Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 for Women in STEM: Eligibility, Application Deadline and How to Apply
About this opportunity
The Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 is an international fellowship opportunity offered by the Schlumberger Foundation to support women pursuing advanced academic and research careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The programme supports women from low- and middle-income countries who are preparing for PhD studies or postdoctoral research at recognised universities and research institutions abroad.
The fellowship aims to strengthen scientific capacity in applicants’ home countries by supporting women who intend to return and contribute to research, education, entrepreneurship or evidence-based policymaking.
Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship cycle are currently open, with the application system accepting new applications from September 1 to November 7, 2026.
Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028: Overview
| Fellowship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Faculty for the Future Fellowship |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Provider | Schlumberger Foundation |
| Study Level | PhD and Postdoctoral Research |
| Eligible Fields | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) |
| Eligible Applicants | Women from eligible low- and middle-income countries |
| Study Destination | Recognised universities and research institutions abroad |
| Application Opening Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 7, 2026 |
| Application Method | Online application system |
| Official Website | https://www.facultyforthefuture.net/ |
About the Faculty for the Future Fellowship
The Faculty for the Future programme was established to support women in STEM disciplines and encourage their participation in scientific research, academic leadership and innovation.
Through the fellowship, selected applicants can pursue advanced research and academic training abroad while developing the skills and expertise needed to contribute to the development of their home countries.
The programme places particular emphasis on women in disciplines where female representation remains limited, including physical sciences, engineering, computer science and mathematics.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic achievements, leadership potential and a clear commitment to using their knowledge and experience to address challenges in their home countries or regions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants interested in the Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 must meet the following eligibility requirements.
1. Nationality and Gender
Applicants must:
- Be women.
- Be citizens of an eligible low- or middle-income country where women are underrepresented in STEM disciplines.
- Not hold dual citizenship where one citizenship is from a developed country.
Applicants who receive a fellowship and subsequently obtain citizenship of a developed country may have their grant discontinued from the date of acquiring that additional citizenship.
The programme particularly encourages applicants from countries with a low United Nations Human Development Index (HDI).
2. Academic Qualification
Applicants must be preparing for either:
- A PhD degree in a STEM discipline; or
- Postdoctoral research in a STEM discipline.
The Faculty for the Future programme does not fund Master’s-level studies.
3. Admission to a Host Institution
Applicants must be enrolled, admitted or have applied to a recognised university or research institution abroad.
The host institution should be well-ranked and recognised for strong research in the applicant’s field of study.
Applicants who have not yet applied to a host university or research institution are not eligible to submit an application.
For sandwich programmes, the final degree must be awarded by the host institution abroad or jointly with the home institution. A degree awarded solely by the home-country institution does not meet this requirement.
4. Academic Excellence
Applicants must demonstrate an excellent academic record and the ability to succeed in advanced research or academic training.
Academic performance is an important consideration during the fellowship selection process.
5. Commitment to Returning Home
Applicants must demonstrate a willingness to return to their home country or region after completing their studies.
They should explain how their research, training and professional experience will contribute to the socio-economic development of their home country.
6. Teaching and Professional Experience
Applicants must have a proven record of teaching experience in their home country.
They should demonstrate a commitment to returning home to pursue one or more of the following career pathways:
- An academic or research position in a STEM faculty.
- STEM entrepreneurship that addresses challenges in their local community or region.
- Leadership in the public sector, using scientific expertise to support evidence-based STEM policymaking.
7. Leadership and Community Outreach
Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills, active community engagement and a record of encouraging young people to pursue STEM education.
The programme particularly values applicants who have supported girls and women in accessing STEM education, research and professional opportunities.
Priority STEM Fields
The Faculty for the Future programme supports research and academic development across STEM disciplines.
However, the foundation particularly encourages applications from fields where women remain significantly underrepresented, including:
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed research or academic training relates to the development needs of their home country or region.
Selection Criteria
Successful applications undergo four selection rounds.
