Schmidt Science Fellows
Last verified 25 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team
Schmidt Science Fellows funds early-career PhD scientists worldwide – including from African universities – to undertake a postdoctoral pivot into a new scientific discipline at leading host labs in the US, UK and Europe.
- Provider
- Schmidt Futures (in partnership with the Rhodes Trust)
- Host country
- United States
- Deadline
- July (university nominations) / followed by application round
- Region
- North America
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Eligibility & requirements at a glance
Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.
- Who can apply
- Researchers who have recently completed (or will complete) a PhD in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or computing. Must be nominated by one of ~100 partner universities worldwide, including several African institutions.
- Funding
- $110,000 stipend + travel and research support
- Study level
- Postdoc
- Deadline
- July (university nominations) / followed by application round
Key eligibility criteria
- Researchers who have recently completed (or will complete) a PhD in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or computing. Must be nominated by one of ~100 partner universities worldwide, including several African institutions.
Recorded funding information
- $110,000 stipend + travel and research support
About the Schmidt Science Fellows (2026)
Funding information
The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.
- $110,000 stipend + travel and research support
Schmidt Science Fellows eligibility
Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.
- Researchers who have recently completed (or will complete) a PhD in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or computing. Must be nominated by one of ~100 partner universities worldwide, including several African institutions.
Schmidt Science Fellows document information
No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.
How to apply for the Schmidt Science Fellows 2026
Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.
- 1Check the provider's process
Consult https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
- 2Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Researchers who have recently completed (or will complete) a PhD in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or computing. Must be nominated by one of ~100 partner universities worldwide, including several African institutions.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
- 3Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: July (university nominations) / followed by application round. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.
Schmidt Science Fellows deadline & application timeline
Provider deadline information: July (university nominations) / followed by application round. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.
- Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
- Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
- Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
- Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
- Provider deadlineJuly (university nominations) / followed by application round
Provider deadline information: July (university nominations) / followed by application round. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.
Ready to apply?
Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.
Visit official siteEditorial verification note
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Schmidt Science Fellows?+
Researchers who have recently completed (or will complete) a PhD in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or computing. Must be nominated by one of ~100 partner universities worldwide, including several African institutions.
What funding does the Schmidt Science Fellows offer?+
Listed funding: $110,000 stipend + travel and research support. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.
When is the application deadline?+
Provider deadline information: July (university nominations) / followed by application round. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.
What documents do I need to apply?+
No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.
How do I check the application process?+
Consult https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Researchers who have recently completed (or will complete) a PhD in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or computing. Must be nominated by one of ~100 partner universities worldwide, including several African institutions.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: July (university nominations) / followed by application round. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.
Guides for this scholarship
- Visa & Travel
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