ICGEB PhD Fellowships 2026: Fully Funded Opportunities for East African Scientists
Pharm'Up 
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), in collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), has announced the BIOTECHNET II initiative. This prestigious program offers fully funded PhD fellowships in the life sciences specifically for talented scientists from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
This fellowship provides a unique path to earning a “Doctor Philosophiae” (PhD) degree while conducting research at world-class laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa.
Fellowship Highlights & Financial Support
The fellowship is designed to cover all aspects of a researcher’s life abroad, ensuring they can focus entirely on their scientific project.
- Duration: 3 years (with a potential 1-year extension).
- Monthly Stipends:
- Trieste, Italy: €1,500
- New Delhi, India: $1,122
- Cape Town, South Africa: ZAR 16,500
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes university tuition fees, medical health insurance, and return travel from the home country.
- Additional Benefits: Reimbursement for visa/permit costs and support for attending external scientific meetings.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
| Nationality | Must be a national of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, or Uganda. (Displaced researchers in these countries are also eligible). |
| Degree (Trieste) | BSc (Honours) degree. |
| Degree (Delhi/Cape Town) | MSc degree. |
| Age Limit | Under 32 years for Trieste (Italy). No age limit for New Delhi or Cape Town. |
| Language | Proficiency in English (TOEFL/Cambridge or university certificate). |
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is highly competitive and requires prior coordination with ICGEB faculty.
- Find a Supervisor: Visit the ICGEB Faculty page and contact a Group Leader/PI whose research aligns with your interests.
- Obtain Support: You must secure a Written Statement from the Group Leader confirming they have laboratory space and support your research proposal.
- Submit Online: Complete the application on the ICGEB Fellowship Portal.
- Closing Date: March 31, 2026 (23:59 CET).
Required Documents (PDF):
- Full Academic CV.
- Official Academic Transcripts & Diplomas (with English translations).
- Written Statement from the ICGEB Group Leader.
- Valid Passport (minimum 12 months validity recommended).
- English Proficiency Certificate.
Important Dates (2026-2027)
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Start Date (New Delhi): August 1, 2026
- Start Date (Trieste): October 1, 2026
- Start Date (Cape Town): January 15, 2027
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