The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Palliative Care Fellowship is a short-term observational training program (approximately 4 weeks) for young oncologists to gain specialized experience in cancer palliative and supportive care. The fellowship places the trainee at a leading palliative care center in Europe, where they learn best practices in symptom management, multidisciplinary teamwork, and holistic supportive oncology. With ~€2,500 provided for travel and living costs, this fellowship allows early-career oncologists (under age 40) to bring back improved palliative care skills to their home institutions.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Applicants must be oncologists (medical, radiation, or surgical) who are ESMO members under the age of 40. Typically, this means they are in the final phase of specialist training or recently board-certified in oncology. Current oncology fellows or junior consultants with a clear interest in palliative care are ideal candidates.
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Must demonstrate a strong interest in integrating palliative care into oncology. For example, candidates might be those setting up or working in supportive care clinics, or planning research/initiatives in symptom control or end-of-life care. A motivation letter is required, explaining how this fellowship will benefit their practice and cancer patients in their home region.
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Geographic scope: Open to oncologists from ESMO member countries and potentially partner countries outside Europe (ESMO has international members worldwide). There is no specific nationality restriction as long as the applicant is an ESMO member in good standing. However, the host centers are in Europe, and the fellowship is conducted in English (or local language if known).
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Language: Proficiency in English is mandatory. If the host institution’s primary language is non-English (e.g., French, Spanish, etc.), some knowledge of that language is beneficial for deeper immersion.
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Institutional support: The applicant’s home institution should endorse the application, confirming that they support the candidate’s leave for the fellowship and intend to utilize the enhanced skills upon return.
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One cannot apply if they have already received a similar ESMO fellowship or if they are older than the specified age limit.
Funding Details:
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Stipend: ESMO provides a fixed stipend of €6,000 for an 8-week fellowship (or pro-rated ~€3,000 for 4 weeks) – however, the 2026 palliative fellowship specifically is noted as 4 weeks with about €2,500 in funding. The OncoDaily summary indicates ~€2,500 is provided for a one-month observership. This is intended to cover travel to the host country and living expenses (accommodation, meals, local transport) during the fellowship. It’s not a salary since the fellow remains employed by their home institution.
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Duration: Usually 4 weeks (can sometimes be extended up to 8 weeks by arrangement, but funding is limited). The 2026 cycle fellowship application opening Jan 12 and closing Jan 30 suggests a roughly one-month program, likely to be scheduled within that calendar year at a time mutually agreed between fellow and host.
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What’s provided: The host institute does not charge any fees and will integrate the fellow into all relevant activities (ward rounds, clinic consultations, home care visits if applicable, team meetings, etc.). The fellow basically shadows and learns, and may have hands-on involvement as allowed. ESMO covers the registration fee for the fellow to attend the next ESMO Congress or an ESMO Palliative Care workshop, which is a bonus educational opportunity.
Deadline:
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Application deadline is January 30, 2026 (midday CET) for the ESMO Palliative Care Fellowship starting later in 2026. The call opened January 12, 2026 and closes on January 30, 2026 at 12:00 CET. This tight window suggests applicants should prepare their documents (CV, motivation letter, letters of reference, etc.) in advance.
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Decisions are usually communicated by March 2026. If successful, the fellow and ESMO will coordinate with a host institution (ESMO has pre-selected host centers across Europe with excellent palliative programs). The fellowship then takes place at a mutually agreed time, often later in 2026.
Where to go for further information: