Doing a PhD is not easy. It requires grit, intelligence, and, most importantly, money. That’s why the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship is something you should put your attention to.
In the current Nigerian economy, where the Naira is dancing galala against the Dollar, the dream of studying abroad can feel impossible for many brilliant female researchers.
If you are a woman looking to break the glass ceiling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), I have massive news for you.
There is a way to bypass the financial stress. It’s called the Schlumberger Foundation “Faculty for the Future” program.
This isn’t just a small grant; it is full PhD funding for women that can change your life and career trajectory.
Whether you are currently stuck due to ASUU strikes, working as a graduate assistant in a Nigerian university, or dreaming of global impact, this guide is for you.
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Table of Contents
What Exactly is the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future?
The Schlumberger Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports science and technology education.
Their flagship program, Faculty for the Future, was launched in 2004.
Here is the logic: The foundation realized that there is a massive gender gap in science, especially in developing nations.
Men often dominate the top academic positions in Nigerian universities. To fix this, they offer premium STEM scholarship opportunities to talented women, empowering them to study at top-tier universities abroad.
But there is a twist, a good one. This isn’t just about you getting a degree and disappearing into the diaspora.
The program is designed to create powerful female leaders who will return home to become professors, deans, and policymakers.
READ ALSO: Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Funding for PhD at Cambridge
Why You Should Apply (What Are The Benefits?)
Aside from the prestige of being a Faculty for the Future Fellow, the benefits are mouth-watering.
- Massive Financial Support: We are talking about grants of up to $50,000 per year for PhDs and $40,000 per year for Post-doc research. This covers tuition, living expenses, and accommodation. You won’t need to call home for urgent 2k.
- Top-Tier Networking: You join a community of over 800 women from 80+ countries. These are the future movers and shakers of global science.
- Soft Skills Training: They don’t just give you money; they train you in leadership and public policy so you can effectively navigate university politics when you return.
Also: Check out other International Scholarships for Nigerians
Schlumberger Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
Before you rush to the portal, let’s check if you qualify. The Schlumberger Foundation is strict with their criteria.
- Gender: You must be female.
- Origin: You must be a citizen of a developing country (Nigeria is fully eligible).
- Education: You are preparing for a PhD or Post-doctoral study in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
- Admission Status: You must have applied to, been admitted to, or are currently enrolled in a university abroad.
- The “Home” Factor: You must be willing to return to your home country to contribute to the economic, social, and technological advancement of your local community.
What Subjects qualify as STEM here?
It’s not just Engineering. It includes:
- Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry)
- Biological Sciences
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
READ ALSO: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS): High Stipend Award
How to Apply for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship
Applying for PhD funding for women at this level requires precision. Don’t use “Nigerian time” for this application.
1. The Strategy Phase
Start early. You need to secure admission into a foreign university before or during the application process. The foundation wants to see that a top school has already accepted you or is considering you.
2. The Online Application
All applications are done through the Schlumberger Foundation online portal. You will need to create an account.
- Tip: Use a professional email address (e.g.,
firstname.lastname@gmail.com), notsexyphdbabe@yahoo.com.
3. Required Documents
Get these ready:
- PhD Research Proposal: This must be solid. Explain the problem, your solution, and why it matters to Nigeria.
- Proof of Admission: Or evidence that you have applied.
- Reference Letters: This is where many Nigerian students fail. You need referees who can vouch for your intellect and your leadership potential.
4. The “Return Strategy” Statement
This is the most critical part of your essay. You must convince the board that you are serious about faculty development in Nigeria.
- Will you return to your former university?
- Do you have a job waiting for you?
- How will you encourage other girls to study science?
Winning Tip: If you are currently a Lecturer or Graduate Assistant in a Nigerian Federal or State University, you have an advantage. It proves you have a job to return to. Mention this explicitly.
READ ALSO: The DAAD Sandwich PhD Scholarship: How to Research in Germany While Studying in Nigeria (Full Guide)
5 Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
Competition for women in science grants is fierce. Here is how to beat the crowd:
- Highlight Leadership: Don’t just talk about your grades. Did you lead a research group? Did you organize a tutorial class during your undergrad? Show them you are a leader.
- Connect Your Research to Nigeria’s Growth: If you are studying Renewable Energy, explain how your research will help solve Nigeria’s power grid issues. Make it relevant.
- Chase Your Referees: You know how Nigerian professors can be busy. Inform them months in advance. Remind them respectfully. If a referee misses the deadline, your application is void.
- Proofread Like a Pro: Typos signal carelessness. Use tools like Grammarly, but also get a human (preferably a senior academic) to read your essay.
- Be Authentic: Tell your story. The struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated field in Nigeria are real. Share that story, but focus on how you overcame it, not just the complaints.
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: Campus Hustle NG is an informational blog. We do not award scholarships.
- Never pay money to anyone claiming they can “process” this scholarship for you. The application is FREE.
- Always verify information on the official Schlumberger Foundation website.
- Scammers are real, so shine your eyes.
READ ALSO: Finding a Supervisor: How to Cold Email Professors for PhD Funding
FAQs About Schlumberger Foundation Faculty
Is the Schlumberger Foundation scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the Faculty for the Future fellowship is a fully funded STEM scholarship. It covers tuition, living costs, and related expenses up to $50,000 per year for PhD students.
Can I stay abroad after completing my studies?
Generally, no. The core purpose of the program is faculty development in your home country. You are expected to return to Nigeria (or your home country) to contribute to the academic sector after your studies.
When does the application open?
Applications usually open in September and close in November every year. It is best to check the official website for the exact dates for the current cycle.
Does it cover Master’s degrees?
No. The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future program is strictly for PhD and Post-doctoral studies.
In Summary
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future fellowship is more than just money; it is a platform to amplify the voices of women in science.
For my Nigerian sisters in STEM, the road to a PhD might look rough, especially with the current state of our educational system.
But opportunities like this exist to lift you up. Don’t disqualify yourself before you even apply. Gather your documents, write that killer proposal, and claim your spot on the global stage. Also, check out our YouTube Channel.
Have you started your application yet, or are you facing challenges with your research proposal? Drop a comment below, let’s rub minds together.
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