During the selection process, reviewers pay particular attention to the following factors:
| Selection Criterion | What Applicants Should Demonstrate |
|---|---|
| Academic Performance | Strong academic achievements and research potential |
| Quality of References | Relevant and credible academic or professional recommendations |
| Host Institution | A recognised university or research institution with strong research capacity |
| Commitment to Returning Home | A clear plan to return to the home country or region |
| Professional Commitment | Plans to contribute through teaching, STEM entrepreneurship or policymaking |
| Research Relevance | How the proposed research addresses challenges in the applicant’s home country |
| STEM Outreach | A demonstrated commitment to encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM careers |
Applicants should ensure that their application presents a consistent and convincing explanation of their academic background, research goals, professional plans and intended contribution to their home country.
Application Period and Deadline
The online application system for new Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 applications is open during the following period:
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | September 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 7, 2026 |
Deadline reminder: Applicants should complete and submit their applications before November 7, 2026. Preparing a competitive application may require considerable time, particularly when obtaining references and preparing supporting documents.
How to Apply for the Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028
Applications are accepted exclusively through the online application system.
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Faculty for the Future website.
- Carefully review the eligibility criteria to confirm that you qualify.
- Ensure that you have applied to, been admitted to or are enrolled at an eligible host university or research institution abroad.
- Prepare your academic information, research plans, references and other required application materials.
- Develop a clear explanation of how your proposed research will contribute to the socio-economic development of your home country.
- Explain your commitment to returning home and contributing to STEM education, research, entrepreneurship or policymaking.
- Provide information about any other fellowships, scholarships, sponsorships or funding sources you have received or applied for.
- Complete and submit the online application before November 7, 2026.
Official Application Website
For complete programme information, eligibility requirements and access to the online application system, visit:
Faculty for the Future Official Website:
https://www.facultyforthefuture.net/
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application
The Schlumberger Foundation recommends that applicants plan ahead and carefully prepare their applications.
Consider the following guidance:
Check your eligibility early. Confirm that your nationality, academic level, research field and host institution meet the programme requirements before investing time in the application.
Develop a clear research strategy. Explain your research objectives and how they relate to the development needs of your home country or region.
Prepare strong references. Choose referees who can provide meaningful information about your academic performance, research ability, leadership and professional potential.
Demonstrate your commitment to returning home. Explain your intended career pathway after completing your studies and how your expertise will contribute to your home country.
Highlight your STEM outreach activities. Include relevant experience encouraging girls and women to participate in STEM education and careers.
Disclose other funding sources. Provide accurate information about any other scholarships, fellowships, sponsorships or financial support.
Follow the application instructions carefully. Ensure that all sections of the application are complete, consistent and submitted before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 open to international applicants?
The programme is open to eligible women who are citizens of qualifying low- and middle-income countries where women are underrepresented in STEM disciplines.
Can Master’s students apply?
No. The programme does not fund Master’s-level studies. Applicants must be preparing for a PhD or postdoctoral research in a STEM discipline.
Do applicants need to have applied to a university?
Yes. Applicants must be enrolled, admitted or have applied to a recognised host university or research institution abroad. Applications are not accepted from candidates who have not yet applied to a university.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for new applications is November 7, 2026.
Is teaching experience required?
Yes. Applicants must have a proven record of teaching experience in their home country and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to STEM education, research, entrepreneurship or policymaking after completing their studies.
Must applicants return to their home country?
Applicants must demonstrate their willingness to return to their home country or region after completing their studies and contribute to its socio-economic development.
Where can applicants find the official application information?
Applicants can access the programme information and online application system through the official Faculty for the Future website:
Final Reminder
The Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2027–2028 offers an opportunity for eligible women in STEM to pursue PhD studies or postdoctoral research abroad while preparing to contribute to scientific research, education and development in their home countries.
Prospective applicants should review the official eligibility requirements, prepare their supporting materials carefully and submit their applications before November 7, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes. Applicants should consult the official Schlumberger Foundation website for the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions, funding details and programme updates.
