1. How can I apply for an ITI Scholarship?

To apply for an ITI Scholarship, please follow the link to the Scholarship application portal (available on the ITI website from May 31, midnight UTC until June 15, midnight UTC), log in, and fill in the required information. Your application can be completed over the course of the first half of June and does not need to be completed in one sitting, provided it is not submitted. Once submitted, an application cannot be altered.

2. What is the Scholarship application portal?

The Scholarship application portal is the online platform where applicants can submit their applications for the ITI Scholarship Program. Applicants are guided through the application process step by step, ensuring all required materials are completed and submitted correctly.

3. What are the application requirements?

Please click here for the application requirements.

4. Do I have to complete and submit my application in one session?

No, you do not have to complete and submit the online application form in one session. You can save your progress and return to complete and submit the application at a later time. However, be mindful of the deadline and ensure you submit your application before the closing date and time of the application portal. Late applications and/or applications sent by email or regular post will not be accepted. The Scholarship application portal is available on the ITI website from May 31, midnight UTC until June 15, midnight UTC.

5. Who can I turn to if I have any questions on the application process?

If you have any questions, please contact ITI Headquarters via email at [email protected]

6. Do I need to apply via the ITI Scholarship online application portal?

Yes, only applications submitted via the online application portal and by the application deadline (i.e., the closing date and time of the application portal) will be accepted. Applications sent by email or regular post will not be accepted

7. How much time do I have to submit my application?

You have 2 weeks to complete and submit your application. The Scholarship application portal is available on the ITI website from May 31, midnight UTC until June 15, midnight UTC). Your application can be completed over the course of the first half of June and does not need to be completed in one sitting, provided it is not submitted. Once submitted, an application cannot be altered.

8. I am only interested in one Scholarship Center, do I still have to select more preferred Centers?

Yes, you do. While you may have a preference for one Scholarship Center, it’s essential to select a set number of different ITI Scholarship Centers as defined in the online application form, as allocation to your first choice cannot be guaranteed. Please list the ITI Scholarship Centers at which you would like to spend your scholarship year in the online application form in order of preference (starting with your favorite one). We will do our best to allocate you to one of the Centers listed in your application. However, if you are awarded an ITI Scholarship, there is no guarantee that it will be at one of your Centers of choice.

9. Will I definitely be allocated to one of the ITI Scholarship Centers that I enter in my Scholarship application?

If you are awarded an ITI Scholarship, there is no guarantee that it will be at one of your preferred Centers. You may be assigned to a different center as there is strong competition for places at most ITI Scholarship Centers. With a high number of applicants and only limited places, the competition for each ITI Scholarship Center place is high, and candidates selected for an ITI Scholarship are expected to be willing to accept a place at a Scholarship Center that is not one of their preferred Centers.

10. What happens if I am not willing to accept a place at a Scholarship Center because I would like to go to a different Scholarship Center?

If you are awarded an ITI Scholarship, you will be informed by ITI Headquarters of the ITI Scholarship Center to which you have been assigned. It will not be possible to be placed at a different Center. Should you not be willing to spend the scholarship year at the Scholarship Center selected for you, the scholarship will be withdrawn. No place can be reserved for the following scholarship year.

11. What happens if I am unable to take up my ITI Scholarship year?

If you are unable to take up your ITI Scholarship Year, the Scholarship will be withdrawn. No place can be reserved for the following scholarship year. You can apply again next year if you wish.

12. What should I consider when selecting my preferred preferred ITI Scholarship Centers?

Carefully review the Scholarship Center descriptions on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website to identify the Centers that align best with your professional aspirations and whose requirements as outlined in the individual ITI Scholarship Center descriptions you meet. IMPORTANT: With the exception of large countries with multiple Scholarship Centers (currently China and the US), you will not be able to select Scholarship Center(s) in your country of residence at the time of application.

13. What are the timelines associated with the application and selection process?

Please click here for the timelines associated with the application and selection process.

