The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship 2025/2026

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 anywhere in the world to study. happy news Currently accepting applications is the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship. In-depth information about the fellowship, its advantages, and the application procedure will be provided in this post. 


The 2023–2024 International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. The recipient of this Fellowship will receive a stipend of up to $50,000 USD to assist with living costs and return flights.

Young ophthalmologists from all around the world can apply for the ICO-Allergan Advanced Research Fellowship if they desire to do basic or clinical research at a university of their choice. Improving ophthalmic education is one of the ICO's main objectives and responsibilities in order to enhance eye care and support the conservation and restoration of sight globally. The ICO provides projects and educational programs that advance and promote ophthalmic education, particularly in underdeveloped nations, in order to achieve this purpose.

Here’s a detailed overview of the ICO Fellowship Program 2025/2026:

🩺 1. Fellowship Types & Benefits

ICO Three‑Month Fellowships

  • Duration: 3 months in one of 14 ophthalmology subspecialties (e.g., cataract surgery, glaucoma, retina, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology) 

  • Award: US $6,000 to assist with living and travel expenses.

  • Approximately 60–90 fellowships are awarded each year.

Specialized Three‑Month (ICO‑WGA) Glaucoma Fellowship

  • Same structure and stipend, but specifically for glaucoma candidates from Sub‑Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

One‑Year Ocular Genetics Fellowship (ICO‑NEI/NIH)

  • Full year at NEI/NIH in Bethesda, USA.

  • Award: US $25,000.

One‑Year AbbVie Advanced Research Fellowship

  • For existing researchers in glaucoma, retina, uveitis, neuro‑ophth., etc.

  • Award: US $50,000. Deadline: March 31st (scholarshiproar.com).

2. Eligibility Requirements

General across all fellowships:

  1. Completed ophthalmology residency and passed specialist exam.

  2. Must be < 40 years old for AbbVie Research Fellowship (some sources for high‑value awards).

  3. Based in a qualifying low/middle-income country (“World Bank” list)—Nigeria included.

  4. Fluent in English (and language of host country if different) 

  5. Committed to return home after fellowship.

  6. Must not currently be receiving another fellowship/extension

  7. Recommended to have passed ICO Examinations

  8. Applicants from ICO Member Society countries get special consideration.

📌 Nigeria is explicitly eligible.

3. Application Deadlines & Timeline

  • March 31st deadline → decisions by May–July, with earliest start October 1st 

  • September 30th deadline → decisions by January, with earliest start April 1 ).

  • AbbVie fellowship: applies March 31st, notifications by July.

4. Application Process

  1. Create/log in to ICO Fellowship portal and select fellowship types.

  2. Eligibility stage: upload passport, specialist cert, ICO exam cert, supervisor/dept. chair letter of recommendation.

  3. ICO reviews (within ~10 days).

  4. If eligible, apply to a single host from the directory by subspecialty/location).

  5. Host reviews (allow ~2 weeks), confirms acceptance via signed form.

  6. ICO finalizes award, requests visa proof, insurance, housing, and banking.

5. Host Institutions & Subspecialties

  • Hosts span continents; offerings include:

    • Egypt (Mansoura University), India (MGM Eye Institute), Iran, US, etc. covering cataract, glaucoma, retina, pediatric, cornea, neuro‑ophthalmology, ocular oncology, oculoplastics .

  • The ICO Host Directory on the website contains full listings by subspecialty, country, and training center.

6. Strategy & Tips

  • Timing: Choose March or September cycle based on your readiness and ideal start date.

  • ICO Exams: Although not mandatory, passing boosts your application.

  • Host selection: Research host profiles and correspondence etiquette — do not contact multiple hosts simultaneously

  • Prepare documents early: translation of certificates, recommendation letters, timeline for visa/insurance.

✅ Summary Checklist for 2025/2026

Item Details
Fellowship options 3‑month, ICO‑WGA glaucoma, 1‑year ocular genetics (NEI), 1‑year AbbVie research
Deadlines March 31st & Sep  30th; AbbVie: March 31st
Eligibility Residency complete, specialist exam passed, under 40 for some awards, from eligible country (e.g., Nigeria), fluency, return commitment
Application steps Portal sign up → eligibility docs → apply to host → host acceptance → final ICO approval


Summary of the International Council of Opthalmology Fellowship Scholarship (ICO) 

  • Study Subjects/Level: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Institution(s) Host: The chosen institution (preferably in a foreign country where they live) 
  • Location: Everywhere in the globe 
  • The program in ophthalmology is available. Duration: As indicated by the program 

  • March 31 and September 30 are deadlines (every year) 

AFFORDABLE COVERAGE 

The recipient of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship is given a stipend of up to US$50,000 to help with living expenses and round-trip transportation.

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY (ICO) FELLOWSHIP CRITERIA 

To be considered for an International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship, candidates must fulfill the requirements listed below: 

The necessary language is English. 

Every nation on earth is qualified. 

Research requirements: 

  • work done previously in the realm of the application specified 
  • a comprehensive CV that includes a list of publications and their impact factors 
  • defending the current program director 
  • Verification of the viability of the selected host university 
  • a detailed justification of how the fellowship's research should be continued. 
  • Sustainability statement, such as reassurance from the existing program director that the applicant would be able to return and continue working after completing his or her fellowship.
  • Basic Standards 
  • A minimum of 12 months of training in research are needed. 
  • An online application is available on the ICO website. 
  • The subspecialties that will accept applications are Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Retina, Tumours, Uveitis, Dry Eye, and Cornea. 
  • a copy of the required ophthalmology specialist exam 
  • The applicant must speak the language of the fellowship training center quite well. 
  • A 40-year-old applicant must be under that age when submitting an application. 
  • Candidates should pass one or more of the ICO tests, according to the ICO. When evaluating HERE applications, this is taken into account. 
  • The ICO will give precedence to applicants from nations with ophthalmologic societies that are members. 

Visit HERE to find out more about the ICO's members.

How to submit a scholarship application 
Please follow the steps below to apply for this scholarship: 
  • You must create an ICO Account if you don't already have one. 
  • selecting a fellowship The ICO Fellowship(s) for which you are qualified will be shown when you have chosen your country. 
  • Fill out the eligibility check form. Information about yourself will be requested in order to assess your candidacy for the selected ICO Fellowship. 
  • Review of ICO Eligibility: Following the submission of your information to the ICO, your eligibility will be evaluated. Either you will be informed of the choice and asked to submit the application, or you will be informed that you are not qualified.You will select and submit an application to a host training center if you are qualified. Please be aware that you may only submit an application to one host at a time. 
  • Examining the host application Your request will be reviewed by the host you've selected. You must confirm the details established between you and the host if you are accepted. You must select a different host if your request is turned down. 
Request for a Fellowship: The appropriate ICO Fellowship Committee will review your application once it is complete. 

WEBSITE 

Please visit the official website for further details on the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship: 
Official Website

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