Sub-Saharan Africa - 2026 Call for Application

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Sub-Saharan Africa - 2026 Call for Application

Starting in 2026, we are breaking down borders to create a single, prestigious community of excellence. The South African National Programme and the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Programme have officially merged to become the unified L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme.

For over 25 years, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have stood side-by-side to champion the brilliance of women in science. Today, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme serves as a powerful catalyst for change, uniting researchers from all 49 countries across the region, including South Africa to lead as a single, Pan-African force for global advancement.
 
Are you ready to join this elite community of trailblazing researchers?
 
From the leading labs and research centers across the continent, we are seeking the next generation of women scientists who are poised to change the world. We invite applications from researchers dedicated to excellence in the following fields: Formal & Life Sciences, Environmental & Physical Sciences, Engineering & Technological Sciences.
Step into the spotlight of international scientific recognition.
 
Join a legacy of excellence and lead the future of African discovery. 

Calendar

11 March 2026 - Call for Applications 

24 April 2026 - Closing and analysis of applications 

  • March 11, 2026 Start of the call for application/nomination
  • May 15, 2026 Closing of the call for application/nomination
  • July 9, 2026 Candidates' final selection

Program Overview

Partners

UNESCO

Award(s) of the Prize
  • Research grants for (30) doctoral and (8) post doctoral research candidates
  • Training in Leadership, Management, Negotiation and Communication
Amount per endowment

10.000€ for doctoral students.

15.000€ for post-doctoral students.

Main eligibility criteria

Nationality & Location: Must be a citizen of one of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries (including South Africa) and be conducting research within a laboratory or institution in one of these countries.

Research Fields: Research must be in Formal, Life, Environmental, Physical, Engineering, or Technological Sciences.

  • Doctoral Candidate Requirements:
    • Must be currently enrolled in a doctoral school.
    • Specifics: Must be in their second year of PhD or higher (first-year students are not eligible).
  • Post-doctoral Researcher Requirements:
    • Must be enrolled in a post-doctorate and have started their research before the call for applications opened.
    • Academic Cut-off: Must have defended their thesis after February 2021.

Maternity Clause: The 5-year post-thesis window is extended by one year per child.

General Exclusion: Previous awardees of any L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science national or regional program are not eligible.

Selection criteria
  • Scientific excellence of the research project
  • Quality of the application
  • Ability to communicate and promote science
Initial launch date
2010
Total number of endowments awarded since launch
320

Information document(s)

FWIS Africa Rules and Regulations 2026- Final