NEBOSH has renewed its partnership with global beauty company L’Oréal to launch the fourth edition of the NEBOSH L’Oréal International Bursary, aimed at supporting women seeking to enter or progress within the occupational health and safety profession.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to address gender imbalance in health and safety roles worldwide by removing financial barriers to professional qualifications. Under the 2026 programme, 20 women from around the world will be awarded fully funded tuition and assessment for the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
Widely recognised by employers across multiple industries, the NEBOSH International General Certificate provides a strong foundation in health and safety management, covering risk assessment, hazard control, incident investigation and the development of effective safety systems. The qualification is often a prerequisite for entry-level and supervisory health and safety roles and is recognised in more than 170 countries.
NEBOSH said the bursary is intended to support women at different stages of their careers, including those looking to transition into health and safety from other disciplines, as well as those already working in related fields who want to formalise their knowledge and enhance career progression. By targeting women globally, the programme also reflects the increasingly international nature of health and safety roles and the need for consistent standards across borders.
Applications for the 2026 bursary opened on 22 January and will close on 20 February. Candidates are required to submit a short video outlining their motivation for pursuing a career in health and safety and explaining how achieving the NEBOSH International General Certificate will contribute to their professional development. Successful applicants will be selected based on their commitment to the profession, personal circumstances and potential to make a positive impact in workplace health and safety.
The partnership with L’Oréal builds on the company’s wider commitments to inclusion, employee wellbeing and safe working environments across its global operations. By supporting access to internationally recognised health and safety education, the bursary aligns with efforts to strengthen prevention-focused cultures and improve standards across industries.
Since its launch, the NEBOSH L’Oréal International Bursary has supported dozens of women worldwide, many of whom have gone on to secure health and safety roles or progress into more senior positions within their organisations. NEBOSH said the continued demand for the programme highlights the ongoing need for targeted initiatives that support diversity and skills development within the profession.
With applications now open, the 2026 bursary represents another opportunity for aspiring health and safety professionals to gain a recognised qualification and contribute to safer, healthier workplaces globally.
Sarah Abdalwhab QHSE Consultant and a member of the Bursary judging panel, said, “I am proud to support the NEBOSH L’Oréal International Bursary: Enabling women in health and safety. This initiative empowers women to learn, develop professionally, and build stronger representation in the global health and safety field. I have always believed that strengthening women not only supports individual careers, but is also an investment in positive change across workplaces and communities alike.”
