Continue your studies in one of the Global South’s emerging nations. Positive updates! The OWSD PhD Fellowship application period is currently open. We will go into great detail regarding this fellowship programme, its advantages, and the step-by-step application procedure in this article.
OWSD PhD Fellowship 2024-2025 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 an annual medical insurance contribution.
The program is managed with funding generously supplied by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and is offered throughout the developing world in collaboration with guest organizations.
The programme 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 general purpose of the fellowship programme is to contribute to the emergence of a new generation of female leaders in science and technology, and to promote their effective participation in the scientific and technological development of their countries.
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 scientists from the South to collaborate and network on a regional and international level.
Candidates can choose between two study schemes:
- AÂ full-time fellowship (maximum 4 years of funding), where the research is undertaken entirely at a host institute in another developing country in the South.
- AÂ sandwich fellowship, where the candidate must be a registered Ph.D. student in her home country and undertake 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:Â PhD
- Institution(s):Â Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
- Study in:Â 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: (OWSD deeply regrets informing all our members and followers that there will be no call for PhD applications in 2024. (This is due to global circumstances affecting our funding sources. )
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
Eligibility Criteria for OWSD PhD Fellowships
To be eligible for OWSD PhD Fellowships, applicant must fulfill the following criteria:
- Required Languages:Â 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)Â Start an application form at the online portal.
(2)Â 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 the home supervisor.
Website
To learn more about OWSD PhD Fellowships, please visit the official website:
- Scholarship Benefits
Scholarship benefits can vary widely depending on the sponsoring organization, the type of scholarship, and the specific criteria set by the scholarship provider. However, here are some of the common benefits that many scholarships offer:
- Financial Support: The most obvious benefit of a scholarship is financial assistance. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other educational expenses. Additionally, some might offer a stipend to cover living costs.
- Reduced Financial Burden: Scholarships help reduce the overall financial burden on students and their families, making education more accessible to those who may not have the means to fund their studies independently.
- Merit Recognition: Many scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, or other merits. Receiving a scholarship is a recognition of a student’s accomplishments and capabilities.
- Enhanced Opportunities: Some scholarships come with additional opportunities, such as internships, mentorship programs, or networking events. These experiences can contribute to a student’s overall education and career development.
- Motivation: Knowing that one has earned a scholarship can serve as a motivational factor for students to excel academically and actively participate in various activities.
- Resume Enhancement: Scholarships can enhance a student’s resume, making them more competitive in the job market after graduation. It reflects a commitment to excellence and dedication to personal and academic growth.
- Community recognition: Scholarships often bring recognition not only to the recipient but also to the educational institution and the community. It’s a way of showcasing the talent and potential within a particular group or region.
- Access to Education: For many students, scholarships provide access to education that might otherwise be unattainable. This is particularly important for promoting diversity and inclusivity in educational institutions.
- Career Advancement: Some scholarships are specifically designed for certain fields of study or career paths. These scholarships can help students pursue education and training in areas that align with their career goals.
- Personal Development: Beyond academics, scholarships can contribute to a student’s personal development by fostering skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
It’s essential for students to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the scholarship they receive in order to fully grasp the benefits associated with it. Additionally, maintaining any specified eligibility criteria is crucial to continuing to receive the scholarship throughout the academic period.
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