L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science – Sub-Saharan Africa Programme 2026

The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science – Sub-Saharan Africa Programme is a regional fellowship initiative run by the L'Oréal Foundation in partnership with UNESCO. It is designed to support women scientists from across sub-Saharan Africa and to promote their visibility, leadership, and long-term participation in research careers.

The programme supports PhD and postdoctoral researchers working in broad scientific disciplines, including formal sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and technological sciences. It is intended for applicants who are conducting research at a recognized institution in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to financial support, selected fellows may receive professional development opportunities such as training in leadership, research management, negotiation, and science communication, as well as access to an international network of women scientists.

Based on the referenced programme posting, the fellowship offers direct research funding for both doctoral and postdoctoral candidates. The programme is pan-African in scope within the sub-Saharan region and has been presented as covering countries across the region, including South Africa.

Applicants are generally expected to be women citizens of a sub-Saharan African country. PhD applicants must usually already be in at least the second year of their thesis, while postdoctoral applicants must have completed their doctorate within the eligibility window set for the call. Candidates should review the official programme page each year for the current call, eligible fields, required documents, and submission instructions. Applications are typically made through the programme's official women-in-science platform when the annual call opens.