OWSD PhD Fellowships 2023

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Pursue your education in developing country in the Global South. Good news! Applications for OWSD PhD Fellowships are currently open. In this article, we will explain in detail about this fellowship program, its benefits and step by step application process.

OWSD PhD Fellowship 2023-2024 is offered to women scientists from science- and technology-lagging countries (STLCs) to undertake PhD research in the natural, engineering and information technology sciences. This fellowship covers a monthly allowance, visa expenses and annual medical insurance contribution.

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.

Candidates can choose between two study schemes:

A full-time fellowship (maximum 4 years funding), 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 Ph.D. 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.
OWSD particularly encourages candidates to consider the sandwich option, which allows them to earn the Ph.D. in their home country while accessing specialist researchers and equipment abroad, at the host institute.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: PhD
Institution(s): Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
Study in: Developing Countries
Program Period:
– A full-time fellowship (maximum 4 years funding)
– A sandwich fellowship The total number of months spent at the host institute cannot exceed 20 months.
Deadline: April 15, 2022

Opportunity Focus Areas:

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

Scholarship Coverage

OWSD PhD Fellowship support is only provided while the student is on site, at the host institute.

The OWSD fellowship covers:

A monthly allowance to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation and meals while in the host country
A special allowance to attend international conferences during the period of the fellowship
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 OWSD PhD Fellowships

To be eligible for OWSD PhD Fellowships, applicant must fulfill the following criteria:

Required Languages: English
Eligible Countries: The list of eligible countries is also available here.
The minimum qualification is an MSc degree in one of the above listed study fields.
Host institutes must be located in a developing country in the South (not the candidate’s home country).
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 OWSD PhD Fellowships?

Please follow the following instructions to apply for this fellowship:

(1) Start an application form at the online portal.

(2) Make sure to upload the required documents listed below:

Ph.D. research proposal outline.
Degree certificates and transcripts.
Curriculum Vitae.
Preliminary acceptance letter from at least one host institution.
Letter of commitment from the host university.
2 Reference letters.
Candidates must submit a scanned copy of the passport page, which contains personal details (photo, document number etc.).
Candidates applying for a SANDWICH study scheme must, in addition, submit also the following documents:
Registration and No objection certificate.
Supporting statement from home supervisor.