Advance your PhD research with the ICTP-Arab Fund Postgraduate Fellowships! Open to students from Arab Fund Member States, this program offers funding, travel support, and mentorship at ICTP, Italy. Strengthen your research skills and expand your academic network—apply now!

The fellowships are open to PhD students who are nationals of and enrolled in a PhD program in one of the Arab Fund Member States, including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, among others. Applicants must have a research project aligned with ICTP’s fields of study and secure approval from their home PhD supervisor.

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), founded in 1964 by Nobel laureate Abdus Salam, is a prestigious research institute located in Trieste, Italy. Operating under a tripartite agreement with the Italian government, UNESCO, and the IAEA, ICTP fosters advanced studies in physics and mathematics, particularly supporting scientists from developing countries. It serves as a global hub for scientific collaboration, hosting workshops, conferences, and training programs that have benefited thousands of researchers worldwide.

Application Deadline: March 16, 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
• Department: Various research departments at ICTP
• Course Level: PhD
• Award: Monthly stipend of €1,400, travel costs, and medical insurance
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: 10
• Nationality: Nationals of Arab Fund Member States
• The award can be taken in: Italy

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Applicants must be nationals of and enrolled in a PhD program in one of the Arab Fund Member States, which include:
  Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship is available in any research field at ICTP, including:
• Mathematics
• High Energy, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics
• Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics
• Earth System Physics
• Quantitative Life Sciences
• Science, Technology, and Innovation
• Medical Physics
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be enrolled in a PhD program in an Arab Fund Member State.
• Have a research project aligned with ICTP’s fields of study.
• Obtain approval from their home PhD supervisor.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Be willing to conduct research under co-supervision at ICTP.

Priority will be given to young researchers and women scientists to ensure equitable participation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the STEP online application system at ICTP. The application consists of two parts:

PART I – Candidate’s Application:

• Fill out the student profile and application form.
• Provide the PhD research title and proposal.
• Suggest a co-supervisor at ICTP.
• Upload an English proficiency certificate.
• Submit supporting documents (e.g., acceptance letter from ICTP co-supervisor).

PART II – Home Supervisor’s Application:

• The candidate’s PhD supervisor at their home institute must complete their part of the application.
• Provide details on how the fellowship will benefit the student’s research and home institution.
• Submit a recommendation letter and information on previous research work.

Applications without the home supervisor’s part will not be considered.

Applications and supporting documents are accepted only via the ICTP online application system. No email or postal submissions will be accepted.

Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: €1,400 per month during each ICTP stay.
• Travel Costs: Covered for visits to ICTP.
• Medical Insurance: Provided during the ICTP stay.
• Research & Training: Supervision from ICTP experts and collaboration with international researchers.

This fellowship ensures that students receive financial and academic support while completing their PhD at their home institute with additional training at ICTP.

For more details and to apply, visit: ICTP STEP Programme.

Apply Now