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

The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science – Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 Programme is now open, offering fully funded research fellowships to women scientists across sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. This prestigious initiative, a collaboration between the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO, has supported women in science for over 25 years. In 2026, the program merges the South African national and sub-Saharan regional programs into a single pan-African platform, covering 49 countries and providing an unprecedented opportunity for women researchers on the continent.

Eligible applicants are women citizens of sub-Saharan African countries who are conducting research at recognized institutions within the region. The program is open to PhD students (at least in their 2nd year of thesis) and postdoctoral researchers (who defended their thesis after February 2021) working in Formal Sciences, Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or Technological Sciences. Past winners of any L'Oréal-UNESCO awards are not eligible to apply.

The fellowship provides significant financial support: €10,000 for each of 30 selected PhD students and €15,000 for each of 8 selected postdoctoral researchers. In addition to funding, awardees receive training in leadership, research management, negotiation, and science communication, and are integrated into an international network of award-winning women scientists, gaining visibility and recognition within the global scientific community.

Applications open on March 11, 2026, and close on May 15, 2026. Winners will be announced on July 6, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via the official application portal and ensure all eligibility criteria are met. This is a unique opportunity for women in science to advance their research and careers with the support of a globally recognized program.