OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists
OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women are fully funded scholarships for international female students. This program covers tuition fee, monthly allowance, return ticket, visa expenses, medical insurance and special allowance to attend international conferences.
OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists invites applications from women from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) to pursue PhD research in Engineering and Information Technology and Natural sciences at a educational institute in the South.
The general purpose of the fellowship program is to contribute to the emergence of a new generation of women leaders in science and technology, and to promote their effective participation in the scientific and technological development of their countries. The program is administered with funds generously provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is offered in partnership with host institutes throughout the developing world.
The specific aims of the fellowship programme are:
- To improve access to educational and training opportunities in science and technology for young and talented women graduates from STLCs.
- To increase the scientific productivity and creativity of women scientists in STLCs.
- To empower a new generation of talented women to assume a leadership role in science and technology.
- To encourage women scientists to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
- To enable women scientist from the South to collaborate and network on a regional and international level.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Doctoral
- Institution(s): Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
- Study in: Developing countries.
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
Offered Courses
- Agricultural Sciences
- Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
- Biological Systems and Organisms
- Chemical Sciences
- Computing and Information Technology
- Engineering Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Neurosciences
- Physics
- Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
Program Period
Program period is maximum 4 years .
- A full-time fellowship (maximum 4 years ), where the research is undertaken entirely at a host institute in another developing country in the South.
- A sandwich fellowship, where the candidate must be a registered PhD student in her home country and undertakes part of her studies at a host institute in another developing country.
The sandwich fellowship is awarded for a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 research visits at the host institute. The minimum duration of the first visit is 6 months. The total number of months spent at the host institute cannot exceed 20 months. The funding period cannot exceed 4 years.
Scholarship Coverage
OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- A monthly allowance to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation and meals while in the host country
- A modest annual support allowance to be used at the student’s discretion to support their research environment
- A return ticket from the home country to the host institute for the agreed research period
- Visa expenses
- Annual medical insurance contribution
- The opportunity to attend regional science communications workshops, on a competitive basis
- Study fees (including tuition and registration fees) in agreement with the chosen host institute which is also expected to contribute
The OWSD fellowship does not cover:
- Bench fees and consumables
- Support for language training, either before or during the fellowship programme
- Support for shipment of research samples
- Costs for personal computer or software purchase
- Support for family members
- Additional return tickets to the home country for personal reasons
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Eligibility Criteria for OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists
To be eligible for OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists from Science and Technology Lagging Countries, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Required Languages: English
- Eligible Countries: Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Comoros, & Other Countries Are Not From The Middle East And North Africa. See the complete list of eligible countries here.
- The minimum qualification is an MSc degree in one of the above listed study fields.
- Please note that an applicant, at the time of application, must NOT have an active research grant or fellowship with The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) or have already submitted an application for a TWAS program within the same given year
- Host institutes must be located in a developing country in the South (not the candidate’s home country). A list of recommended institutes is available here. Other institutes, not included in the link above, will also be considered if they demonstrate appropriate resources and expertise.
- Candidates who are already on site in the host country will not usually be considered eligible.
- Candidates should identify a host institute outside their home country. They can identify a further two host institutes if desired.
- Candidates must confirm that they intend to return to their home country as soon as possible after completion of the fellowship.
How to Apply for OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists?
Follow the following instructions to win OSWD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists:
(1) Candidates must submit a PhD research proposal outline (max 2.000 words) which should be a summarized description of the PhD research proposal.
Guidelines for writing a good research proposal outline are available here.
Candidates are invited to study carefully these guidelines and ensure that their proposal is well structured and clear. The project proposal is given particular attention at selection.
- The letter must be signed by the head of department or by the postgraduate studies coordinator.
- The study starting date on the preliminary acceptance letter must be the year following the application (e.g. if you apply for a fellowship in 2018 the acceptance letter should indicate the starting date as 2019).
- All university degree certificates; and all university-issued transcripts, indicating all courses and grades.
- Candidates must submit their complete CV (including a list of publications, if available).
- Candidates must submit a preliminary acceptance letter from at least one host institute.
- The sample available here must be used for the preparation of this document.
- Candidates must submit a letter of commitment from the prospective host supervisor confirming that the host institute has the resources (e.g. bench fees, laboratory equipment) required to undertake the project.
- The letter should also describe why the host institute is appropriate for the subject of study and confirm the supervisor’s interest in working with the candidate.
- Candidates must submit two reference letters from senior scientists familiar with their work.
- For SANDWICH candidates only: please note that the home PhD supervisor cannot be one of the two referees.
- Candidates must submit a scanned copy of the passport page, which contains personal details (photo, document number etc.).
