research.
When is the deadline?
7 November 2026 at 12:00 noon Central Standard Time (UTC−6). Reference letters: 14 November 2026.
How much funding can I receive?
Grants are expense-based - typically up to about USD 50,000/year for PhD and USD 40,000/year for postdocs.
Must I already have a university place?
You must be enrolled, admitted, or have already applied to a host institution abroad. Applications without a university application are not accepted.
Can dual citizens of developed countries apply?
No. Dual citizenship that includes a developed country makes you ineligible.
Which STEM fields are prioritised?
The Foundation particularly encourages Physical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics, while other STEM fields may also be eligible - check the official guidance.
