Frequently Asked Questions

General Help
What is the initial duration of the grant ?
The initial duration of the grant is for one academic year. The renewal of the grant is not automatic, but is
subject to academic progress, quality of references (a reference from host university supervisor is
mandatory) and the discretion of the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future program renewal
process.
When should I apply for a Faculty for the Future grant?
I plan to apply for a PhD or Post-Doc in 2015, should I apply for the Faculty for the Future grant in
September 2014 or in September 2015?
You are eligible to apply in September 2014. For example, if you apply to a host university during 2014 and
receive a grant (results announced approximately the end of March 2015) it is valid until spring 2016 by
which time you must have begun your studies in the host university of your choice. Each year, the
application session for a grant opens in mid-September and applications can be submitted up until
approximately mid-November.
Am I eligible without holding a faculty position yet?
We do not require any document certifying that you will have a faculty position when you return to your home
country on completion of your studies. However, during the application selection process (for both new and
renewals) - the Reviewing Committee closely examines the evidence of commitment to return home and the
level of relationship with home country university[ies]. The quality of this evidence has a significant impact on
the likelihood of winning and renewing an award.
When will I be informed of the selection results?
I've just submitted my application, what else am I expected to do? When will I be informed of the selection
results? You should wait for results to be delivered. The results are usually available on the application web
site by the end of March every year. Applicants who are awarded a grant will then receive a personal email.
The other applicants will receive a formal letter.
Why is a candidate not selected?
The competition is very intense for a limited number of awards. No individual
correspondence will be engaged in to provide reasons to unsuccessful applicants for not
receiving a grant.
In addition to tough competition, applications are typically unsuccessful due to the following
reasons:
Poor quality and/or incomplete application (especially in the Personal Essay and Research
Proposal Statement)
Failure to meet eligibility criteria
Insufficient evidence of commitment to home country return & to teaching
Level of qualification (the Schlumberger Foundation only funds PhD and post-doctorate
programs).
Faculty for the Future seeks to have an impact on gender balance in science disciplines by
reinforcing the presence and qualifications of women university teachers in developing and
emerging economies. We firmly believe that better gender balance at faculty level will
encourage more women to study the sciences and engineering disciplines.
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If you are well prepared to meet the core criteria and decide to embark on a doctoral
program next year, you are most welcome to re-apply on-line next Fall.
Will the grant support my family too?
Faculty for the Future grants are based on actual expenses to be incurred by the student only. This typically
includes tuition and university fees, an estimation of accommodation costs and a living allowance (food,
some allowance for books and supplies, medical/insurance coverage, child care, transport costs) in addition
to a budget for travel to host country, visa and conference expenses. Grants can be up to USD 50,000 per
year for PhD courses and a maximum of USD 40,000 for post-doc programs.
In addition, and at the discretion of the Schlumberger Foundation, an exceptional child care grant may be
awarded (per eligible child) to a grantee when certain conditions are met. These conditions are provided in the
financial section of the application form.
Can the grant be renewed and for how many years?
The renewal of the grant is not automatic, but is subject to academic progress, quality of references (a
reference from host university supervisor is mandatory) and the discretion of the Schlumberger Foundation
Faculty for the Future program renewal process.
Is there an accredited list of host universities?
No. However, you are encouraged to apply to the best universities abroad in your discipline. The university
that you are enrolled in will be taken into account in the decision process.
Do I have to find a Host University myself ?
Question: I would like to know if have to find host university and a prospective Host supervisor myself?
Answer: Yes, all applicants are responsible for finding a host university and a Host university supervisor
themselves.
Is it mandatory to pursue an acedemic career?
The Schlumberger Foundation does not require any document certifying that you will have a faculty position
when you return to your home country upon completion of your studies. However, during the selection
process (for both new and renewals), the reviewing committee closely examines evidence of the
commitment to return home and the level of relationship with home country university[ies], research or other
institutions in the relevant discipline. The quality of this evidence, and in the case of renewals in later years
of the program of study, the actual effort, as evidenced by applicants initiative to find research, faculty or
other positions, or to engage in various collaborative or significant outreach projects with home country
institutions, has a significant impact on the likelihood of receiving and renewing an award.
