In case you are a medical worker who takes interest in deepening your expertise in peritoneal dialysis (PD), the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) Fellowship Program 2026 would be the perfect match for you. The program is not only a scholarship but also a chance to enrich the peritoneal dialysis practice globally through being trained at the leading centers of the field. It doesn’t really matter if you are a single doctor or a doctor-nurse team; ISPD will give you the monetary support, the assistance of the experts, and a podium to impart the knowledge that will change lives in your locality.
Program Overview:
- Program: ISPD Fellowship Program (Scholarship/Fellowship)
- Coverage: Fully Funded (up to $5,000 for individuals / up to $9,000 for teams)
- Nationality: Open worldwide (special encouragement for applicants from developing countries)
- Degree/Profession Level: Medical professionals (doctors, nurses)
- Duration: 6 weeks – 3 months
- Host Centers: ISPD-approved PD training centers worldwide
- Application Deadlines: 31 March and 30 September each year
Aim of the Program
The ISPD Fellowship Program is designed with a clear mission: to promote peritoneal dialysis by equipping professionals with advanced skills and practical knowledge. The fellowship allows participants to spend up to three months at a recognized PD center, learning not just clinical practices but also strategies for expanding PD programs in their home institutions.
At its heart, this fellowship is about impact. By training doctors and nurses together and by focusing on developing countries, ISPD is ensuring that the ripple effect of this program goes far beyond individuals—it strengthens entire healthcare systems.
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Eligibility Criteria
The ISPD Fellowship Program has been designed to be accessible while also prioritizing those who can create the greatest impact. Here’s a breakdown:
- Open to both ISPD members and non-members.
- Applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
- Applicants from developed countries must be under 40 years old.
- Teams of a doctor and nurse from the same institution are now eligible to apply together, making this a unique opportunity to build joint expertise.
If you’re wondering whether your country is considered “developing,” you can refer to the ISPD Institutional Membership Form for clarification.
Fellowship Duration and Funding
The program offers flexibility depending on whether you apply as an individual or a team:
Individual Applications
- Duration: Up to 3 months (minimum 6 weeks).
- Funding: Maximum of $5,000 USD.
- Training Deadline: Should begin within 12 months of the award.
Doctor-Nurse Team Applications (New Priority)
- Duration: 6–8 weeks.
- Funding: Maximum of $9,000 USD per team.
- Purpose: To create strong foundations for PD programs back home by ensuring both clinical and nursing perspectives are trained together.
This team-based approach is a recent addition and highlights ISPD’s commitment to building sustainable PD programs.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are carefully reviewed by the ISPD Scholarship and Awards Committee. To maximize your chances of success, your application should reflect the following qualities:
- Clarity and merit of your objectives.
- Appropriateness of the chosen facility for your goals.
- A well-structured training plan.
- Commitment to developing or expanding a PD program in your home institution.
- Consideration of geographic diversity.
Most importantly, preference is given to applicants from developing countries, ensuring that resources go where they’re most needed.
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Fellowship Priorities
Each application round has specific priorities:
- Doctor-nurse team applications are given top consideration.
- Applications that propose training at a PD Reference Center located within the applicant’s own region or country are encouraged, provided such centers are available.
- Every applicant must present a clear plan for implementing or expanding PD programs at their home institution after completing the fellowship.
This ensures that the fellowship translates into tangible improvements in patient care.
Choosing the Right Training Destination
Selecting a PD training center isn’t just about location—it’s about finding the right fit for your professional goals and your home institution’s needs.
When making your choice, consider:
- Whether the practices at the host center align with your institution.
- The language of instruction and whether you can comfortably follow it.
- How well the host center’s program matches your defined objectives.
- Accessibility factors like travel, accommodation, and licensing requirements (in some countries, hands-on training requires special licenses or fees).
ISPD provides a list of PD reference centers with detailed information, which can guide you in making the right choice.
Application Process
The ISPD Fellowship Program runs on a biannual cycle, with deadlines on 31 March and 30 September every year.
To apply, you need to submit:
- A completed application form (individual or team).
- An updated CV (for team applications: both members).
- A letter of acceptance from your chosen host institution.
- A letter of support from your home institution director/supervisor confirming institutional backing.
- A detailed plan describing training objectives, expected outcomes, and the future development of PD programs in your home center.
Applications should be sent to the ISPD Secretariat via email: admin@ispd.org.
Completion Requirements
Fellows are expected to share their experience and demonstrate the fellowship’s impact. Within three months of completing the training, recipients must submit a report to the ISPD Scholarship and Awards Committee.
The report should include:
- A description of the training experience.
- How the skills gained will be applied to improve PD programs in their institution or country.
- For team participants, a joint report that reflects both the doctor’s and the nurse’s perspectives.
This ensures accountability and helps ISPD track the fellowship’s contribution to global PD development.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Peritoneal dialysis is a lifeline for patients with kidney failure, especially in regions where access to hemodialysis is limited. By supporting both individuals and healthcare teams, the ISPD Fellowship Program is creating a ripple effect—strengthening local expertise, improving patient care, and promoting sustainable healthcare solutions.
If you’re a young doctor or a dedicated nurse with a vision to transform kidney care in your country, this program provides not just funding but a solid framework for growth.
Final Thoughts
Opportunities like the ISPD Fellowship Program don’t come around often. It’s not just about traveling for training—it’s about becoming part of a global movement to improve dialysis care and save lives. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate to prepare your application.
Deadline reminders:
- 31 March
- 30 September
Both dates come around quickly, so start gathering your documents and mapping out your training plan now.
Take this step. The knowledge you gain could be the difference for countless patients back home.
🔗 Official Website: ISPD Fellowship Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ISPD Fellowship Program?
The ISPD Fellowship Program is a fully funded training opportunity offered by the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis. It allows doctors and nurses to spend 6 weeks to 3 months at leading PD centers worldwide, gaining hands-on experience and knowledge to improve dialysis programs in their home countries.
2. Who is eligible for the ISPD Fellowship?
Eligibility is open to both ISPD members and non-members. Applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. For applicants from developed countries, the age limit is 40 years or younger. Teams consisting of one doctor and one nurse from the same institution are also eligible.
3. How much funding does the ISPD Fellowship provide?
Funding depends on whether you apply individually or as a team. Individual applicants can receive up to $5,000 USD, while doctor-nurse team applicants can receive up to $9,000 USD. This funding helps cover travel, accommodation, and training-related expenses.
4. How long does the fellowship last?
- Individual fellowships last up to 3 months (minimum 6 weeks).
- Doctor-nurse team fellowships last between 6 and 8 weeks.
All training must be completed within 12 months of receiving the award.
5. When is the deadline to apply for the ISPD Fellowship Program 2026?
There are two application deadlines each year:
- 31 March
- 30 September
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents and secure acceptance from a host institution well before these dates.
6. How do I apply for the ISPD Fellowship Program?
To apply, you need to complete the official application form (individual or team), submit an updated CV, and provide a letter of acceptance from your host institution and a letter of support from your home institution. Applications must be emailed to the ISPD Secretariat at admin@ispd.org before the deadline.