Overview
The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the University of Trieste (UniTS), and Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) entered into an agreement to develop and implement a program focused on molecular hepatology within the PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine of UniTS. The three-year program integrates basic research and clinics focusing on the study of molecular approaches to cancer biology, genetics, jaundice, and metabolic diseases.
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:
- 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;
- Provide opportunities to deserving students to study and obtain a PhD degree in Molecular Biomedicine in reputable institutions abroad;
- Contribute to the country’s health research and technological innovation capabilities through training on biomedical research; and
- Create the basis for a Filipino Liver Network integrating basic and clinical research in liaison with FIF.
Capacity
For 2026, there is one (1) available position for application to the PhD program at UniTS/FIF.
Eligibility
The applicant must:
- be a Filipino citizen;
- not be more than 50 years old at the time of application;
- be in good health condition;
- have a Master’s degree in a field relevant to health and biomedicine;
- have an outstanding academic record;
- have passed the admission requirements for the PhD study in UniTS;
- have passed the interview and other screening procedures;
- not avail or enjoy any other scholarships;
- not engage in any form of employment while on scholarship; and
- be willing to render the required service obligation.
Scholarship Privileges
- School fees (i.e. bench fees)
- Learning materials and/or connectivity allowance
- Living/subsistence allowance
- Health and accident insurance
- One actual round-trip economy fare from residence to Italy (start and end of the scholarship period only)
- Pre-departure allowance (one-time only)
- Outright dissertation grant (upon request and subject to evaluation)
- *Health and accident insurance for Nov-Dec of Year 1
- *UniTS Admission Examination Fee
- **UniTS Enrollment Fee/University Tax
- **Residence Permit
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Note: An applicant who has already started their studies abroad prior to application to the scholarship program can no longer apply.
2026 TIMELINE
| (2025) December 15 | Opening of the Call for Applications to the PhD Scholarship Program
Submission of CVs via Online Portal |
| February 2 | Deadline for the submission of CVs via Online Portal
Eligible applicants will be asked to submit application requirements |
| February 16 | Deadline for submission of application requirements |
| February 16-27 | Document Screening and Shortlisting of Applicants |
| March 2-6 | Release results of shortlisting
Sending of notification for panel interview |
| March 17 | In-person interview of shortlisted applicants
Endorsement of selected applicants to UniTS |
| April | Admission exam at UniTS |
| May | Announcement of the accepted candidate |
| June-September | Preparation of necessary documents (visa, insurance, bank account, etc.) and signing of scholarship agreement |
| October | Orientation of Scholars and Departure to Italy |
| 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 2, 2026 (Monday) through the online portal. Only eligible applicants will be entertained.
Eligible applicants will be asked to submit the following application requirements 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/Diploma of MD/Master’s Degree)
4) Transcript of records (Certified true copy)
5) Recommendation letters from two (2) former professors in the MD/Master’s program
6) If employed,
- Certificate of Employment
- Endorsement letter from the 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.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..