Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026

Introduction

If you’re a woman scientist from a developing country aiming to pursue a PhD or post-doctoral research in STEM, the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026 is a golden opportunity. Drawing directly from the foundation’s official calls and trusted scholarship portals, I’ll give you exact guidelines, timelines, application tips, and pitfalls — everything you need to apply successfully.

Fellowship Overview

The Schlumberger Foundation is an independent non-profit organization committed to advancing gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Through the Faculty for the Future Fellowship, the foundation funds outstanding women from low- and middle-income countries to pursue advanced research degrees abroad.

Established in 2004, the program has built a powerful international network of women researchers, mentors, and educators who are transforming science and education systems worldwide.

Degree Level

• PhD and Postdoctoral Research Funding

2026 Fellowship Timeline & Deadlines

Eligibility Criteria & Rules 

Below are the criteria as laid out by the foundation and corroborating scholarship sources:

Gender & Citizenship

• Applicants must be female and citizens of a developing or emerging economy.
• Dual citizenship with a developed country disqualifies you.
• If you obtain developed-nation citizenship after receiving the fellowship, the grant may be revoked.

Level of Study

• Only PhD (doctoral) and post-doctoral research in STEM are eligible. Master’s degree studies are NOT eligible.
• You can apply if you are already enrolled in a PhD or postdoc abroad and need funding to continue.

Host Institution & Program

• You must have applied to, been admitted, or be enrolled at a host university or research institute abroad (outside your home country).
• In some cases, sandwich programs are allowed (i.e. splitting time between home and host institution), but the final degree must be awarded by the foreign host university.

Academic & Track Record

• You should have excellent academic performance (strong grades, transcripts).
• A record of teaching, outreach, leadership, especially encouraging women and girls into STEM, improves your chances.

Return Commitment & Relevance

• You must demonstrate a strong commitment to return to your home country/region post-study and apply your skills to local development.
• Your proposed research ideally should have relevance or benefit for your home country’s challenges.

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in English or the language required by the host institution is expected, including readiness for interview in English.
• There is no age limit, but the selection committee may consider how many productive years remain after your studies when judging your return potential.

 Fellowship Benefits & Funding Details

Based on official sources and scholarship portals:

• The maximum grant amount is USD 50,000/year for PhD fellows.
• For postdoctoral fellows, the cap is USD 40,000/year.
• The grant is based on actual eligible costs, not flat payment. That means you submit a realistic budget and only receive what is justifiable.
• Eligible expenses typically include:
  1. Tuition and bench fees
  2. Accommodation and living allowances (books, insurance, transport, supplies)
  3. Visa and travel costs (to/from host country)
  4. Conference or workshop participation, research-related costs
  5. (Conditional) Childcare support (some scholarships mention child support guidelines) — though this is subject to foundation discretion.
• The fellowship is renewable annually, subject to:
  • Continued good academic performance
  • Supervisor recommendations
  • Strong evidence of re-integration / return plan

Application Process & Components

Here’s how to apply and what documents you need — based on official info and scholarship guides:

How to Apply

1. Register as a new applicant on the Faculty for the Future portal (fftf.slb.com).
2. Fill the online application form once the portal is live (from 1 September 2025).
3. Upload required attachments (transcripts, CV, proposal, etc.).
4. Submit before the deadline.
5. Ensure referees submit their letters by 14 November 2025.

Required Documents & Components

• Academic transcripts from previous study levels
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including academic record, awards, outreach, etc.
• A research proposal: clearly structured, with objectives, methods, timeline, budget, and risk mitigation
• Evidence of admission / application / enrollment to a host institution abroad
• Budget and financial justification aligned with actual cost needs
• Two or more letters of reference (referees must submit on time)
• Statement of return plan / reintegration plan — how you’ll contribute back home
• Evidence of leadership / outreach — mentoring, volunteering, promoting women in STEM etc.
• (If applicable) proof of prior publications or research results
• Language test results, if required by your host institution or as supporting proof of English ability

Pitfalls & Tips 

Drawing from the FAQ and announcement pages:

• Master’s level studies are disqualified — the foundation will immediately exclude master’s-only applications.
• Dual citizenship rule is strict — you cannot hold developed-country citizenship.
• The host university must be abroad, unless it’s a sandwich program, and the final degree must come from the foreign institution.
• Be careful with application platform errors — the FAQ warns about using special symbols or accented letters which may cause save errors.
• Non-compliance with eligibility or rules leads to early elimination (first round).
• The quality of references and host institution reputation heavily influence selection.

Strategy to Maximize Your Chances

1. Start early. Build your proposal, contact referees, draft the return plan, and get feedback well before the deadline.
2. Choose a relevant, locally impactful research topic. Tie your proposal to your home country’s challenges to strengthen your return argument.
3. Select referees carefully. Pick mentors or senior academics who know your work well and can speak to your potential.
4. Show consistent leadership/outreach. Volunteer work, STEM camps for girls, or mentorship roles help your profile.
5. Budget realistically. Don’t inflate or under-estimate costs — make your justification clear and credible.
6. Proofread thoroughly. Avoid grammatical errors or formatting issues. Use simple, clean layout.
7. Align all parts of your application. Your proposal, return plan, CV, references should all reinforce your core narrative.
8. Prepare for interviews. If shortlisted, you may be interviewed by the foundation’s board. Be ready to articulate your research vision and return motivation.

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit an online application via the official Schlumberger Foundation portal.

FAQs – Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

1. Who can apply for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026?

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026 is open to women from developing and emerging economies who are pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to return home after completing their studies.

2. Is the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026 fully funded?

Yes. It’s a fully funded fellowship that covers tuition, living costs, research expenses, travel, and even limited childcare support. The maximum annual award is USD 50,000 for PhD and USD 40,000 for postdoctoral research, depending on demonstrated needs and budget justification.

3. How do I apply for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026?

Applications are submitted online via the official portal at fftf.slb.com. You’ll need to create an account, fill out the form, upload all required documents (CV, proposal, transcripts, references, return plan, etc.), and submit before the 7 November 2025 deadline. Reference letters must arrive by 14 November 2025.

4. What makes a strong application for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026?

A winning application combines an innovative research proposal, a clear return plan, proof of leadership, and strong recommendations. Focus on how your work will benefit your home country and empower other women in STEM. The committee values clarity, local relevance, and long-term impact over complexity.

5. Can I apply if I’m already enrolled in a PhD or postdoctoral program?

Yes. The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026 accepts both new and continuing PhD or postdoctoral candidates, as long as they meet eligibility requirements. Renewal is possible each year based on progress, academic standing, and continued commitment to return home.

6. When will selected candidates for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship 2026 be announced?

According to the official timeline, successful applicants will be notified in early April 2026. Winners will then receive onboarding information, grant agreements, and instructions for fund disbursement.