The ASCO Long-term International Fellowship (LIFe) enables a young oncologist from a low- or middle-income country to undergo advanced training for 12 months at a top cancer center in North America or Europe . The fellowship focuses on transferring knowledge and skills that the fellow can then implement to improve cancer care in their home country. LIFe Fellows gain extensive exposure in their chosen area (e.g., medical oncology, radiation, surgery, or specific subspecialties like breast oncology), engage in research, and develop long-term mentor relationships. After the fellowship, ASCO and the host mentor continue to guide the fellow’s career and projects back home, fostering sustainable improvements in global oncology.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Physicians (MD or equivalent) under age 40 from a country classified by the World Bank as low, lower-middle, or upper-middle income. Must have completed training in oncology or a related field (e.g., internal medicine plus oncology specialization) and be practicing oncology in their home country.
- Applicants need to identify an ASCO member host mentor at a proposed host institution (ASCO can assist with matching if needed). Home institution support (letter pledging a position upon return) is required, ensuring the fellow will return to practice locally.
- Proficiency in English (or language of host country) is required . The fellow should demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving oncology practice in their region.
Funding Details:
- Award/Stipend: Covers travel and living expenses for 1 year, including round-trip airfare, housing, meals, and health insurance. The exact amount varies by location but is designed to be adequate for a year in the host city (often in the range of US ~$100,000).
- The fellow does not receive a salary from the host institution (the stipend serves that purpose). Any research costs at the host institution are generally covered by the host mentor’s resources.
- ASCO also provides the fellow with complementary ASCO membership for the year, and sponsors attendance at the ASCO Annual Meeting and possibly the International Clinical Trials Workshop.
Deadline:
- Application Deadline: January 29, 2026.
- Selection results are announced by April 2026. The fellowship typically begins in the second half of 2026, with exact timing coordinated between the fellow and host.
Where to go for further information: