The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship supports young ophthalmologists from around the world to undertake basic or clinical research at a host university, usually in a country other than where they live. The headline ICO-Allergan Advanced Research Fellowship provides a stipend of up to US$50,000 (about EUR 46,000 (est.)) toward living expenses and return travel home. Fellowships require a minimum of 12 months of research training and accept work in sub-specialties including glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, paediatric ophthalmology, retina, tumours, uveitis, dry eye and cornea. Applicants must be under 40 years of age at the time of applying, have passed a specialist examination in ophthalmology, be reasonably fluent in the language of the training centre, and provide an endorsement from their current programme director plus a sustainability statement confirming they will return to their home position. Applications run on two annual deadlines, around 31 March and 30 September, and candidates apply online through the ICO website, complete an eligibility check, and then apply to a host training centre. Because the stipend and cycle dates are reviewed periodically, confirm the current award amount and deadlines on the official ICO website before applying.
Applications are made online through the ICO website in a staged eligibility-and-host process.
A sustainability statement confirming the ability to return to a home post is required. Applicants from countries whose ophthalmologic societies are ICO members are given preference, and passing ICO exams can strengthen an application.
All countries worldwide
Applications are assessed by the appropriate ICO Fellowship Committee on the candidate's research record, CV and publications, the feasibility of the proposed host placement, and the programme director's endorsement. Candidates from countries with ICO-member societies are given preference and ICO exam results may be taken into account.
The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) is a global body representing ophthalmologic societies worldwide. It works to advance ophthalmic education, improve eye care and support the prevention and restoration of vision, with a focus on developing nations.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
It is run by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), which supports ophthalmic education and eye-care training worldwide.
The ICO-Allergan Advanced Research Fellowship provides a stipend of up to US$50,000 (about EUR 46,000 (est.)) for living expenses and return travel.
It requires a minimum of 12 months of research training at a host centre.
Young ophthalmologists worldwide who are under 40, have passed a specialist examination in ophthalmology, and can commit to 12 months of research.
Glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, paediatric ophthalmology, retina, tumours, uveitis, dry eye and cornea.
Yes. Applicants must be under 40 years of age at the time of applying.
At a host university you select, ideally in a country other than where you currently reside.
A description of prior work, a detailed CV with publications, a programme-director endorsement, host-feasibility confirmation and a sustainability statement.
Yes. You must submit a sustainability statement confirming you can return to your home position after the fellowship.
Create an ICO account, select an eligible fellowship, complete the eligibility check, then apply to a single host training centre at a time.
Applicants from countries whose ophthalmologic societies are ICO members are given preference, and passing ICO exams can help.
There are two annual deadlines, around 31 March and 30 September 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact dates on the official ICO website.