May I change my research project or host University if I receive an award?
Applicants may not change their research project or choice of Host University once they have submitted their
application. If you are selected for an award, it is on the basis of your application form and you may not
subsequently modify your research project and/or Host University without the prior approval of the
Schlumberger Foundation. You are therefore advised to carefully select your choice of Host University and
your research project at the time of applying as there is no guarantee that subsequent changes will be
accepted.
Registration
Creating a new account
Please go to https://www.fftf.slb.com/Login.aspx this page.
Recovering your password
Please go to this page.
More Information
Asking a question
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this set of Frequently Asked Questions, you may send us a
question using the Contact Us link on the home page (top right hand side).
How many grants were awarded for the 2013-2014 academic year?
A total of 556 eligible applications were submitted for the 2013-2014 academic year. Out of this, a total of 67
new grants were awarded.
May I change my research project or host university if I receive an award?
Applicants may not change their research project or choice of host university once they have submitted their
application. If you are selected for an award, it is on the basis of your application form and you may not
subsequently modify your research project and/or host university without the prior approval of the
Schlumberger Foundation. You are, therefore, advised to carefully select your choice of host university and
your research project at the time of applying as there is no guarantee that subsequent changes will be
accepted.
Is there financial support for grantees' children?
Child care grant: At the discretion of the Schlumberger Foundation, an exceptional child care grant may be
awarded (per eligible child) to a grantee where the following conditions are met:
the child/children is not older than 15 years of age (proof of age may be required);
the child/children permanently reside in the same household as the grantee in the host country; and the grantee provides
proof of reasonable and documented child-care costs. (All day-care expenses must be supported by a formal letter from the
day-care center, including the name of the child and an estimate of monthly charges).
The Foundation may award up to a maximum of 3,000 USD per annum/per child under 6 years of age, and up to a
maximum of 1,500 USD per annum/per child from 6 years of age to 15 years of age.
A grantee will not be entitled to receive an exceptional child credit for any child who has reached 16 years of age The total
child care grant shall not exceed 10,000 USD per grantee in any grant year.
Does the grant cover school tution fees for children?
The Faculty for the Future grant does not cover school tuition fees for children. However, it covers a
contribution towards pre-school day care costs.
Can my spouse and family come with me if I get an award ? What about visas ?
Your spouse and children may, of course, accompany you to your Host Country. However, the
Schlumberger Foundation does not handle, or assume responsibility for the visa process.
Application eligibility criteria
Am I eligible to apply?
You are eligible if:
you are a female and are a citizen of a developing country or emerging economy. You are not eligible to apply if you
hold dual citizenship of which one is citizenship of a developed country. (N.B. If you have been awarded a Faculty for
the Future grant and after the award you obtain citizenship of a developed country, the grant will be discontinued as of the
date of such additional citizenship);
you are preparing for PhD or postdoctoral studies in the physical sciences, engineering and related disciplines (see the
http://www.facultyforthefuture.net/ web site for some examples of typical disciplines awarded). Awards in biological sciences
are limited to interdisciplinary research between physical and biological sciences. The Faculty for the Future program does
not fund Master level studies;
you are currently enrolled, have been admitted to or have applied to a host university/research institute abroad
(applications are no longer accepted where an individual has not yet applied to a university). If you are applying for a
sandwich PhD it is essential that the final degree is awarded by the Host University abroad (i.e., not from the home
country university);
have a proven track record of teaching experience;
hold an excellent academic record;
can demonstrate active participation in faculty life and outreach programs to encourage young women to pursue studies
in the sciences
are willing to contribute to the socio-economic development of your home country and region by strengthening the
faculties in your home universities, pursuing relevant research, or using your scientific expertise to address public policy
matters.
IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ABOVE CRITERIA, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR A GRANT, AS YOUR
APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RETAINED IN THE SELECTION PROCESS.
Is it a woman only program?
Yes, as described in our manifesto, our long-term goal is to support role models and improve gender balance at
the faculty level so that more young women are attracted to scientific disciplines.
I'm already enrolled in a University can I still apply?
You can apply as we accept applications from people who are already pursuing their PhD or post-doc
abroad but are in need of financial assistance to continue.
Are Master degrees covered?
No, Faculty for the Future scholarships apply to PhD and Post-doc students only.
Am I eligible to apply if I have already started PhD or post-doc?
Yes, you can apply even if you have already commenced your PhD studies or post-doc research.
Am I eligible to apply if I plan to pursue my PhD or Post-Doc in a university of another
developing or emerging country?
The Faculty for the Future program aims to give the opportunity to scientific women from developing and
emerging countries to pursue a PhD or a post-doc in the best universities abroad. If you've been accepted in
a university of excellence you are eligible to apply, even if the university is not in a developed country.
However, the host university or research institute that you choose for your studies must not be in your home
country (unless it is a sandwich program and in this case the final degree must be issued by the foreign host
university).
Am I eligible to apply if I am preparing for a Master's degree?
No. Only students who have applied to, have been admitted to, or are currently enrolled in a university
abroad to pursue a PhD or a Post-doctoral course can apply for a Faculty for the Future grant.
Am I eligible to apply if I hold dual citizenship, one of which is a developed country?
No. You are not eligible to apply if you hold dual citizenship in a developed country.
Note: If you have been awarded a Faculty for the Future grant and after the award you obtain citizenship of
a developed country, the grant will be discontinued as of the date of such additional citizenship.
Am I eligible to apply if I study in my home country?
The Faculty for the Future program aims to provide the opportunity to scientific women from developing and
emerging countries to pursue a PhD or a Post-Doc in the best universities abroad. However, in some cases
sandwich programs are accepted where students spend only a part of the grant year in a Host University
abroad. In these cases, however, it is important to note that the final PhD degree must be awarded by the
foreign HOST University.
Can I apply for a Post-Doc grant if the Host University is the same as the one where I got my
PhD Degree?
Question: I am from a developing nation and am currently pursuing my PhD, aiming to graduate in
approximately one year from now. Can I apply for the Faculty for the Future Fellowship for postdoc funding if
I have pursued my PhD in a developed country, but wish to continue my postdoc research at the same
university where I obtained my PhD? Answer: You are eligible to apply for funding for a Post-Doc if you are
continuing in the same university where you are doing your PhD (i.e., in a university/institution abroad).
However, in light of the intense competition for this award, there are statistically a higher number of Post-Doc
grants awarded to those applicants for whom a Post-Doctoral research position would be an opportunity to
gain international experience abroad for the first time.
Is there an accredited list of Host Universitites?
No. However, you are encouraged to apply to the best universities abroad in your discipline. The host
university that you have applied to or are currently enrolled in or have been admitted to will be taken into
account in the decision process.
Why is my country not on the list when the IMF (or other sources) lists it as a developing
country?
The Faculty for the Future program focuses on developing and emerging economies. The determination or
classification of a country as advanced, developing or emerging is a complex process, requiring the analysis
of numerous, often-changing, criteria. Faculty for the Future derives its eligible country list from a number of
objective sources, including criteria seeking to identify developmental opportunities relating to science,
gender and education. Among the most significant sources relied upon by the Schlumberger Foundation is
the multi-variable United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) including the Gender Development and
Gender Empowerment Indexes, as well as indicators of adult educational levels. The list is reviewed every
year and levels of development fluctuate, so a country may be on the list this year and not on it the next, or
vice versa.
Note: The Schlumberger Foundation reserves the right not to consider or further process applications from
applicants whose country of citizenship and/or residence is a country under certain sanctions or subject to
embargo by relevant government authorities.
Am I eligible for grant if I pursue Post-Doc research on my own?
I am a female Ph.D. holder, and live in a developing country. I have just received my Ph.D. degree from an
institution in the US and am starting my career as a lecturer in a university in my home country. I need to
continue my Post-Doc research, however I am not sure if I will be able to officially join a foreign institute as a
post-doctoral fellow right now because i have jsut started my new posiion in my home university. If I were to
continue my postdoctoral research on my own, while providing evidence of good publications and research
records, would I be eligible for the Faculty for the Future Program? One of the criteria of eligibility is to have
applied to, have been admitted to or are currently enrolled in a University abroad to pursue PhD or Post Doc
research.
How competitive is the Selection Process?
