The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, is offering the South African Women in Biotechnology Programme PhD Fellowship for commencement in early 2027. The fellowship supports eligible women researchers pursuing a Biotechnology PhD at ICGEB’s Cape Town Component. Applications close on 20 October 2026.
Closing date: 20 October 2026
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
- Opportunity type: PhD Fellowship
- Who it’s for: Female South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid South African ID number who intend to pursue a Biotechnology PhD at ICGEB’s Cape Town Component. Applicants should propose an innovative project in one of the listed research areas. Preference is given to Black and disabled applicants.
- Study level: PhD
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Academic year: 2027
- Closing date: 20 October 2026
- Last verified: 2026-10-02
High-value notes (read this first)
The fellowship supports PhD study at the ICGEB Cape Town Component, with tuition fees at the University of Cape Town and a monthly stipend of ZAR 16,500.
The award is for three years and is subject to satisfactory performance.
Contact the chosen ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader before applying; their endorsement is mandatory.
A supervisor’s letter confirming the intention to submit the MSc thesis may be used at application stage, but proof of the MSc degree is required before the fellowship starts.
The call states that preference will be given to Black and disabled applicants.
About the sponsor
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is an intergovernmental organisation and centre of excellence for research, training and technology transfer. The official call states that the fellowship is in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
What it covers
Three-year PhD fellowship, based on satisfactory performance. Covers University of Cape Town tuition fees and a stipend of ZAR 16,500 per month. Additional mobility support is provided for research at ICGEB Components in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India.
Eligible fields
- Infectious Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Bioinformatics
- Plant Systems Biology
- Virology
Eligibility
- Female applicants only.
- Applicants must be South African citizens or South African permanent residents with a valid South African ID number.
- Applicants must intend to study towards a PhD in Biotechnology at the ICGEB Cape Town Component.
- Proposed projects must be innovative and fall within one of the listed ICGEB Cape Town research areas.
- Preference will be given to Black and disabled applicants.
- Proof of an MSc degree is required before commencing the fellowship.
Documents to prepare
- Copy of South African ID
- CV
- Detailed project proposal
- Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader
- Proof of MSc degree or a supervisor’s letter confirming intention to submit the MSc thesis
Closing date
20 October 2026
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without first contacting an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader and obtaining the required endorsement letter.
- Assuming applicants of any gender or any residency status qualify: the call is for female applicants who are South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid South African ID number.
- Omitting the required MSc evidence. The call accepts proof of an MSc degree or a supervisor’s letter confirming the intention to submit the MSc thesis; proof of the MSc degree is required before the fellowship begins.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against ICGEB’s official fellowship call page on 2 October 2026.
How to apply
- Review the ICGEB Cape Town research areas and identify a suitable laboratory and Group Leader.
- Contact the chosen Group Leader in advance to discuss the proposed research project and request the required endorsement.
- Prepare the listed application documents: a copy of your South African ID, CV, detailed project proposal, Group Leader endorsement letter, and proof of your MSc degree or a supervisor’s letter confirming your intention to submit your MSc thesis.
- Email the application documents using the application email link on the official call page. The email address is not displayed in the page text.
- Submit by 20 October 2026. If awarded, provide proof of the MSc degree before commencing the fellowship.