ICGEB offers postgraduate studies for scientists from East Africa to obtain the “Doctor Philosophiae” (PhD) degree in the life sciences. 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 applying to the ICGEB Call for PhD Fellowships.
Biotechnet PhD Fellowships
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, 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.
Candidates for Trieste, Italy, must be below the age of 32 years at the time of application. There is no age limit for applications for ICGEB New Delhi and Cape Town.
Financial support
Monthly stipend : Trieste (Italy): Euro 1,500, New Delhi (India): USD 1,122, Cape Town (South Africa) : ZAR 16,500.
Duration : 3-year PhD course with the possibility of a 1-year extension.
Travel : the fellowship includes provision for travel expenses from the student’s 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.
University tuition fee is covered for the entire PhD registration period.
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.
To Apply
Applicants should contact the ICGEB Group Leader/PI of their choice with a motivation letter to determine the availability of laboratory space and to define the research project proposal that will form an integral part of the application. Please note that the written statement from the ICGEB Group Leader you have contacted and who is willing to support your project, is mandatory to apply.
Documents to be uploaded
Please note that you will be requested to upload the following documents (PDF files):
(i) Your full CV.
(ii) Academic records (diploma certificates and transcripts giving detailed information on all courses/final examinations completed, credit value or hours per course and grades received). Please note that all academic documents must be issued by the degree-granting University and bear the official seals and signatures, and should be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation of each document.
(iii) Written Statement from the ICGEB Group Leader.
(iv) A valid identification document (passport or identity card). Recommended passport validity should be at least 12 months.
(v) English Certificate (TOEFL, Cambridge or similar). This document is not required when English was the medium of instruction; however, the university must provide an official certificate attesting to this.
Selection
All submitted applications will be transmitted to the respective ICGEB Liaison Officer in the country of which you are a national for endorsement. Endorsement is a fundamental requirement for the Fellowship to be awarded. The ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee will evaluate complete and endorsed applications received by the closing date. The main criteria for selection include scientific excellence of the project, the qualities of the candidate’s CV and potential benefit for the home country. Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified of the outcome by e-mail only. 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.
Starting Date
Trieste, Italy : 1 October 2026
New Delhi, India : 1 August 2026
Cape Town, South Africa : 15 January 2027
Closing Date for Applications : 31 MARCH 2026, 23:59 CET
