Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The ICGEB Short-term Pre-doctoral Fellowship supports collaborative research between scientists from ICGEB Member States and ICGEB laboratories in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), and Cape Town (South Africa). The fellowship funds research stays of 1–12 months, covering monthly stipends, travel, insurance, and visa-related costs.
Overview
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) offers Short-term Fellowships for Pre-doctoral Studies to promote ongoing collaborative research between scientists from ICGEB Member States and research groups based at ICGEB Component laboratories. These fellowships enable young researchers to gain advanced research training while strengthening scientific capacity and collaboration across member countries. The fellowship can be undertaken at ICGEB laboratories located in Trieste, Italy; New Delhi, India; or Cape Town, South Africa.
Fellowship Duration and Financial Support
The fellowship duration ranges from a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 12 months, depending on the approved research project and laboratory availability. Fellows receive a location-specific monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The stipend is Euro 1,500 per month for Trieste (Italy), US$ 1,122 per month for New Delhi (India), and ZAR 16,500 per month for Cape Town (South Africa). In addition to the stipend, the fellowship provides round-trip travel expenses from the participant’s home country to the host ICGEB laboratory at the beginning of the fellowship and return travel upon completion.
Additional Benefits and Covered Costs
ICGEB provides medical health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the fellowship. Visa or permit of stay application and renewal costs are reimbursed by ICGEB. The programme does not provide any financial support, administrative assistance, or allowances for family members accompanying the fellow.
Accommodation Arrangements by Host Location
Accommodation support varies by ICGEB location. ICGEB Trieste does not provide on-campus housing, but fellows receive a list of contacts offering housing options in Trieste. ICGEB New Delhi operates an on-campus guest house on a twin-share basis at a nominal cost. ICGEB Cape Town provides accommodation support to fellows, with specific arrangements agreed upon prior to arrival.
Research Project and Supervisor Requirement
Applicants must proactively contact an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator (PI) at their chosen host laboratory before applying. A motivation letter should be sent to discuss laboratory space availability and to jointly define the research project proposal. A written statement from the ICGEB Group Leader confirming their willingness to host and support the project is mandatory and forms an integral part of the application.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must be nationals of an ICGEB Member State. Fellowships cannot be undertaken in the applicant’s country of origin unless the applicant is working abroad at the time of application. Educational requirements vary by host location. Applicants to ICGEB Trieste and Cape Town must hold a BSc (Honours) degree, while applicants to ICGEB New Delhi must hold an MSc degree. Candidates must demonstrate a good working knowledge of the English language.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through certificates such as TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate, or an equivalent qualification. This requirement is waived if English was the medium of instruction during prior studies, provided the university issues an official certificate confirming this.
Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process
The selection process may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applications received. ICGEB is unable to provide individual feedback to all applicants. Applications are evaluated based on the scientific excellence of the proposed research project, the academic quality and experience reflected in the candidate’s CV, and the potential benefit of the fellowship for the applicant’s home country.
How to Apply for the ICGEB Short-term Fellowship
Applications must be submitted online, and only one application per call is permitted per candidate. Applicants are required to upload the following documents: a full curriculum vitae, a written statement from the supporting ICGEB Group Leader, a valid identification document such as a passport or national identity card with a recommended minimum validity of 12 months, and an English language proficiency certificate if applicable. Complete applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee. All applicants, whether successful or unsuccessful, will be informed of the outcome by email only.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to contact an ICGEB Group Leader before applying. Submitting applications without the mandatory written statement from the host PI. Applying to undertake the fellowship in the applicant’s country of origin without meeting the eligibility exception. Uploading incomplete documentation or expired identification documents. Submitting more than one application per call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the duration of the ICGEB Short-term Pre-doctoral Fellowship?
The fellowship duration ranges from 1 to 12 months.
What stipend does the fellowship provide?
The monthly stipend is Euro 1,500 for Trieste, US$ 1,122 for New Delhi, and ZAR 16,500 for Cape Town.
Are travel costs covered?
Yes. The fellowship covers travel from the fellow’s home country to the host laboratory and return travel upon completion.
Does ICGEB provide accommodation?
Accommodation support depends on the host location, with on-campus or arranged options available in New Delhi and Cape Town, and housing referrals provided in Trieste.
Are family members financially supported?
No. ICGEB does not provide financial or administrative support for family members.
Is English proficiency mandatory?
Yes. Proof of English proficiency is required unless English was the medium of instruction and officially certified by the university.
How are applicants notified of the results?
All applicants are notified of the outcome by email only.
Conclusion
The ICGEB Short-term Pre-doctoral Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers from ICGEB Member States to gain international research experience, strengthen collaborative networks, and contribute to capacity building in their home countries. By offering structured funding, research supervision, and institutional support, the programme enables fellows to advance high-quality scientific research in leading ICGEB laboratories worldwide.
For more information, visit ICGEB.
