The OWSD PhD Fellowships are prestigious awards that are administered by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). These fellowships are designed to help women scientists from underdeveloped nations pursue doctoral degrees in STEM subjects. As a result, the program provides financial aid, training, and the resources needed to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Additionally, the OWSD Ph.D. fellowships are four years of funding and they can either be full-time or a sandwich type of fellowship. The fellowship pays for living expenses, medical insurance, and tuition, among others. Every year, thousands of women from developing countries apply for the OWSD fellowship programs, but only a small percentage are chosen.
So, if you want to apply for the OWSD PhD fellowship program, you must craft a persuasive application. This post will teach you more about the OWSD PhD fellowships, their benefits, deadlines, and how to make your application stand out while applying. Whether you’re a young lady or mother with a master’s degree in any STEM field, or looking for funding opportunities to further your education, OWSD has something for you. Ensure you read to the end to get the most of all you need to make your application stand out.
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About the Host of OWSD PhD Fellowships
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) recognizes the enormous barriers that women encounter in many parts of the world while pursuing professions in science. These difficulties include limited educational access, a lack of financing and resources, cultural and societal hurdles, and gender bias. Thus, OWSD seeks to solve these issues by providing funding for women scientists to further their studies in science and technology. One of its primary programs is the OWSD PhD Fellowships.
Founded in 1987, as a program under the framework of the Third-World-Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the program is administered by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). The OWSD PhD Fellowships are aimed at helping women researchers advance in their careers and contribute to scientific research in their home countries. Read on to learn more about this prestigious program.
Why Apply for The Scholarship OWSD PhD Fellowships?
Over the years, OWSD has grown and expanded its activities, including the organization of conferences, workshops, and networking events to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among women scientists. Here are more reasons to apply for the OWSD PhD Fellowships:
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How Much is the OWSD PhD Fellowships Worth?
We can not state the exact amount that the OWSD fellowship is worth, however, it covers the following:
The OWSD fellowship does not cover:
How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
Over time, the OWSD PhD fellowships have continued to gain popularity, hence, thousands of students enrol for the scholarship. So, while we cannot say how many people will be picked for the fellowship, we do know that a significant number of eligible students will be chosen.
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What Is the Acceptance Rate of the OWSD PhD Fellowships?
We can not for sure state the percentage of people that enrol for the OWSD PhD Fellowships; however, we do know that OWSD gets a pool of candidates each year, but only a few are selected. Therefore, it is a highly competitive scholarship; but, if you put your best foot forward and complete all of the eligibility standards, you will have a better chance of getting selected.
Eligible Nationality
The OWSD PhD Fellowships are typically open to women scientists from science- and technology-lagging countries (STLCs).
Eligible countries
Countries/Regions eligible to apply for this scholarship program include;
#1. Africa
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (Kingdom of), Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
#2. Arab region
Djibouti, Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip), Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen
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#3. Asia & the Pacific
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kiribati, Lao People’s Dem Rep., Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
#4. Latin America & the Caribbean
Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay
#5. Latin America & the Caribbean
Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay
You can also find the list of eligible countries available here.
Host Nationality
The OWSD PhD fellowships are hosted in various institutes in developing countries in the South. Also, note that the OWSD list of host institutes is a recommended list and not exhaustive. Any host institute will be considered by OWSD as long as it is located in a developing country in the South and demonstrates appropriate resources and expertise. Meanwhile, you can find a list of recommended institutions here. Meanwhile, if you have already identified a host institute in another developing country and it is not included, please write to [email protected]
and they’ll try to establish an agreement with the institute.
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Which Course of Study is Eligible for the OWSD PhD Fellowships?
The OWSD PhD Fellowships are open to women scientists in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Applications for PhD studies in the Social sciences, Humanities, Arts, or other are NOT eligible.
Eligible scientific field:
Which Level is Eligible for the OWSD PhD Fellowships?
The OWSD PhD Fellowships are typically available to women scientists from low-income countries who are pursuing a PhD degree.
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OWSD PhD Fellowships Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for OWSD PhD Fellowships can vary depending on the specific program and location. However, here are the general criteria:
Age Requirements
There is no age limit for these fellowships. So, you can always apply as long as you meet all requirements.
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How to Apply For OWSD PhD Fellowships?
Since its inception, the OWSD has continuously offered financial aid to women in the field of science in low-income countries who are pursuing a PhD degree. Hence, if you’re eligible for these fellowship programs, here is how you can apply.
Steps To Apply for OWSD PhD Fellowships
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
To apply for the OWSD PhD fellowships, please follow the steps below.
