Guidelines and Application Form
Thanks to the contribution of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) within the framework of the BIOTECHNET II initiative, dedicated resources are available for candidates from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
ICGEB offers short-term fellowships for Pre-doctoral studies in ICGEB Component laboratories to fund ongoing collaborative research between scientists from East Africa and research groups at ICGEB laboratories in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India) and Cape Town (South Africa), to facilitate access to the latest research techniques and to strengthen capacity building.
Application Deadlines:
14 August 2026, 23:59 CET – FELLOWSHIP EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
30 September 2026, 23:59 CET – FELLOWSHIP FULL APPLICATION
To Apply – NEW PROCEDURE
A new procedure has been introduced for submitting your application for an ICGEB fellowship. We therefore recommend that you carefully read the instructions provided on this webpage, as well as the related guidelines.
1 July – 14 August 2026
FELLOWSHIP EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The first stage is the submission of the Fellowship Expression of Interest through the ICGEB Service Gateway. In this phase, the candidate selects the ICGEB laboratory and the prospective supervisor and completes the online form with basic information.
Please refer to the guidelines: “Fellowship Expression of Interest – Online Submission Guidelines”.
It is very important to submit your Expression of Interest by the indicated deadline in order to proceed to the next stage. This will be followed by a review phase by the Principal Investigators.
16 – 30 September 2026
FELLOWSHIP FULL APPLICATION
If you are selected by your prospective supervisor, you will receive a notification confirming that you can proceed with the submission of your full application through the ICGEB Service Gateway by the deadline of 30 September 2026.
Please refer to the guidelines: “Fellowships Application – Online Submission of Full Application Guidelines”.
Eligibility
Applicants must be nationals of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya or Uganda in order to apply. Displaced researchers currently working in any of the four countries are considered nationals of these countries.
Degree requirements: applicants for ICGEB Trieste should hold a BSc (Honours) degree; applicants for ICGEB Cape Town and New Delhi should hold an MSc degree.
Candidates must have a good working knowledge of the English language, supported by a proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, or equivalent). This document is not required when English was the medium of instruction; however, the university must provide an official certificate attesting to this.
There is no age limit for applications.
Financial support
Duration: 1-12 months
Monthly stipend: Trieste (Italy): Euro 1,500, New Delhi (India): US$1,122, Cape Town (South Africa): ZAR 16,500.
Travel: the fellowship includes provision for travel expenses from the home country to the ICGEB lab at the beginning of the fellowship and a return travel provision upon completion of the fellowship.
Medical health insurance coverage is provided for the duration of the fellowship.
Visa/permit of stay application and renewal costs are reimbursed.
Support for participation in external meetings, courses and events is generally provided by the Group Leader / PI.
ICGEB makes no financial provision, nor can it provide administrative support for family members of participants in the programme.
Submission
Please complete this application online in the ICGEB Service Gateway by following the related guidelines:
1 July – 14 August 2026
FELLOWSHIP EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
“Fellowship Expression of Interest – Online Submission Guidelines”
16 – 30 September 2026
FELLOWSHIP FULL APPLICATION
“Fellowships Application – Online Submission of Full Application Guidelines”
Only one application per call is accepted for each candidate.
Please note that fellowships awarded under the September call are usually expected to start from January of the following year, to allow for the evaluation, selection, and administrative procedures.
Documents to be uploaded during the second phase: “Fellowship full application”
Please note that you will be requested to upload the following documents (PDF files):
(i) Your full CV
(ii) A valid identification document (passport or identity card). Recommended passport validity should be at least 12 months.
(iii) English Certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or equivalent). This document is not required if English was the medium of instruction. In such cases, the university must provide an official certificate confirming this.
Selection
The ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee will evaluate complete applications received by the closing date. Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified of the outcome by e-mail only. The main criteria for selection include the scientific excellence of the project, the qualities of the candidate’s CV and the potential benefit for the home country.
Please note that the selection might take several weeks, depending on the number of applications received. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback to all applicants at the end of the selection process.
Accommodation
ICGEB Trieste: ICGEB Trieste has no housing service or accommodation facilities. However, fellows will be provided with a list of possible contacts that offer housing options in Trieste.
ICGEB New Delhi: A Guest House is run on campus, on a twin-share basis, for a nominal rate.
ICGEB Cape Town: Accommodation support is provided to fellows. Arrangements are agreed upon before arrival.