The Fellowship is offered to women scientists from science- and technology-lagging countries(STLCs) to undertake PhD research in the natural, engineering and information technology sciences at a host institute in another developing country in the Global South. The programme is administered with generous funds from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency 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 women leaders in science and technology and to promote their effective participation in the scientific and technological development of their countries.
Aims of the Scholarship
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.
Fellowship Support
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 PhD 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 to 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 a PhD in their home country while accessing specialist researchers and equipment abroad, at the host institute.
The fellowship support is only provided while the student is on-site, at the host institute.
Funding Details
Please note that the 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 modest annual support allowance to be used at the student’s discretion to support their research environment
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
For further detail, click here.