Research and Choose a Host Institution
Identify the scientific field and the specific research area you want to pursue your Ph.D. Following that, look for a reputable host institution in your country or a developing country that offers a PhD program in your field of study.Identify a Supervisor:
Reach out to potential supervisors in your chosen field and secure a commitment from one of them to supervise your PhD research. Their support is usually required during the application process.Prepare Application Materials and Apply:
Prepare the required documents, go to their OWSD application portal, fill out the application form, and upload the required documents. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email.Selection Process:
OWSD will review all applications and select candidates based on their academic merit, research potential, and relevance to development needs.Notification:
Applicants will be informed of the selection results through email and successful candidates will receive instructions on the next steps.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
Downloads
- 2024 Awards: Call for Applications
- OWSD Awards: Eligible STCs
- 2024 OWSD Awards: Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria
- 2024 OWSD Awards: Application Guidelines
What Are the Documents Required For OWSD PhD Fellowship Application?
To apply for the OWSD PhD Fellowships, you typically need the following documents:
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Candidates applying for a SANDWICH study scheme must submit the following documents:
Please keep in mind that the official application language is English, so all application content must be written in English. If you are submitting supporting documents in a different language (for example, a degree certificate, acceptance letter, or no objection certificate), you must attach at least an informal translation into English. Documents that have not been translated into English will not be accepted.
Additionally, the online application system will only accept applications that are comprehensive in all aspects, including the requisite documentation. All documents must be uploaded through the online application system. Unless otherwise instructed, do not email any documents to OWSD. The OWSD Secretariat reserves the right to rule an application ineligible if the answers and/or documentation do not relate to the specific question addressed.
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Types of OWSD PhD Fellowships:
Is the Application for the OWSD PhD Fellowships Application Ongoing Now?
As of the time of publication, OWSD is accepting applications for the 2024 PhD fellowships. Therefore, we recommend you plan ahead of time and apply for this application window.
What Can I Do To Win OWSD PhD Fellowships This Year?
To improve your chances of winning the OWSD PhD Fellowships, consider the following steps:
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Application Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications for the 2024 awards is 8 October 2023. Successful candidates will be informed of their selection no later than 31 December 2023.
Scholarship Summary
Summary
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Selection Procedures
The fellowships are highly competitive and selection is based on scientific competence and merit. The candidate will have to submit the relevant document on their website. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of eminent scientists, appointed and chaired by OWSD, and sent to the selection committee. Following that, the selection committee will make the final decision and fellowship winners will be notified.
Do the OWSD PhD Fellowships Have Fellowship Past Questions?
The OWDS PhD fellowships don’t have many questions, hence, you just have to fill out their application form and submit the recent documentation along with a PhD research proposal outline. The Ph.D. research proposal outline must contain a maximum of 2000 words which should be a summarized description of the Ph.D. research proposal.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Win The OWSD PhD Fellowships
If you don’t win any of the OWDS PhD fellowships, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time. While you look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions About OWSD PhD Fellowships
Are individuals in developed countries eligible for the OWSD PhD Fellowships?
No, applicants in a developed country or registered in a university located in a developed country, such as European countries, USA, Canada, etc. cannot be considered eligible for the fellowship program.
Is there an age limit for the OWSD PhD Fellowships?
No, there is no age restriction for these fellowships.
If the host institute where I want to complete my PhD studies is not included on the OWSD list, can I still apply?
Well, the OWSD list of host institutes is a recommended list and not exhaustive. As a result, any host institute will be considered by OWSD as long as it is located in a developing country and demonstrates appropriate resources and expertise.
Can a student who is already enrolled in an institute apply for the OWSD PhD Fellowship?
Yes, it is not too late. The sandwich PhD study scheme enables applicants, already registered as PhD students in their home countries, to undertake research visits abroad at times that suit their study schedule. Thus, if you wish you can decide to spend 6 months of each year of your PhD at the host institute for a maximum of 3 research visits (20 months total).
Can I apply for the OWSD PhD Fellowship if my MSc degree is still pending?
No, grants from TWAS/OWSD cannot be held simultaneously. So, if you are receiving funds from TWAS at the time of the application, you will not be deemed eligible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OWSD Fellowships are open to applicants from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and also low-income countries identified by the United Nations. We want you to know that the list was agreed upon by the TWAS-OWSD Coordinating Committee and is non-negotiable. Additionally, other institutes that are not included in the list will be considered if they demonstrate appropriate resources and expertise. Therefore, if you have already identified a host institute in another developing nation that is not included, you can always contact OWSD. Finally, fellowship funding is only available while the student is on-site at the host institute.
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