Applications Open Now
5 October – 5 December 2026
ICF Clinical Unit Visit Fellowship
The ICF Clinical Unit Visit Fellowship is an 8-week educational and observational clinical fellowship for early-career oncologists.
Fellows undertake a structured learning programme at an approved oncology host institute, with a focus on clinical observation, knowledge exchange, professional development and international collaboration.
The programme aims to support the transfer and practical application of relevant knowledge and experience within the fellow’s home institution and professional environment.
Programme Focus
Fellows may focus their visit on a specific tumour type, patient group or area of oncology practice, depending on their learning objectives and the expertise available at the host institute.
Applicants are encouraged to identify a host institute that is well aligned with their learning objectives and the needs of their home institution.
The ESMO Host Institute List may be used as guidance. The list is not exhaustive, and applicants may propose another suitable recognised oncology institute, subject to ICF approval.
What the fellowship offers:
- Structured clinical observation and learning
- Exposure to different approaches to oncology care, clinical practice and research
- Opportunities for professional exchange and international collaboration
- Support for applying relevant knowledge and experience within the home institution
The fellowship is educational and observational. Any patient-facing activity or clinical access depends on the host institute’s rules, supervision arrangements and applicable regulations and cannot be guaranteed by ICF
Read reports from previous fellows
Funding & Duration
For a standard 8-week fellowship, ICF normally provides:
- EUR 6,000 fellow grant as a contribution towards accommodation and living expenses
- Reasonable travel reimbursement within ICF reimbursement limits and subject to supporting documentation
- EUR 1,000 host institute administrative contribution
The fellow grant is not a salary and does not guarantee full coverage of all costs.
Fellows remain responsible for travel arrangements, accommodation, visas and immigration procedures, insurance and other personal or administrative requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be an early-career oncologist or an oncologist in training
- Have at least two years of clinical experience in internal medicine or medical, radiation or surgical oncology by the expected start of the fellowship
- Be active in oncology practice and/or oncology-related clinical research
- Be proficient in English
- Have sufficient knowledge of the working language of the host institute or host country
- Have support from their home institution
- Propose a fellowship aligned with the clinical, educational and observational nature of the programme
A final report must be submitted after completion of the fellowship, in accordance with the ICF CUV General Conditions 2027–2028.
Application Documents
A complete application must include:
- Completed online application form
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter from the applicant’s home institute, department head, mentor or supervisor
- Host acceptance letter, if a host institute has already been confirmed
- CV information, including relevant work experience, education and training, languages, clinical trial participation, publications and published abstracts, where applicable
- Visit proposal, if available
Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure a host institute before submitting their application.
If no host institute has been confirmed, applicants must provide information on their preferred host institute, proposed focus, learning objectives, preferred dates and efforts made to secure a host.
All application material must be submitted in English.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed after the application deadline.
The review takes into account:
- Applicant profile and motivation
- Quality and relevance of the proposed clinical visit
- Suitability of the host institute and planned programme
- Expected knowledge transfer and potential benefit for the applicant’s home institution and professional environment
8-week fellowships are prioritised.
Applications with a confirmed host institute and valid host acceptance letter may also be prioritised.
Applications that remain incomplete or in draft form after the deadline will not be considered.
