Get a $50000 annual grant to change your STEM career for the better

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship for 2026 is a great chance for women from developing and emerging economies to do advanced research in STEM subjects at top universities throughout the world

This well-known program offers full financial support of up to $50000 per year for PhD students and $40000 for post-doctoral researchers as well as great chances for professional growth

The deadline for applications is November 7 2025. This guide has all the information that qualified candidates need to get ready for their applications

Mission and Overview of the Program

The Schlumberger Foundation started the Faculty for the Future program in 2004 Since then it has evolved into a strong community of 965 women from 95 developing countries

The program's goal is to speed up gender equality in STEM fields by making it easier for more women to work in science which will help their home regions flourish in a way that lasts

The main goals of the program are

• Promoting gender equality in science by giving women and girls access to STEM education
• Bringing together people who can make a difference by helping to create highly successful scientists and strong leaders
• Making the future more sustainable by finding practical solutions to urgent sustainable development problems
• Creating a worldwide network of women scientists who can work together and help each other advance in their careers

All-around financial benefits

Chosen fellows get a lot of money to help them with their advanced research which covers almost all of their costs

The award can be renewed every year until the studies are finished as long as the student is making good academic progress has good references and has strong proof of plans to return to their native country

Requirements and Criteria for Eligibility

Gender and Citizenship

• Must be a woman who is a citizen of a developing nation or growing economy where women are not well represented in STEM fields
• Not eligible if you have dual citizenship even if one of them is from a developed country
• From countries that are eligible which include those in Africa Asia Latin America and the Middle East

Qualifications for School

• Getting ready for STEM PhD or post-doctoral research (no funding for Master's level)
• Enrolled accepted or applied to a university or research institute in another country
• Great grades in all of your previous studies
• For sandwich courses the host university abroad must give the final degree

Dedication and Experience

• Willing to go back to home country after finishing to help with socio-economic development
• Proven teaching experience in home country
• Proven leadership abilities and active community engagement
• History of getting girls and women into STEM disciplines

Dates and times for applications

Applicants must stick to a rigorous schedule for the application process

How to Choose and What to Look For

There are four strict stages in the screening process for applications and they pay special attention to

• Academic achievement and potential for research
• Quality of references (including a required recommendation from the host university supervisor)
• Quality of the host country's university and research environment
• Level of commitment to going back to the home country
• A commitment to teaching STEM entrepreneurship or making policies
• A commitment to making research useful for the needs of the home country
• A commitment to getting girls and women interested in STEM fields

There are just 56 new awards available for the 2024-2025 academic year thus the competition is very tough

Documents Needed

People who want to apply must get the following papers ready to send in

• An online application form that is filled out
• A research proposal that explains the goals methods and importance of the research
• Personal statement showing leadership and dedication to your home country
• Transcripts and certifications of degree completion
• Proof that you applied to or were accepted to the host university
• Reference letters (including one from your host university supervisor)
• Proof of experience teaching and working with the community

You must use Chrome or Firefox to submit any papers using the official web portal

Success Stories and Program Impact

The program has had a huge effect since it started

• 965 fellows from 95 countries have benefited from the program
• Fellows have done research at top universities across the world
• Many graduates have gone back to their home countries to become faculty members researchers and policy leaders
• The program has built a strong network of women scientists who help each other grow in their careers

Dr Shakardokht Jafari an Afghan immigrant who became an award-winning medical physicist and cancer technology creator is one of the most well-known success stories

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Check Eligibility: Before applying make sure you meet all the requirements
• Prepare paperwork: Get all the paperwork you need well ahead of time
• Make an account: Use Chrome or Firefox to sign up on the application portal
• Fill out the application: Make sure you fill out every part of the web form correctly
• Upload Documents: Send in all the necessary documents
• Send in References: Make sure that your referees send in their letters by November 14 2025
• Review and Submit: Make sure you double-check all the information before sending it in

Applications must be sent in before 12:00 noon Central Standard Time (UTC-6) on November 7 2025 and they can only be sent in through the official portal

Advice for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Get ready for your application well before the deadline
• Show Impact: Make it clear how your research can help your own country
• Show off your leadership skills: Give specific examples of how you have helped your community and promoted STEM
• Pick a university to host you Be careful
• Get Strong References: Pick referees who can talk about your skills and potential in a knowledgeable way
• Read through your work carefully: Make sure your program is error-free and looks professional
• 

Things to Think About

• Renewal Not Opening: Grants are given out every year and whether or not they are renewed depends on how well the student is doing in school and how good their references are
• No Changes After Submission: Research projects and host universities cannot be changed after the application has been submitted without prior approval
• Family Support Limited: The grant is only for the student and there is limited child care support available under certain conditions
• Return Commitment Essential: Evidence of commitment to return to the home country is essential for selection and renewal

Conclusion

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship is a great chance for women from developing and emerging economies to change their STEM careers while also helping their home nations grow

This fellowship offers a life-changing experience for successful applicants since it provides full financial assistance excellent career growth and access to a global network of women scientists

People who want to apply should start getting their applications ready now making sure to follow all the rules and meet the deadline

The deadline of November 7 2025 is coming up fast so you need to act promptly

Applicants should check the official Schlumberger Foundation website and application portal often to get the most up-to-date and accurate information

This renowned fellowship opportunity is the first step on your path to becoming a scientific leader Your research can help make a real difference in your native country and promote gender equality in STEM disciplines around the world