Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The ICGEB PhD Fellowships Programme provides fully funded doctoral research opportunities for eligible international students at ICGEB laboratories in Trieste, New Delhi, and Cape Town. The programme covers monthly stipends, tuition fees, travel, insurance, and visa costs for a three-year PhD with a possible one-year extension.
Overview
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) PhD Fellowships Programme offers international students the opportunity to pursue high-quality doctoral research at ICGEB Component laboratories in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), and Cape Town (South Africa). The programme combines advanced research training with comprehensive financial and academic support, aiming to build scientific capacity in ICGEB Member States.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
The standard duration of the ICGEB PhD Fellowship is three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on academic progress and supervisor approval. Fellows are registered in a PhD programme for the full duration of their doctoral studies and conduct research under the supervision of an ICGEB Group Leader.
Financial Support and Benefits
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend tailored to the host location. Fellows based in Trieste receive Euro 1,500 per month, those in New Delhi receive US$ 1,122 per month, and those in Cape Town receive ZAR 16,500 per month. The programme fully covers university tuition fees for the entire PhD registration period. Medical health insurance is provided for the full duration of the fellowship. The fellowship also includes travel expenses from the fellow’s home country to the host ICGEB laboratory at the start of the programme and return travel upon completion. Visa or permit of stay application and renewal costs are reimbursed.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must be nationals of an ICGEB Member State. Academic qualification requirements vary by host location. Applicants to ICGEB Trieste must hold a BSc (Honours) degree, while applicants to ICGEB New Delhi and Cape Town must hold an MSc degree. An age limit of below 32 years applies only to applicants for Trieste. There is no age limit for applicants to New Delhi and Cape Town.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a good working knowledge of the English language. Proof of proficiency through an accepted English language certificate is required unless English was the medium of instruction during previous studies, in which case an official certificate from the university confirming this is acceptable.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on the scientific excellence and feasibility of the proposed PhD research project, the academic quality and research potential demonstrated in the candidate’s CV, and the anticipated benefit of the training for the applicant’s home country. Only one application per call is permitted.
How to Apply for the ICGEB PhD Fellowship
Applications must be submitted online through the official ICGEB application system. Applicants are required to prepare and upload a complete set of supporting documents. These include a full curriculum vitae, official academic transcripts and degree certificates with certified English translations where applicable, a written statement from the supporting ICGEB Group Leader, a valid identification document such as a passport or national ID, and proof of English language proficiency if required. All complete applications are forwarded to the relevant ICGEB Liaison Officer for endorsement, which is a mandatory step in the selection process.
Accommodation Arrangements
Accommodation support varies by host location. In New Delhi and Cape Town, limited on-campus or institution-supported accommodation options may be available. In Trieste, ICGEB does not provide on-campus housing, but fellows receive guidance and resources to secure external accommodation.
Expected Start Dates by Location
The expected starting date for fellows in Trieste is 1 October 2026. Fellows in New Delhi are expected to start on 1 August 2026. The expected start date for Cape Town is 15 January 2027.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting more than one application per call. Applying without securing a supporting ICGEB Group Leader. Uploading incomplete or uncertified academic records. Missing the mandatory Liaison Officer endorsement. Overlooking age eligibility requirements for Trieste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the ICGEB PhD Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers stipends, tuition fees, travel, insurance, and visa-related costs.
How long is the PhD programme?
The standard duration is three years, with a possible one-year extension.
Can I apply to more than one ICGEB location?
Only one application per call is allowed, and applicants must select a single host location.
Is there an age limit for all locations?
No. The age limit of below 32 years applies only to Trieste.
Are tuition fees included in the fellowship?
Yes. University tuition fees are fully covered for the duration of the PhD registration.
Is English proficiency mandatory?
Yes. Proof of English proficiency is required unless English was the medium of instruction and officially certified by the university.
Conclusion
The ICGEB PhD Fellowships Programme offers a comprehensive, fully funded pathway for talented researchers from ICGEB Member States to pursue doctoral training at leading international laboratories. By combining financial support, academic mentorship, and global research exposure, the programme plays a critical role in strengthening scientific capacity and research excellence across member countries.
For more information, visit ICGEB.
