The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship for the 2023-2024 academic year is an opportunity for international students to receive a fully funded scholarship. The selected recipient will receive a stipend of up to US$50,000 to assist with living expenses and return travel.
The ICO-Allergan Advanced Research Fellowship is available to young ophthalmologists worldwide who are interested in pursuing basic or clinical research at a university of their choice. The ICO has a primary objective to enhance ophthalmic education, improve eye care, and support the conservation and restoration of vision on a global scale. To fulfill this mission, the ICO implements instructional programs and initiatives to bolster and promote ophthalmic education, with a specific focus on developing nations.
Scholarship Summary:
- Level of Study: Research Fellowship, Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): The selected university (ideally located in a foreign country where the candidate resides)
- Study in: Any location worldwide
- Courses Offered: Ophthalmology
- Program Period: As determined by the specific program’s requirements
Scholarship Coverage:
The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship that provides financial support to the recipient in the form of a stipend of up to US$50,000. This funding is intended to cover the cost of living expenses and return travel to the candidate’s home country. The ICO Fellowship is highly competitive, and successful applicants are those who have demonstrated exceptional academic and research capabilities in the field of ophthalmology. With this fellowship, the ICO aims to support talented and promising young ophthalmologists who are committed to advancing the field and improving eye care worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered eligible for the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: All countries around the world
- Research Requirements:
- A description of previous work in the field of the application
- A detailed CV, including a comprehensive list of publications and impact factors
- An endorsement from the current program director
- Confirmation of the feasibility of the chosen host university
- A detailed description of how research work will be continued during the fellowship.
- As part of the application process, applicants must include a sustainability statement that confirms their ability to return to their position after completing the ICO Fellowship.
- Basic Requirements for the ICO Fellowship:
- Minimum 12 months of research training.
- Online application through the ICO website.
- Applications accepted for research work in the following sub-specialties: Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Retina, Tumours, Uveitis, Dry Eye, and Cornea.
- Copy of specialist exam in ophthalmology that must be successfully passed.
- Applicant must be reasonably fluent in the language of the fellowship training center.
- Applicant must be under 40 years of age at the time of applying.
- The ICO recommends that candidates pass one or more ICO exams. This may be considered in the assessment of applications.
- Applicants from countries with ophthalmologic societies that are members of the ICO will be given preference.
- To learn more about the eligibility requirements for the ICO Fellowship, please click HERE.
How to Apply:
To apply for the ICO Fellowship, please follow these steps:
- Create an ICO Account: If you do not already have one, you will need to create an account with the ICO.
- Select a Fellowship: After identifying your country, the ICO Fellowship(s) you are eligible for will be shown.
- Complete Eligibility Check: You will be asked to provide information in order to determine if you are eligible to receive the selected ICO Fellowship.
- ICO Eligibility Review: After your information is submitted to the ICO, your eligibility will be determined. You will be notified of the decision and asked to complete the application or informed that you are not eligible.
- Apply to a Host Training Center: If you are eligible, you will select and apply to a host. Please note that you may only apply to one host at a time.
- Host Application Review: Your request will be reviewed by the host you have selected. If accepted, you will need to confirm details agreed upon between you and the host. If your request is declined, you will need to select another host.
- Fellowship Application Submitted: You will be notified that your application is complete and will be reviewed by the appropriate ICO Fellowship Committee.
Application Deadline:
The las date of application is March 31 / September 30 (each year)