14. Can I contact ITI Headquarters to enquire about the status of my application?

Every applicant will be contacted by ITI Headquarters. This may take until the end of October of the year of application. Due to the high number of applications received each year and the timelines associated with the evaluation process of the applications, applicants are asked not to enquire about the status of their application.

15. Is a language certificate necessary for non-native speakers when applying for a specific ITI Scholarship Center?

Most ITI Scholarship Centers require non-native English speakers to provide a language proficiency certificate (such as TOEFL or IELTS) before the start of the Scholarship year. Additionally, familiarity with the local language is advantageous and/or required for certain interactions within the Center. Specific language requirements for each ITI Scholarship Center are outlined in their respective descriptions on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website.

16. Is it necessary to be an ITI Member to apply for an ITI Scholarship?

Yes, ITI membership is a condition of application and is non-refundable. ITI membership opens doors to a wide range of invaluable benefits designed to support your professional and academic growth. Utilize your membership to enhance your journey as a prospective candidate as well as your chances of success, not only for your Scholarship application, but also your professional growth and aspirations. Engage with the ITI Academy’s extensive learning materials, participate in ITI Study Clubs, attend ITI Education Weeks and Section events, develop and strengthen your ties to the ITI community.

17. Does an age limit apply for ITI Scholarship applicants?

No. While the ITI Scholarship Program does not apply an age limit for applicants, the ideal candidate is on average around 32 years old.

18. What does the profile of an ideal ITI Scholarship candidate look like?

An ideal candidate is a motivated young professional who meets the application requirements. The average age is around 32, and Scholars typically hold a postgraduate degree. Many successful applicants have a proven publication track record – including at least one peer-reviewed paper – and have demonstrated experience in public speaking through oral poster presentations or lectures. Above all, they share a genuine passion for implant dentistry, aspire to leadership in the field, and actively seek to contribute to the ITI community.

19. Can I apply for an ITI Scholarship while I am still a postgraduate?

Yes, you can apply for an ITI Scholarship while you are still in postgraduate training. However, your postgraduate training must be completed by the start date of your Scholarship year.

20. Can I apply for an ITI Scholarship if I don’t have postgraduate training?

Yes, at least three years of professional clinical experience as a qualified dentist, including implant-related experience, is acceptable.

21. How much time is an ITI Scholar expected to spend at the Scholarship Center?

The ITI Scholarship requires the Scholar’s full-time, on-site participation at the designated ITI Scholarship Center. Regular attendance and active participation in all activities scheduled by the ITI Scholarship Center are mandatory. ITI Scholars are expected to dedicate their full time and attention to the program. It is not allowed to maintain or take on conflicting responsibilities during the ITI Scholarship year, e.g., clinical duties outside the Scholar’s designated ITI Scholarship Center, other scholarships or funding commitments, professional obligations in the Scholar’s home or work country, extended personal or family obligations that interfere with the ITI Scholarship Program.

22. I am working on my PhD. Can I do the ITI Scholarship Program simultaneously?

No, this is not an option as ITI Scholars are expected to dedicate all their time to the ITI Scholarship. Therefore, PhDs must be finalized before the start of the ITI Scholarship. The same applies to other conflicting responsibilities such as functions in your host clinic or your own private practice, Scholarships from other organizations, family commitments in your home country, etc.

23. What is the standard attendance schedule at the Scholarship Center?

ITI Scholars are expected to spend the full year on-site at the designated Scholarship Center, following the same schedule as the university staff. This includes standard vacation time and public holidays. Regular attendance and active participation in all scheduled activities is mandatory. This ensures Scholars benefit fully from the program and meet all educational and professional commitments.

24. Can I apply if I am not fluent in English?

Yes. Proficiency in English is important for communicating with ITI Headquarters, Scholarship applications, and within the greater ITI community; however, fluency is not mandatory. Language prerequisites and certification differ among ITI Scholarship Centers, as some Centers may not use English as their main language. Specific language requirements for each ITI Scholarship Center are outlined in their respective descriptions on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website.

