The ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) PhD Fellowship 2027 supports South African women pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology. Applications close on 20 October 2026. The fellowship will be hosted at the ICGEB Cape Town Component, with commencement expected in early 2027.
Moreover, selected fellows will receive tuition support at the University of Cape Town and a monthly stipend. The programme also offers mentoring, peer learning, and mobility support for research visits to ICGEB components in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India.
Application Deadline: 20 October 2026
Eligible Countries: South Africa
Program Duration: Three years (PhD duration), based on satisfactory performance; commencement early 2027.
Program Location: ICGEB Cape Town Component (Cape Town, South Africa); mobility support available for research visits to Trieste, Italy and New Delhi, India.
Funding/Benefits: Tuition fees at University of Cape Town & stipend of ZAR 16 500 per month.
Award Provider: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
About this Program
This three-year PhD fellowship is designed for South African women in biotechnology. Research must align with the ICGEB Cape Town macro-areas.
These macro-areas are:
- Infectious Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Bioinformatics
- Plant Systems Biology
- Virology
In addition, the programme includes mentoring, complementary skills development, and peer-to-peer learning. Fellows will also work within an international scientific research environment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be female.
- Applicants must be South African citizens or South African Permanent Residents with a valid South African ID number.
- Preference will be given to Black and disabled applicants.
- The proposed research must fall within the ICGEB Cape Town macro-areas: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, or Virology.
- Applicants must provide proof of an MSc degree at the time of award, or a letter confirming intention to submit the MSc thesis at application stage.
What Fellows Receive: Tuition fees at University of Cape Town; monthly stipend of ZAR 16 500; mobility support to ICGEB Trieste (Italy) and New Delhi (India); mentoring and peer-to-peer learning; immersion in an international scientific research environment.
Program Components
Research training at the ICGEB Cape Town Component, PhD study support at the University of Cape Town, mentoring, peer learning, complementary skills development, and mobility support for research visits to ICGEB components in Trieste and New Delhi.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the required documents and submit their application through the official fellowship page. Required documents include:
- Copy of South African ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed project proposal
- Letter of endorsement from ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader (mandatory)
- Proof of MSc degree or letter confirming intention to submit MSc thesis from supervisor
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
