PhD Fellowships

The OWSD PhD Fellowships programme is one of the most impactful initiatives supporting women scientists from the Global South to undertake PhD research in STEM

The programme has awarded nearly 600 fellowships, with over 400 completed to date, and an impressive 80%+ retention rate, which compares extremely favourably with all other international PhD programmes. Fellows make significant contributions to research, innovation, and institutional change in their home countries. This demonstrates how the long-term investment of donors such as SIDA in individuals can catalyse broader systemic progress.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

OWSD regrets there will be no call for PhD applications in 2025. This is due to global circumstances affecting our funding sources. We are doing our best to secure funding for PhDs in the future, and any relevant information will be shared on this page.

If you would like to be part of our future PhD Fellowship success, either by hosting candidates or offering funding, see our support OWSD page.

Pinboard style image of diverse PhD graduates

The 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.

The PhD Fellowship programme has: 

-Improved access to educational and training opportunities in science and technology for young and talented women graduates from STLCs. 
-Increased the scientific productivity and creativity of women scientists in STLCs. 
-Empowered a new generation of talented women to assume a leadership role in science and technology. 
-Encouraged women scientists to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries. 
-Enabled women scientists from the South to collaborate and network on a regional and international level.

 

OWSD PhD Fellowships are intended for women candidates based in the Global South, to undertake studies in the Global South, and build up sustainable research capacity in their regions. It is expected that OWSD PhD fellows will become leaders and role models, ultimately establishing research centres of excellence and inspiring a new generation of women scientists.

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