25. Should I send my application-related documents to ITI Headquarters?

No, do not send any application-related documents to ITI Headquarters. Documents sent by email or regular post will not be accepted. All required information and documents must be submitted through the online application portal. This ensures that the necessary details are correctly processed and reviewed.

26. If I sign up for ITI membership before I apply and don’t get an ITI Scholarship, will my ITI membership fee be refunded?

No, ITI membership is non-refundable.

27. Are there any restrictions on nationality when applying to the ITI Scholarship Program?

No, there are no restrictions on nationality when applying to the ITI Scholarship Program. The program is open to applicants of all nationalities.

28. Are ITI Scholars expected to dedicate their full time and attention to the program?

Yes, ITI Scholars are expected to dedicate their full time and attention to the program. It is not allowed to maintain or take on conflicting responsibilities during the ITI Scholarship year, e.g., clinical duties outside the Scholar’s designated ITI Scholarship Center, other scholarships or funding commitments, professional obligations in the Scholar’s home or work country, extended personal or family obligations that interfere with the ITI Scholarship Program.

29. Can I apply for a Scholarship Center that is located in my country of residence?

One of the main objectives of the ITI Scholarship Program is to foster international exchange along with professional networking as well as cross-cultural learning. Experiencing another country and its dental healthcare approach is a primary goal of the program. Therefore, with the exception of large countries with multiple Scholarship Centers (currently China and the US), you will not be able to select Scholarship Center(s) in your current country of residence.

30. Will I definitely be allocated to one of the preferred ITI Scholarship Centers that I enter in my Scholarship application?

While efforts are made to allocate applicants to one of their preferred ITI Scholarship Centers as indicated in the application, placement is not guaranteed. With numerous applicants and only limited places, the competition for each ITI Scholarship Center place is high.

31. When will I be notified about the status of my application?

You will hear back from ITI Headquarters about the status of your application by the end of October of the year of application. Please note that with numerous applications received each year, updates are not provided by ITI Headquarters. All applicants will be notified once their application status has been finalized. Please also see here for the timelines associated with the application and selection process.

32. In which format should I provide the documents I need to upload as part of my online application?

Documents must be provided in commonly used formats, such as PDF documents and JPEG for images. Specific format requirements may vary depending on the function accessed via the application portal, so be sure to check the information provided in the portal.

33. Am I expected to upload any videos as part of my application?

Yes, applicants need to upload a motivational video. Your video must fulfill the following content-related and formal requirements: (i) plain background, (ii) the video must only show you speaking, no additional presentations, animations, sound or music, (iii) the video must be in English, (iv) the video must not be longer than 2 minutes max. During your video, 2-4 questions must be answered which will be presented in the application portal.

34. What is a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a letter written and signed by an academic or professional who is familiar with your work and character. This letter should explain why the sender believes you should be awarded an ITI Scholarship and demonstrate their familiarity with your accomplishments, personality, and current aspirations. Ideally, the recommendation letter should be written by a professor, ITI Fellow, or similar authority figure. Please note that the ITI Leadership Development Committee only accepts recommendation letters that have been printed and signed by the supporter before being scanned as PDFs. Electronic signatures are not accepted. Additionally, recommendation letters must be in English and current, i.e., dated from the year of application.

35. To whom should my recommendation letters be addressed?

Recommendation letters should be addressed to the ITI Leadership Development Committee at ITI Headquarters in Basel and must be uploaded as a PDF during the online application process when requested. Do not send any separate attachments via email or conventional mail, as these will not be accepted. Additionally, ensure that recommendation letters are hand-signed and dated, and that they are dated from the year of application.

36. Who should my recommendation letters be from?

The letters should be from a professor who was your mentor, ITI Fellow or similar. Make sure each letter outlines the relationship with you, where and how (project, area of work) you worked together and why they recommend you.

37. How recent should my recommendation letters be?

The recommendation letters must be dated from the year of application.

