SAWBP Scholarship 2026 supports South African women researchers to pursue a PhD in Biotechnology, offering tuition, a stipend and research training opportunities in Cape Town. The SAWBP Scholarship targets innovative doctoral projects within ICGEB Cape Town research areas and includes mobility support to collaborate with other ICGEB Components.
The programme is delivered by ICGEB in partnership with the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). The fellowship provides supervision and immersion in ICGEB Cape Town laboratories, with opportunities for mentoring, peer learning and visits to Trieste and New Delhi Components.
Benefits of SAWBP Scholarship 2026
- Three-year PhD Fellowship
- Tuition and stipend
- Applying the latest techniques and methodologies to the applicant’s chosen research topic
- Opportunities for mentoring, peer-to-peer learning and complementary skills
- Immersion in a top class international scientific research environment
Eligibility Criteria for the SAWBP Scholarship 2026
- Female applicants only.
- Only South African citizens and South African Permanent Residents with a valid South African ID number may apply.
- Preference will be given to Black and disabled applicants.
How to Apply for SSAWBP Scholarship 2026?
- Email [email protected] with the following:
- Copy of South African ID
- CV
- Detailed project proposal
- Letter of endorsement from ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader
- Proof of MSc degree or letter confirming intention to submit MSc thesis from supervisor (Note: at time of award, proof of MSc degree is required before commencing Fellowship).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the SAWBP Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, contacts, and how to apply for the ICGEB-SAWBP PhD Fellowship.
Who is eligible to apply for the SAWBP Scholarship?
Eligibility is limited to female applicants who are South African citizens or South African Permanent Residents with a valid South African ID number. Preference will be given to Black and disabled applicants, as stated in the programme eligibility section on the ICGEB page.
What study level does the SAWBP Scholarship support?
The SAWBP Scholarship supports PhD-level study. The ICGEB-SAWBP PhD Fellowship Scheme is specifically for researchers intending to study towards a PhD degree in Biotechnology at the Cape Town Component, commencing in early 2027.
What financial support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship duration is three years, subject to satisfactory performance. It covers tuition fees at the University of Cape Town and provides a monthly stipend of ZAR 16 500, as described in the Financial support section of the ICGEB announcement.
What is the application deadline for the SAWBP Scholarship?
The closing date for applications is 20 October 2026, as indicated in the Guidelines/Closing Date on the official ICGEB page for the SAWBP PhD Fellowship call.
What documents must be submitted with the application?
Applicants must email the application with a copy of their South African ID, CV, a detailed project proposal, a letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader, and proof of MSc degree or a letter confirming intention to submit an MSc thesis from the supervisor. Proof of MSc is required before commencing the Fellowship.
Is a letter from an ICGEB Group Leader required?
Yes. A written statement from the ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader who is willing to support the proposed project is mandatory to apply. The Group Leader must be contacted in advance and provide a letter of endorsement to accompany the application.
What research areas are eligible for proposed doctoral projects?
Proposed doctoral research projects must fall within ICGEB Cape Town Component macro areas: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, and Virology. Projects should be innovative and align with these areas.
Does the fellowship provide mobility or international research opportunities?
Yes. The SAWBP programme includes mobility support to conduct research at other ICGEB Components in Trieste, Italy and New Delhi, India, offering additional opportunities for collaboration and research visits beyond Cape Town.
Who can I contact for more information about the fellowship?
The ICGEB contact listed is Claudia Russo at ICGEB Cape Town (email and telephone provided on the page). There is also a DSTI contact, Dowelani Ndiitwani at DSTI Multilateral Cooperation. Further information is available from the ICGEB Fellowships Unit contact on the page.
When does the fellowship start if awarded?
The announcement states that the ICGEB-SAWBP PhD Fellowship Scheme will support researchers intending to study towards a PhD degree in Biotechnology at the Cape Town Component for commencement in early 2027, indicating the expected start period for successful fellows.
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