ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) – PhD Fellowship 2025

Are you a South African woman aspiring to advance your research career in biotechnology? The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), in collaboration with the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), invites applications for the 2025 South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) PhD Fellowship. This prestigious program offers a fully funded opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at the ICGEB Cape Town Component, with additional mobility support to ICGEB Components in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India.

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📌SAWBP Fellowship Summary

• Location: Cape Town, South Africa (ICGEB Cape Town Component)

• Host Institution: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

• Study Level: PhD

• Target Group: South African women researchers

• Fields of Study: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, Virology

  Funding:

  • Tuition fees at the University of Cape Town

  • Annual stipend of ZAR 219,749.00

  • Mobility support for visits to ICGEB Components in Trieste and New Delhi

• Duration: 3 years

• Application Deadline: 17 June 2025

• Start Date: 2025 academic year

• Eligible to: Female South African citizens and permanent residents

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🧬SAWBP Fellowship Overview

The SAWBP PhD Fellowship aims to empower South African women in biotechnology by providing comprehensive support for doctoral research. Fellows will engage in innovative research projects within ICGEB's core areas, benefiting from mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and exposure to international scientific environments. The program also facilitates mobility between ICGEB Components, fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

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🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• Financial Support:

  • Full coverage of tuition fees at the University of Cape Town

  • Annual stipend of ZAR 219,749.00

• Research Opportunities:

  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and methodologies

  • Engagement in cutting-edge research projects

• Professional Development:

  • Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning opportunities

  • Complementary skills training

• International Exposure:

  • Mobility support for research visits to ICGEB Components in Trieste and New Delhi

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be female South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid South African ID number

• Hold an MSc degree or provide a letter confirming the intention to submit an MSc thesis

• Demonstrate a strong interest in biotechnology research

• Obtain a letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader

• Preference will be given to Black and disabled applicants

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📝 Application Procedure

📂 Required Documents:

• Copy of South African ID

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Detailed research project proposal

• Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader

• Proof of MSc degree or a letter confirming the intention to submit an MSc thesis

📬 Submission:

Email all required documents to: icgeb.sawbp@icgeb.org

Contact Information:

• ICGEB Contact:

  • Claudia Russo

  • Email: icgeb.sawbp@icgeb.org

  • Tel: +27 21 406 6335

• DSTI Contact:

  • Dowelani Ndiitwani

  • Email: Dowelani.Ndiitwani@dst.gov.za

  • Tel: +27 12 843 6382

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology (SAWBP) PhD Fellowship 2025

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