38. Which requirements must my recommendation letters fulfill?

The recommendation letters must be hand-signed and dated. Please note that the ITI Leadership Development Committee only accepts recommendation letters that have been printed and signed by the supporter before being scanned as PDFs. Electronic signatures are not accepted. Additionally, recommendation letters must be current, dated from the year of application. Each letter must outline the relationship with you, where and how (project, area of work) you worked together and why the author of the letter recommends you.

39. Do any of the documents need to be certified?

Yes, should any of the following documents not be in English, they should be accompanied by an uploaded certified English translation: (i) BDS, DDS or equivalent diploma, (ii) Postgraduate certificate/diploma related to your postgraduate education/specialization.

40. Do I need to provide a CV?

No, a CV is not required when applying for the ITI Scholarship Program. All the necessary information will be collected during the online application process via the application tool.

41. What documents do I need to submit with my application?

The documents below need to be uploaded to your application profile during the online application process:

• BDS, DDS or equivalent diploma (accompanied by a certified English translation if the original is not in English)
• Postgraduate certificate/diploma related to your postgraduate education/specialization (if available at the time of application; accompanied by a certified English translation if the original is not in English; please also see FAQ 20)
• 2 recommendation letters (please also see FAQ 34 ff.)
• Language certificate (not always mandatory, please see the Scholarship Center descriptions on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website for more information)
• A copy of your passport or ID
• A photo (passport format – JPG, minimum size 140 x 185 pixels).

42. How are ITI Scholarship recipients selected?

ITI Scholars are selected by the Scholarship Center Chairs. Scholarship Centers will review the applications for their Center and create a ranked list of applicants. For this purpose, selected applicants may be invited for an online interview by the Scholarship Center Chair. The final ranking list of the Center’s preferred applicants is provided to ITI Headquarters. A mathematical algorithm is then used to match applicants with the Scholarship Centers, and a list is generated with the applicants placed into Scholarship Centers. The automated matching process generates a best-fit matching list for the majority of the scholarship places. Unplaced candidates will be matched with the remaining Scholarship Centers by the Leadership Development Committee.

43. When will I hear back from ITI Headquarters about my application?

Applicants will hear back from ITI Headquarters by the end of October of the year of application.

44. Can I contact ITI Headquarters to enquire about the status of my application?

Every applicant will be contacted by ITI Headquarters. This may take until the end of October of the year of application. Due to the high number of applications received each year and the timelines associated with the evaluation process of the applications, applicants are asked not to enquire about the status of their application.

45. Can I find out why I was not accepted for an ITI Scholarship?

Due to the high volume of applications received annually, the ITI does not provide specific reasons for its decisions as a matter of policy.

46. What are the timelines associated with the application and selection process?

Please click here for the timelines associated with the application and selection process.

47. If I am offered a place at an ITI Scholarship Center I do not want to go to and turn the offer down, will I be allocated to one of my preferred Scholarship Centers?

No. With numerous applicants and only limited places, the competition for each ITI Scholarship Center place is high. Therefore, candidates selected for an ITI Scholarship are expected to be willing to accept a place at a Scholarship Center that is not one of their preferred Centers. It will not be possible to be placed at a different Center. Also, ITI Scholarships cannot be deferred to the next year.

48. What happens if I am not willing to accept a place at a Scholarship Center because I would like to go to a different Scholarship Center?

If you are awarded an ITI Scholarship, you will be informed by ITI Headquarters of the ITI Scholarship Center to which you have been assigned. It will not be possible to be placed at a different Center. Should you not be willing to spend the scholarship year at the Scholarship Center selected for you, the scholarship will be withdrawn. No place can be reserved for the following scholarship year.

49. What happens if I am unable to take up my ITI Scholarship year?

If you are unable to take up your ITI Scholarship year, the scholarship will be withdrawn. No place can be reserved for the following scholarship year. You can apply again next year if you wish.

