ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) – PhD Fellowship 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If you’re a South African woman passionate about biotechnology and looking to boost your research career to the next level, the ICGEB-SAWBP PhD Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications! This prestigious programme offers a fully funded three-year PhD opportunity in Cape Town—with mentorship, mobility, and a world-class research environment shaping your scientific journey.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: ICGEB Cape Town Component, South Africa
Host Institutions: ICGEB Cape Town and University of Cape Town (for tuition fees)
Study Level: PhD in Biotechnology
Target Group: Female South African citizens or permanent residents; preference to Black and disabled applicants
Fields of Focus: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, Virology
Value & Coverage: Tuition at the University of Cape Town; stipend totaling ZAR 219,749 per year (~remaining amount after tuition fees)
Award Duration: 3 years
Application Deadline: 19 September 2025
Start Date: Typically after MSc completion and award — consistent with standard academic calendars
🌐 Fellowship Overview
A three-year fully funded PhD within the ICGEB Cape Town Component supported by DSTI.
Access to advanced research facilities and training, using cutting-edge techniques in biotechnology.
Structured mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and complementary skills development—including workshops, seminars, and scientific communication training.
International mobility: fellows receive support to visit ICGEB Components in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India, fostering global scientific collaboration .
🎁 Benefits
Full tuition coverage at the University of Cape Town.
Generous annual stipend (ZAR 219,749), with the balance after tuition.
Mentoring and professional development opportunities in a supportive, internationally-oriented environment.
Mobility grants for placements or collaborative visits to ICGEB labs abroad.
Enhanced career trajectory through exposure to diverse scientific networks and top-tier research.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Gender: Female applicants only
Residency: Must be South African citizen or permanent resident, with a valid ID number
Preference: Given to Black and disabled applicants
Academic Qualification: MSc degree (proof required before start of fellowship) or a formal letter from supervisor confirming intentions to submit the MSc thesis at the time of application
📝 Application Procedure
Submit your application via email to icgeb.sawbp@icgeb.org, including:
Copy of your South African ID
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Detailed project proposal — innovative and aligned with the ICGEB macro research areas
Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader (mandatory; contact them early to discuss your research idea)
Proof of MSc degree or a supervisory letter confirming thesis submission (degree must be in hand by the time the Fellowship begins)
ℹ️ Additional Useful Info
Contacts for Queries:
ICGEB (Cape Town): Claudia Russo, Tel: +27 21 406 6335, Email: icgeb.sawbp@icgeb.org
DSTI (Department of Science, Technology & Innovation): Dowelani Ndiitwani, Tel: +27 12 843 6382, Email: Dowelani.Ndiitwani@dst.gov.za
Why this fellowship stands out: The SAWBP aligns with ICGEB’s broader commitment to empowering African women in science—combining advanced research, mentorship, and mobility to catalyze meaningful career growth .
🚀 Final Thoughts
This fellowship offers more than just financial support—it’s a transformative platform for South African women to innovate, collaborate, and excel in biotechnology research. The deadline is 19 September 2025—so reaching out to a Group Leader and preparing your application now will set you on the path to a thriving scientific future.
