SAWBP Scholarship 2026 in South Africa | Fully Funded
The SAWBP Scholarship offers South African women researchers fully funded support to pursue a PhD in biotechnology in Cape Town. Applications close on 20 October 2026.
Overview
The SAWBP Scholarship supports South African women researchers pursuing a PhD in biotechnology with tuition coverage, a stipend, and research training opportunities in Cape Town. Delivered by ICGEB in partnership with the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the programme targets innovative doctoral projects within ICGEB Cape Town research areas and provides mobility support to collaborate with other international ICGEB components.
Benefits
- Three-year PhD fellowship duration
- Coverage of tuition fees at the University of Cape Town
- Monthly stipend of ZAR 16 500
- Research training using the latest techniques and methodologies
- Opportunities for mentoring, peer-to-peer learning, and complementary skills
- Immersion in a top-class international scientific research environment
- Mobility support for research visits to ICGEB components in Trieste and New Delhi
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to female applicants only
- Must be South African citizens or South African Permanent Residents holding a valid South African ID number
- Preference is given to Black and disabled applicants
- Proposed doctoral projects must align with ICGEB Cape Town macro areas: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, and Virology
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare their application documents and email them along with a written statement or endorsement. Required documents include:
- Copy of a valid South African ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed project proposal
- Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader
- Proof of an MSc degree or a letter from a supervisor confirming the intention to submit an MSc thesis (proof of the degree is required before starting the fellowship)
Interested candidates should review further details and submit their materials as instructed via the official platform.
Deadline
The application deadline is 20 October 2026.