50. When does the ITI Scholarship year start?

The ITI Scholarship year commences September 1 of the year following the application and concludes August 31 of the subsequent year. For instance, if you apply for the Scholarship in June 2026, your Scholarship year will begin September 1, 2027, and conclude August 31, 2028. There are a couple of exceptions to this schedule for specific Scholarship Centers, which are detailed in the respective Scholarship Center descriptions on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website.

51. Do I have to start my Scholarship year on September 1?

Yes, each ITI Scholar is expected to start the Scholarship year on September 1 or on the first day of the month on which the Scholarship year starts for those Scholarship Centers with a different start date. The start dates specified in the descriptions of the Scholarship Centers must be adhered to within a two-week timeframe.

52. Who takes care of my travel arrangements to and from my Scholarship Center country?

Scholars are responsible for making their own their travel arrangements.

53. Who covers travel costs to and from the ITI Scholarship Center country?

ITI Scholars are responsible for organizing and paying their travel costs. The ITI Scholarship stipend is transferred only after the ITI Scholar has officially started the ITI Scholarship year – upon confirmation of arrival by the Scholarship Center Chair. Therefore, Scholars need to be prepared to finance the flight to their Scholarship country out of their own pocket.

54. Can my partner/family accompany me on my Scholarship year?

The decision to have your partner or family accompany you on your Scholarship year is entirely up to you. However, it’s important to note that the stipend provided is intended solely for the living costs of the Scholar and does not extend to accompanying family members. The ITI does not provide additional contributions beyond the stipend itself. The ITI Scholar is responsible for organizing any additional requirements for family members, such as visas, health insurance, and work/practice permits, if applicable.

55. How much time is an ITI Scholar expected to spend at the Scholarship Center?

The ITI Scholarship requires the Scholar’s full-time, on-site participation at the designated ITI Scholarship Center. Regular attendance and active participation in all activities scheduled by the ITI Scholarship Center are mandatory. ITI Scholars are expected to dedicate their full time and attention to the program. It is not allowed to maintain or take on conflicting responsibilities during the ITI Scholarship year, e.g., clinical duties outside the Scholar’s designated ITI Scholarship Center, other scholarships or funding commitments, professional obligations in the Scholar’s home or work country, extended personal or family obligations that interfere with the ITI Scholarship Program).

56. Who covers the costs of the visa?

ITI Scholars are responsible for obtaining and paying for their visa. We advise applicants to enquire about visa costs as obtaining a visa can involve significant fees in certain countries.

57. Is there help/support available when it comes to finding accommodation for the Scholarship year?

ITI Scholars will be put in contact with previous Scholars at their Center for tips and recommendations as to how to find accommodation. Scholars are also encouraged to seek guidance from the administrative team/faculty at the Scholarship Center as to finding accommodation. Some Centers might offer on-campus accommodation for Scholars.

58. Do I need insurance cover during the Scholarship year?

Yes. Each ITI Scholar is responsible for organizing his or her own health insurance for the ITI Scholarship year. If no reciprocal arrangement is available between the home country and the ITI Scholarship Center country, the ITI Scholar should take out additional health cover to ensure comprehensive protection during the Scholarship year. Additionally, professional liability insurance is crucial and must be covered by the Scholar in order to participate in the program. Scholars are advised to discuss all matters related to insurance matters with their Scholarship Center Chair right after confirmation of their ITI Scholarship to make sure insurance cover is in place in time for the start of the Scholarship year.

59. Are ITI Scholars expected to dedicate their full time and attention to the program?

Yes, ITI Scholars are expected to dedicate their full time and attention to the program. It is not allowed to maintain or take on conflicting responsibilities during the ITI Scholarship year, e.g., other scholarships or funding commitments, professional obligations in the Scholar’s home or work country, clinical duties outside the Scholar’s designated ITI Scholarship Center, extended personal or family obligations that interfere with the ITI Scholarship Program).

60. Will I be able to treat patients during my Scholarship year?

Treating patients during the Scholarship year is not guaranteed for all Scholars. Opportunities for clinical practice depend on various factors, including local regulations, the Scholar’s skill level, and the specific policies of the ITI Scholarship Center. Please refer to the descriptions of the ITI Scholarship Centers on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website for in-depth information on the activities during the Scholarship year.

