The fellowship is offered by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in partnership with the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

Successful fellows will receive PhD tuition support and a monthly stipend of ZAR 16,500 for three years, subject to satisfactory performance. The programme also provides opportunities for international research mobility to ICGEB Components in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India.

Application deadline: October 20, 2026.

ICGEB SAWBP PhD Fellowship 2027 Overview

About the ICGEB SAWBP PhD Fellowship

The SAWBP programme was established to support and strengthen the participation of South African women in biotechnology and life-sciences research.

The programme supports doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and provides fellows with access to research facilities and collaboration opportunities at ICGEB Cape Town. ICGEB says the programme also promotes interaction and mobility within its international research community.

For the 2027 PhD intake, applicants must propose an innovative doctoral research project that fits within one of the approved ICGEB Cape Town research areas.

Research Areas

Proposed PhD research must fall within one of these ICGEB Cape Town research areas:

• Infectious Diseases
• Non-Communicable Diseases
• Bioinformatics
• Plant Systems Biology
• Virology

Applicants should review the ICGEB Cape Town research groups and contact a suitable Group Leader before applying.

Benefits of the SAWBP PhD Fellowship

Successful applicants receive a three-year fellowship package that includes:

• PhD tuition fees at the University of Cape Town
• ZAR 16,500 monthly stipend
• Research training using current techniques and methodologies
• Mentoring opportunities
• Peer-to-peer learning
• Complementary skills development
• Exposure to an international scientific research environment
• Mobility support for research at ICGEB Components in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India

The fellowship lasts for three years, subject to satisfactory performance.

Who Can Apply?

The ICGEB SAWBP PhD Fellowship is specifically targeted at women researchers from South Africa.

Applicants must:

• Be female.
• Be a South African citizen or South African permanent resident.
• Have a valid South African ID number.
• Intend to pursue a PhD in biotechnology at ICGEB Cape Town.
• Propose an innovative research project that fits one of the eligible research areas.
• Obtain endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader.

ICGEB states that preference will be given to Black and disabled applicants.

Can International Students Apply?

No. The 2027 SAWBP PhD Fellowship is not a general international scholarship. The current ICGEB call specifically limits eligibility to South African citizens and South African permanent residents with a valid South African ID number.

Important Requirement: Contact an ICGEB Group Leader

Applicants must contact the Group Leader of their chosen ICGEB Cape Town laboratory before applying.

The applicant should discuss the proposed PhD research project with the Group Leader and obtain a written statement or letter of endorsement confirming support for the proposed project.

This endorsement is mandatory for the application.

Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the deadline to contact a potential supervisor.

Documents Required

According to the current ICGEB call, applicants must submit:

1. A copy of their South African ID
2. CV
3. Detailed research project proposal
4. Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader
5. Proof of MSc degree

Applicants who have not yet completed their MSc may provide a letter from their supervisor confirming their intention to submit the MSc thesis. However, proof of the MSc degree must be available before the fellowship begins if the applicant is awarded the fellowship.

How to Apply for the ICGEB SAWBP PhD Fellowship

The application process requires applicants to prepare their research proposal and secure support from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader.

1: Review the ICGEB Cape Town research groups

Identify a research group whose work matches your proposed PhD topic.

2: Contact the Group Leader

Contact the relevant Group Leader before submitting your application. Discuss your proposed research and seek their support.

3: Prepare your documents

Prepare your:

• South African ID
• CV
• Detailed project proposal
• MSc certificate or required confirmation from your supervisor
• Group Leader endorsement

4: Submit the application

The current ICGEB call instructs applicants to email their application documents to icgeb.sawbp@icgeb.org.

Applicants should make sure all required documents are included before submitting.

Official Application Information

Applicants should use the official ICGEB fellowship page and Cape Town research-group information before applying.

Official ICGEB SAWBP Fellowship: ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme SAWBP PhD Fellowship Call

Cape Town research groups: ICGEB Cape Town

ICGEB Fellowships: ICGEB Fellowships

ICGEB SAWBP PhD Fellowship Deadline 2026

The application deadline for the ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme SAWBP PhD Fellowship 2027 is: October 20, 2026

The fellowship is intended to commence in early 2027. ICGEB’s September 2026 update confirms that the doctoral call is currently open and closes on October 20, 2026.

Applicants should begin the Group Leader contact process early because the endorsement is a mandatory part of the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ICGEB SAWBP Fellowship fully funded?

The current call states that the fellowship covers University of Cape Town tuition fees and provides a ZAR 16,500 monthly stipend for three years, subject to satisfactory performance. Additional mobility support is also available.

How much is the SAWBP PhD stipend?

The monthly stipend is ZAR 16,500.

Who is eligible for the ICGEB SAWBP Fellowship?

The fellowship is open to South African women, including South African citizens and permanent residents with a valid South African ID number. Preference is given to Black and disabled applicants.

What subjects are covered?

Eligible research areas are Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, and Virology.

Do I need an ICGEB Group Leader’s endorsement?

Yes. A written statement or letter of endorsement from the relevant ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader is mandatory for the application.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is October 20, 2026, for the PhD fellowship commencing in early 2027.

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