The selection process is highly competitive. Out of 556 eligible applications last year, 63 were granted an
award. A successful application will have gone through four review rounds, with the reviewers paying
particular attention to the following criteria: i) Academic performance; 2) Quality of references; 3) Quality of
Host University; 4) Scientific interest of research proposal; 5) Relevance of research to home country; 6)
Evidence of intent to return to home country; 7) Committment to teaching; 8) Commitment to inspiring young
women into the sciences.
Are sandwich degrees funded by the Faculty for the Future program?
The Faculty for the Future program aims to provide the opportunity to scientific women from developing and
emerging countries to pursue a PhD or a Post-Doc in the best universities abroad. However, in some cases
sandwich programs are accepted where students spend only a part of the grant year in a Host University
abroad. In these cases, however, it is important to note that the final PhD degree must be awarded by the
foreign HOST University.
Is there an age limit?
No. Women of any age are eligible to apply. However, the number of teaching years remaining after the PhD
or Post-Doc has been acquired will be taken into account during the selection process.
It is mandatory to pursue an academic career?
We do not require any document certifying that you will have a faculty position when you return to your home
country upon completion of your studies. However, during the selection process (for both new and renewals)
- the reviewing committee closely examines evidence of the commitment to return home and the level of
relationship with home country university[ies]. The quality of this evidence has a significant impact on the
likelihood of winning and renewing an award.
Am I eligible to apply if I am already living in a developed country?
If you are a citizen from a developing or emerging country but reside in a developed country for the purpose
of pursuing your studies, you are eligible to apply. You are not eligible to apply if you hold dual citizenship
one of which is a developed country.
May I plan to study in another developing country?
The Faculty for the Future program aims to provide the opportunity to scientific women from developing and
emerging countries to pursue PhD or Post-Doc studies in the best universities abroad. If you have been
accepted in a university of excellence you are eligible to apply even if it is in another developing country.
What disciplines are eligible?
Eligible applicants are preparing for PhD or post-doctoral study in STEM and related fields or cross
disciplinary studies involving the major STEM fields. Awards in the biological sciences are limited. Please
see the following link http://www.facultyforthefuture.net/content/about-faculty-future-program (there is
a PDF file with Examples of Typical Disciplines Awarded on the right hand column of this page).
It is mandatory to return to home country?
We do not require any document certifying that you will have a faculty position when you return to your home
country upon completion of your studies. However, during the selection process (for both new and renewals)
- the reviewing committee closely examines evidence of the commitment to return home and the level of
relationship with home country university[ies]. The quality of this evidence has a significant impact on the
likelihood of winning and renewing an award.
How are the grantees selected?
The selection process includes five rounds:
First Round: Is based on compliance with eligibility criteria such as country of origin, discipline
and overall quality of application. Non-compliant applications are eliminated.
Second Round: The first shortlist is reviewed based on scoring of the following criteria:
- academic performance
- quality of references
- scientific interest of research proposal
- commitment to teaching
- relevance of research to home country
- commitment to inspiring young woman to pusure studies in the sciences
- quality of host country university
Third Round: The second shortlist is reviewed by the Schlumberger Foundation scientific
committee with a focus on quality of research proposal, scientific interest and relevance to
home country.
Fourth Round: The final shortlist of candidates is interviewed by telephone by members of the
Schlumberger Foundation Board of Trustees.
Final Round: Selection of grant recipients by Foundation Board and Executive Director.

May I plan to study in my home country?
The Faculty for the Future program aims to provide the opportunity to scientific women from developing and
emerging countries to pursue a PhD or a Post-Doc in the best universities abroad. However, in some cases
sandwich programs are accepted where students spend only a part of the grant year in a university abroad.
Application submission
How do I upload files?
To upload files please go to the tab called Upload doc in your on-line application form.
Should documents be translated in English?
Is it a requirement to provide the Diploma and Letter of Admittance from the university in English? Is it
necessary to have an official translation of documents? No, it is not mandatory.
After submission, can I still modify application?
After submitting my application online, can I access and modify it before the closing date? You can update
your application and save it as often as you need to before submitting it. However, once it has been
submitted it can no longer be modified. Your referees will then receive a notification email.
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15 Sep 2014 04:57 (GMT+2)
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