(3) Candidates applying for a SANDWICH study scheme must, in addition, submit also the following documents:
- Sandwich candidates must submit the Registration and No objection certificate prepared by the home institute confirming that the candidate is a PhD registered student and that there is no objection to her studying at the chosen host institute abroad.
- Sandwich candidates must submit a supporting statement, prepared and signed by the home supervisor on letter-headed paper. The supervisor should:
- state that he/she is willing to support the candidate undertaking part of her studies at the host institute abroad; and describe how the research visit abroad will impact/benefit the candidate’s research project.
(4) Start your online application here.
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Breaking into the highest echelons of scientific research is a massive achievement, but for women scientists in developing nations, structural and financial hurdles often get in the way. That is exactly where the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) steps in.
The OWSD PhD Fellowship is one of the most prestigious, fully-funded opportunities globally, specifically designed to empower women from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) to pursue postgraduate excellence.
Whether you are a master’s graduate in Nigeria aiming for a world-class PhD or an aspiring academic looking to bridge regional research gaps, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the OWSD Fellowship.
What is the OWSD PhD Fellowship?
Administered by a UNESCO programme unit and heavily backed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the OWSD PhD Fellowship programme addresses gender disparity in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The core mission is simple yet revolutionary: to cultivate a new generation of female scientific leaders from the Global South who will return home to establish centers of research excellence.
Unlike conventional international grants that send students to the West, the OWSD utilizes a “South-to-South” mobility model. This means fellows complete their research at premier institutions within developing countries outside their home nation, keeping valuable scientific innovation and collaboration active within the Global South.
Fellowship Study Models: Full-Time vs. Sandwich
OWSD understands that female scientists face diverse personal and academic realities. To accommodate this, they offer two distinct study pathways:
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The Full-Time Fellowship: This model provides up to four consecutive years of funding. The recipient moves completely to a host institution in another developing country to register, study, and complete her PhD research.
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The Sandwich Fellowship: Designed for women who are already registered for a PhD at their home university (such as a local Nigerian institution like UNILAG). This option allows the researcher to complete her coursework locally but travel to an elite host institute abroad for critical research blocks (usually 6 months or more at a time), gaining access to specialized laboratories and equipment.
What the Fellowship Covers (Financial Benefits)
The OWSD PhD Fellowship leaves no stone unturned when it comes to supporting its scholars. Because it is fully funded, it removes the financial stress that derails many advanced degrees. Successful awardees receive:
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Tuition and Registration Fees: Fully covered or co-sponsored in partnership with the host institution.
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Monthly Living Allowance: A comprehensive stipend to cover accommodation, utilities, and daily meals while living in the host country.
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Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare from your home country to your host destination for the agreed research periods.
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Visa Support: Reimbursed costs for securing your student visas and residency permits.
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Medical Insurance: An annual contribution toward comprehensive health coverage.
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Professional Development: Exclusive invitations to regional scientific communication, grant-proposal writing, and leadership workshops.
Eligibility Criteria
Securing an OWSD Fellowship is highly competitive. To build a qualifying application, you must cross-reference the following core requirements:
1. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) in an eligible scientific field. If you are preparing to transition from an undergraduate degree, understanding competitive educational benchmarks like JAMB rankings or local honors tracking can help frame your academic trajectory early on.
2. Eligible Scientific Fields (STEM Only)
The fellowship focuses strictly on natural sciences, engineering, and technology. Social sciences, humanities, and arts are explicitly excluded. Eligible fields include:
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Agricultural Sciences
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Computing and Information Technology
-
Engineering Sciences
-
Medical and Health Sciences
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Neurosciences & Biological Systems
-
Mathematical and Chemical Sciences
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Physics, Astronomy, and Earth Sciences
3. Geographic Rules
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Home Country: The applicant must be a citizen and resident of an eligible Science and Technology Lagging Country (STLC). Nigeria is historically a primary participant in these cohorts.
-
Host Country: You must identify a host institution located in the Global South outside your home country. Candidates who have already relocated to the host country before applying are generally ineligible.
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Intent to Return: A binding requirement is that you must officially commit to returning to your home nation upon completion to build up local research capacities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Because the OWSD evaluation process is thorough, preparing early is essential. Use this procedural checklist to organize your application timeline:
Critical Update for Applicants
Important Notice: Due to recent shifts in global economic landscapes affecting primary funding structures, OWSD announced a brief pause on new PhD Fellowship open application cycles.
If you are a prospective applicant, do not let this pause discourage you. Securing a PhD position, drafting an impeccable research proposal, and finding host institutional advisors often takes 6 to 12 months of aggressive planning. Use this bridge period to perfect your academic profile, coordinate with supervisors abroad, and monitor the official OWSD channels for the reactivation of funding structures.
In the meantime, exploring complementary international pathways like an International Student Scholarship or taking foundational exams such as the GRE or GMAT