61. What kind of financial support does an ITI Scholar receive?

Please refer to the information provided on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage that is available on the ITI website for the stipend amounts that apply to the different ITI Scholarship Centers. The stipends reflect the cost of living in the city of the Scholarship Center.

62. Does the ITI Scholarship stipend cover the cost of living and accommodation in full?

No, this is not the case. It contributes toward the cost of living and accommodation during the ITI Scholarship year. We advise applicants to consider their preferred centers/locations carefully in regard to cost of living, as certain destinations can be very expensive. It is essential to understand that the stipend will not cover all the living costs in those locations.

63. Is there a list of stipends by Scholarship Center?

A list of stipends by Scholarship Center is available on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website. It is essential to understand that the Scholarship stipend does not cover all living expenses but only contributes to these. Therefore, make sure you are fully aware of the cost of living in the cities in which your preferred Scholarship Centers are located. You must be prepared to co-finance the cost of living out of your own pocket. The ITI cannot provide additional funding during the scholarship year.

64. Is additional financial aid available for ITI Scholars?

No, the ITI cannot provide funding in addition to the ITI Scholarship stipend during the scholarship year.

65. When is the Scholarship stipend paid?

The stipend is paid in two installments. The first installment is provided at the beginning of the Scholarship year, once the ITI Scholarship Center Chair confirms the Scholar’s arrival at the Center. The second installment is given after six months, following receipt of the Scholar’s intermediate report by ITI Headquarters. The stipend will be transferred to an account held by the ITI Scholar by ITI Headquarters.

66. How much will I receive for my ITI Scholarship stipend?

For the Scholarship stipend amounts, please refer to the list of stipends by Scholarship Center that is available on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage that is available on the ITI website.

67. In which currencies are the stipends paid?

For detailed information on the currencies, please refer to the list of stipends by Scholarship Center that is available on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website.

68. Do I have to open a bank account in the country of my Scholarship Center to receive the Scholarship stipend?

That is left up to the Scholar. The stipend can also be deposited in an account belonging to the Scholar in his or her country of residence. However, we recommend opening an account in the host country in order to avoid bank charges and currency exchange fluctuations.

69. Does the ITI make any financial contributions in addition to the scholarship stipend?

No, there are financial contributions in addition to the stipend.

70. Do I have to pay tax on my Scholarship stipend?

Scholars should be mindful of potential tax obligations and seek guidance from both local authorities and their Scholarship Center Chair.

71. Will I definitely be allocated to one of the preferred ITI Scholarship Centers that I list in my Scholarship application?

While we strive to fulfill preferences, securing one of your preferred ITI Scholarship Centers is not guaranteed. With numerous applicants for limited spots, not all applicants can be allocated to one of their preferred Centers.

72. Will I be able to treat patients during my Scholarship year?

Treating patients during the Scholarship year is not guaranteed for all Scholars. Opportunities for clinical practice depend on various factors, including local regulations, the Scholar’s skill level, and the specific policies of the ITI Scholarship Center. Please refer to the descriptions of the ITI Scholarship Centers on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website for in-depth information on activities during the Scholarship year.

73. Are there language support services in regard to the language requirements of the ITI Scholarship Centers?

While ITI Scholarship Centers prioritize a professional environment, language support services are typically left up to the Scholar. Many Scholars take language courses, tutoring sessions, or language exchange programs to aid communication skills prior to and/or during the Scholarship year. Make sure to inform yourself of the Scholarship Center language requirements on the ITI Scholarship Program webpage on the ITI website.

74. Are there possibilities for ITI Scholars to connect with past ITI Scholars who were at the same Center in preparation for their Scholarship year?

Yes, ITI Headquarters facilitates connections by sharing details of the previous Scholar who spent time at the Center to which a Scholar has been allocated. This allows the Scholar to gather valuable insights and prepare for their new environment as well as the requirements of the Center.