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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Am I eligible for the ICO Fellowship Program?

The ICO International Fellowship Program was created to support young ophthalmologists from developing countries at the beginning of their careers. To apply, you should be below 40 years of age, but you will not automatically be excluded from the program if you are a few years older. You should have completed your residency training in ophthalmology, and be able to guarantee that you will return to your native country after training, resume your previous position, and apply your new knowledge. Lastly, if you have passed the ICO Examinations (http://www.icoexams.org), you will receive special consideration in the review process. However passing the ICO Examinations is not a requirement to apply for an ICO Fellowship.

How do I find a host? Which departments offer ICO Fellowships?

Please download the Fellowship Host Directory (list of training centers) (PDF – 2MB). Each subspecialty offered by the ICO Fellowship Program is listed alphabetically by name of the ICO Training Center. All ICO Training Centers are equally recommendable and offer very high standards. ICO Fellowships are offered only in the locations listed in the directory. Please decide on a subspecialty and then choose a host who offers that subspecialty. You must speak one of the languages offered in your chosen training center. You cannot do a fellowship in your home country.

May I contact more than one host to find out about vacancies?

In fairness to other candidates, we ask that you do not contact more than one host at a time. If you do, you risk being excluded from the program. Contact a host to find out if there is a vacancy at their department during the dates you chose for your fellowship. Also send them your CV and ask if they would accept you if you were awarded an ICO Fellowship. If the host says yes, you must confirm within seven days that you have received his/her invitation and that you accept it. If you do not reply in seven days, you risk being excluded from the program. If the host is not available, you may immediately contact a second host.  If you must refuse a host’s invitation, you must inform the host as soon as possible.

How long are ICO Fellowships? What does the grant cover?

The ICO Fellowship grant covers the fellow's travel expenses and 3-month living expenses in the host country. Fellows are expected to return to their home country after three months of training to apply what they learned. In some exceptional and very well founded cases, the training period may be extended, but the ICO Fellowship grant will only cover the first 3 months. The candidate’s return to his country of origin must still be guaranteed.  If you wish to apply for a 3-month ICO grant that supports a longer fellowship, you will have to provide solid reasons for your extended stay in FORM C.

How do I fill in the application forms?

You will need Microsoft Word to fill in the forms. You can either use the mouse to click on a section or you can use the tab key or the cursor right key to navigate within the document. Once you have selected a section, you can type in text.

  • If you wish to start a new line, press shift and enter.
  • If you wish to start a new paragraph, press enter. 

When using the drop-down menus (e.g. when you have to fill in a date), you can select a value by pressing the up/down arrow keys or by using the mouse.

Boxes can be ticked by pressing the space key or by using the mouse. Please do not tick equivalents (located on FORM D & E). Tick only the exact titles you received in your country. All forms must be filled in completely. Please read the instructions given on the pages carefully and provide the correct information. Please note that applications must be sent by the deadlines listed on FORM A.

How do I know if my application is complete? Which certificates do I have to include?

Applications are complete if they include: FORMS A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, are duly completed and signed/stamped where indicated. One letter of recommendation by a previous supervisor (on an official letter-head, signed and stamped) addressed to the ICO Fellowship Board.  English versions/translations of all diplomas and certificates indicated in FORM D Include only those diplomas that prove that you have passed the exams you indicated in FORM D. Please do NOT include transcripts, mark sheets, attempt certificates.

If you do charity work (FORM I), your application must also include one letter that describes your activities, written by the chairman of your charitable association. If the name on your diploma(s) is different from your present name due to marriage.  Include a copy of your marriage certificate.

Please do not include a CV, since the ICO Fellowship Board does not require it. However, you must include a CV in your letter to your chosen host. Please note that the success of your application depends considerably on its formal adequacy.

How should I send my application?

You must send your application electronically. Scan forms, certificates, testimonials, and any other documents in high resolution. Save these documents in .jpg, .gif, or .pdf format (do not insert scanned files into word documents). Files must be printable in Din-A4 Format, otherwise we will not be able to read them. Take all scanned files and compress them into one zip file Email zip file to the Fellowship Board at fellowship@icoph.org. 

When should I submit my application?

Applications are due to the ICO Fellowship Board by March 31 or September 30.   If your application is not complete, it will not be processed. You should start compiling your application early. Please allow sufficient time for finding a host, requesting testimonials, etc.

Remember that acknowledgement of receipt by the ICO may take between two to four weeks. If you submit your application at least one month before the official deadline, it will be checked for completeness and you will be given the chance to submit missing documents. If your application is sent after this date and is not complete, it will be temporarily rejected. In other words, your application will not be processed and you will have to reapply. To reapply means that you will send us a new and complete application before the deadline.

What happens after I have submitted my application?

The Fellowship Board checks all applications, rejects any incomplete ones, and processes all complete applications. You should expect to hear a response within about three months.

My application has been accepted for evaluation and will be processed. When will I be informed about being awarded the fellowship?

The review procedure takes about three months. If you applied by the March 31 deadline, you will receive an official notification of acceptance or denial in July. If you applied by the September 30 deadline, you will receive an official notification of acceptance or denial in January. Please be patient and do not inquire with us regarding your application status. Notifications of acceptance or denial will be sent automatically.

I have received an official notice of denial. What does this mean?

Your application has been evaluated and found unsuccessful. The Fellowship Committee’s decision is confidential, final, and non-negotiable. You may not reapply. Many candidates apply by each deadline. Fellowship funding cannot support all candidates who apply.

May I reapply?

If an application has been processed and has been found unsuccessful, it is finally rejected. The candidate receives an official letter of denial and cannot reapply. I have received an official notice of acceptance.

What happens next?

Congratulations, your application has been successful. The ICO will support your fellowship. Please inform your host about your application’s acceptance. You will need to apply for a visa before you begin your fellowship and you will want to make sure that you are sufficiently insured. Six weeks before your start date proposed in FORM A, you must confirm with us by email that you will take up your fellowship according to schedule. At this time, we can wire the grant funds to you. Please confirm with us when you have received the funds into your account.

When will I receive the grant?

If you have confirmed with us by email six weeks before your proposed start date (stated on Form A) that you will begin the fellowship according to schedule, we will wire the grant funds to your account about four weeks before you begin your fellowship.

Where will I stay during my fellowship?

Please contact your host about locating housing. The ICO Fellowship Board cannot help you organize your accommodations in the host country.

I cannot begin my fellowship as planned. What should I do?

The Fellowship Board approves of changes in schedule (e.g. postponement of the fellowship) only in exceptional and very well founded cases. If you do not apply for your visa with sufficient time, you will be excluded from the program. If you cannot take up your fellowship for a very good reason, you must contact the Fellowship Board immediately. The administrator will discuss further steps with you.

My address has changed. What should I do?

If your address or any other information given in the application forms have changed, you must contact the Fellowship Board immediately. The administrator will discuss further steps with you. Failure to inform us of changed information will lead to exclusion from the program.