L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant 2025-2026
ABOUT THE GRANT PROVIDER – L’ORÉAL–UNESCO
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program is a collaboration between UNESCO and the Fondation L’Oréal with the aim of recognizing and supporting female researchers who have made significant contributions to overcoming global challenges. The program has been active in Africa since 2010 and has supported over 150 young female scientists. The South African National Programme was launched in 2019.
ABOUT THE L’ORÉAL–UNESCO WOMEN IN SCIENCE GRANT
L’Oréal-UNESCO invites female students to apply for the Women in Science South Africa National Young Talents Programme for the 2025-2026 academic year. This program is intended for South African female scientists pursuing doctoral and post-doctorate studies in various scientific fields, including formal sciences, physical sciences, life and environmental sciences, and engineering sciences and technology.
ABOUT THE GRANT VALUE & SELECTION
The South African National Programme awards grants to six female scientists each year:
- Doctoral students: Three research grants of R80,000 each.
- Post-doctorate students: Three research grants of R160,000 each.
Applications will be reviewed by an expert panel and jury during June. The final selection of candidates will take place by the end of August, with the winners announced and a ceremony held in September.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE L’ORÉAL–UNESCO WOMEN IN SCIENCE GRANT
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Doctoral students:
- Must be South African citizens.
- Must be enrolled at a university in South Africa.
- Must be conducting research in one of the specified scientific fields.
- Must not be currently supported by one of the national or regional L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs.
- Must be in the 2nd year of their thesis.
Post-doctorate students:
- Must be South African citizens.
- Must be enrolled in a post-doctorate program at a research laboratory or institution in any of the 9 provinces.
- Must have obtained a doctorate in one of the specified scientific fields.
- Must be conducting research in one of the specified scientific fields.
- Must have started the post-doctorate before the opening date of the grant (5 May ).
- Must not be currently supported by one of the national or regional L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE L’ORÉAL–UNESCO WOMEN IN SCIENCE GRANT
Applications must be submitted online through the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant application portal. Applicants are required to register an account before logging in and applying. Be sure to download and read the program’s guidelines before applying.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your application:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including training, dissemination actions, and commitments.
- Copies of tertiary qualifications.
- Summary of research work (maximum 200 words).
- Detailed description of research work and methodology (maximum 2 pages).
- Estimated budget detailing expected expenditure for research work.
- Two or more letters of recommendation.
- List of publications.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE L’ORÉAL–UNESCO WOMEN IN SCIENCE GRANT
The closing date for applications is 15 June. Ensure that your application is submitted before this date to be considered.
CONTACT THE GRANT PROVIDER
For inquiries related to this grant program, please contact L’Oréal-UNESCO through their contact form.
