ICO Fellowship 2026 Worldwide | Fully Funded

The ICO Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded program designed to support young ophthalmologists in advancing their clinical or research skills globally. This fellowship offers financial support for living expenses and travel, enabling recipients to undertake specialized training at leading host institutions outside their home countries.

The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) is a global organization dedicated to enhancing ophthalmic education and improving eye care worldwide. Through its fellowship programs, the ICO aims to strengthen ophthalmic expertise, particularly in developing nations, by providing educational opportunities and fostering international collaboration.

ICO Fellowship Benefits

• Up to a US$50,000 stipend to help cover living expenses and return travel.

ICO Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 12 months of research training.
• Online application on the ICO website.
• Applications will be accepted for research work in the following subspecialties: glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, retina, tumors, uveitis, dry eye, and cornea.
• Copy of specialist exam in ophthalmology that must be successfully passed.
• Applicants must be reasonably fluent in the language of the fellowship training center.
• Applicants must be under 40 years of age at the time of applying.
• The ICO recommends that candidates pass one or more ICO exams.
• Applicants from countries with ophthalmologic societies that are members of the ICO will receive special consideration.

How to Apply for ICO Fellowship?

1. Log in to ICO Fellowship.
2. Please check the eligibility requirements for the specific fellowship for which you are applying in the section Available ICO Fellowships.
3. Applications in progress may be saved so that you can return and complete at a later stage.
4. STEP 1. Select a Fellowship: When you begin your online application, you will be required to identify your home country. The ICO Fellowship(s) you are eligible to apply for based on your home country will be shown. You can select only one fellowship to apply for.
5. STEP 2. Upload documents for the Eligibility Check: The Eligibility Check is a part of the online application. You will be asked to provide information to determine if you are eligible to apply for the ICO Fellowship you selected.
6. As part of the Eligibility Check, you will be required to upload the following documents: Scanned copy of the photo page of your Passport; Scanned copy of your Ophthalmology Specialization Examination Certificate certifying a successful completion of your residency in ophthalmology; Copy of your ICO Examination Certificate(s); Department of Ophthalmology Chair’s Recommendation; Reference letter (of your current or former supervisor or tutor in ophthalmology).
7. STEP 3. ICO Eligibility Review: After submitting all the required information on the Eligibility Check page, you should receive an email confirming your Eligibility Check was successfully submitted. Once your documents have been reviewed, within 10 days you receive an email that confirms or rejects your eligibility for the selected fellowship.
8. STEP 4. Apply to a Host Training Center: If you are found eligible for the fellowship to which you applied, you should select and apply to a Fellowship Host using the online system.
9. STEP 5. Host Application Review: Your request will be reviewed by the Host you have approached. Allow for two weeks to hear back from the Host before contacting the Host again.
10. STEP 6. Confirmation of the Fellowship starting date and Application submission: If the Host can accommodate your request, you will receive an automated notice by email. Contact your Host to agree on a start date. Once the date is agreed on, download the Fellowship Host Acceptance Form, insert requested information, and send it to the Host to complete the form and return to you. Upload the completed and duly signed form to your Fellowship application profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ICO Fellowship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on information from the official ICO website.