L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant Application 2026/2027. Are you a passionate woman researcher in South Africa committed to advancing scientific innovation and contributing to global knowledge? The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support and recognition to outstanding female scientists who are making significant contributions in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and technology. This prestigious grant programme aims to empower women in research by providing funding that supports their academic and professional growth.
Jointly initiated by L’Oréal South Africa and UNESCO, the programme forms part of the international For Women in Science initiative, which celebrates excellence and promotes gender equality in science. The South African edition recognizes emerging female scientists and provides grants that assist with research costs, project development, and participation in global scientific networks.
Applying for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grants 2026/2027 gives women researchers the opportunity to gain visibility, mentorship, and financial assistance to continue their groundbreaking work.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility criteria, supported research fields, benefits, application requirements, and closing date for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant 2026/2027.
About L’Oréal–UNESCO
The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Programme is a global initiative that celebrates and supports women who are making groundbreaking contributions in scientific research. Founded in partnership between UNESCO and the Fondation L’Oréal, the programme seeks to promote gender equality in science and empower women to tackle today’s global challenges through innovation and discovery.
Since its launch in 2010, the Africa Programme has supported over 150 outstanding female scientists across the continent. The South African National Programme, established in 2019, continues this legacy by investing in the country’s brightest young women researchers.
About the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grants
The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant provides research funding to female doctoral and postdoctoral scientists in the following scientific fields:
- Formal Sciences: Computer Science, Information Science, Mathematics
- Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Physics
- Life and Environmental Sciences: Agriculture, Medicine, Biology, Health Sciences, Earth and Environmental Studies, Biotechnology
- Engineering and Technology: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Environmental, Mechanical, Industrial, and Medical Engineering, as well as Nanotechnology
This programme aims to nurture female scientific talent, promote excellence, and enhance visibility for women researchers across South Africa.
Grant Value and Selection Process
Each year, six exceptional women are selected for funding:
- Doctoral Researchers: 3 grants valued at R80,000 each
- Postdoctoral Researchers: 3 grants valued at R160,000 each
Applications are evaluated by a panel of scientific experts based on academic merit, innovation, and the potential societal impact of the research. The selection process includes peer review and jury evaluation, with successful candidates announced at a formal awards ceremony.
Eligibility Criteria for L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant Application 2026/2027
Doctoral Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens enrolled at a South African university.
- Be in the second year of their PhD programme.
- Be conducting research in one of the approved scientific fields.
- Not already be funded by another L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science programme.
Postdoctoral Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens enrolled in a local research laboratory or institution.
- Have completed a PhD in an eligible scientific field.
- Be actively conducting postdoctoral research in one of the specified disciplines.
- Have started their postdoctoral work before the grant’s opening date.
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Not currently receive funding from any L’Oréal–UNESCO programme.
How to Apply for L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online via the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant Portal.
Applicants are encouraged to read the official programme guide (PDF) before applying. After registering and logging in, candidates should prepare the following required documents:
- Detailed CV (1–2 pages) including training, publications, and commitments.
- Copies of tertiary qualifications.
- Summary of research work (max 200 words).
- Comprehensive research proposal (max 2 pages).
- Estimated project budget (up to R80,000 or R160,000, depending on the level).
- Two or more recommendation letters evaluating the candidate’s work and character.
- List of publications (2 recent works for doctoral, 2 key works for postdoctoral).
Application Deadline for L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant 2026/2027
The closing date for the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grants is 15 June. Late submissions will not be accepted, so applicants are advised to complete their entries early.
Contact Details of L’Oréal–UNESCO
For more information or support, please contact the programme directly through the official form: https://www.forwomeninscience.com/contact/