Applicant’s research interests must be aligned with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA). 

Program Objectives

The PhD program aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Develop a pool of high-quality human resources in molecular biomedicine (molecular hepatology in particular) who will contribute to the country’s global competitiveness and economic development;
2. Provide opportunities to deserving students to study and obtain PhD degrees in molecular biomedicine in reputable institutions abroad; 
3. Contribute to the country’s health research and technological innovation capabilities through training on biomedical research; and
4. Create the basis for a Filipino Liver Network integrating basic and clinical research in liaison with FIF.

Capacity

Two (2) positions for the PhD program are available each year at UniTS-FIF (subject to the availability of funds).

Eligibility

The applicant must:

1. be a Filipino citizen;
2. not be more than 50 years old at the time of application;
3. be in good health condition; 
4. have a Master’s degree in a field relevant to health and biomedicine;
5. have an outstanding academic record; 
6. have passed the admission requirements for the PhD study in UniTS; 
7. have passed the interview and other screening procedures;
8. not avail or enjoy any other scholarships; 
9. not engage in any form of employment while on scholarship; and
10. be willing to render the required service obligation.

Scholarship Privileges

1. School fees (i.e. bench fees, permits, etc.)
2. Learning materials and/or connectivity allowance
3. Living/subsistence allowance
4. Health and accident insurance
5. One actual round-trip economy fare from residence to Italy (start and end of the scholarship period only)
6. Pre-departure allowance (one-time only)
7. Outright dissertation grant

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Scholarship Application	The applicant must submit the necessary requirements for the Foreign Graduate Scholarship Program to DOST-PCHRD
Document Screening	Documentary evaluation of the accomplished forms and other requirements
Technical interview and evaluation	Technical interview by a panel composed of DOST-PCHRD Director, FIF Scientific Director, member(s) of the PhD program in molecular medicine of UniTS, and other health research experts to assess:   Academic background and learning ability Capacity for completing the study in Italy Possibility of contributing to the development of the country Compatibility to the university course
Final Selection	The panel will identify the successful PhD student(s) among the candidates interviewed.

Note: An applicant who has already started their studies abroad prior to application to the scholarship program can no longer apply.

2025 TIMELINE 

(2024) December 26	Opening of the Call for Applications/Submission of Application
February 10	Deadline for Submission of Application via Online Portal
February 20	Document Screening and Shortlisting of Applicants
March 11	In-person interview
April	Final evaluation of PCHRD-UniTS-FIF selection committee
May	Announcement of the accepted candidate(s)
June-September	Preparation of necessary documents (visa, insurance, bank account, etc.) and signing of scholarship agreement
October	Orientation of Scholars and Departure
November 1	Start of PhD program

HOW TO APPLY

Please check the eligibility criteria of this Call before submitting your application. To signify interest in applying for the PhD scholarship program, applicants may submit their CVs on or before February 10, 2025 (Monday) through the online portal. Only eligible applicants will be entertained. 

Eligible applicants will be asked to submit the following documents for the initial screening: 

1) Application Form with recent ID pic

2) Re-Entry Action Plan (narrative)

3) Certifications for all qualifications undertaken (i.e. Certificate of Master’s Degree/Diploma)

4) Transcript of records (Certified true copy)

5) Recommendation letters from two (2) former professors in the Master’s program

6) If employed, 

• Certificate of Employment
• Endorsement letter from Head of Agency
• Permission to take a leave of absence (LOA) while on scholarship

For any other inquiries, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..