IAOMS Foundation Fellowships and Visiting Scholars Programs 2027–2028
Offered by International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS) Foundation
Location
India, China, Türkiye, and participating oral and maxillofacial surgery centres worldwide
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Professional
Field of study
Health & Medical Sciences
Application deadline
November 29, 2026
About This Fellowship
Advanced surgical training can be difficult to access when a specialist's home institution has limited exposure to particular procedures, specialist mentors or high-volume clinical environments. International professional exchanges can help address this gap by giving qualified surgeons opportunities to observe established practices, develop specialised expertise and learn from colleagues working in different healthcare systems.
The IAOMS Foundation's 2027–2028 programmes provide several pathways for oral and maxillofacial surgeons seeking this kind of professional development. Rather than offering one general award, the Foundation supports different training arrangements according to a surgeon's experience, specialty interests and learning objectives.
The programmes include year-long fellowships in cleft and craniofacial surgery or oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery; a six-month fellowship focused on orthognathic and temporomandibular joint surgery; a new six-month Qiu Weiliu Fellowship in Shanghai; and shorter Visiting Scholar observerships at oral and maxillofacial surgery centres around the world.
Each pathway has a distinct purpose. The longer fellowships provide sustained exposure to specialist clinical environments, while the Visiting Scholars Program offers a shorter observational experience for surgeons who want to broaden their understanding of clinical practice and professional education.
An important principle runs across the programmes: participants are expected to take what they learn back to their home institutions and share their knowledge with colleagues and trainees. The intended benefit therefore extends beyond the individual award recipient to the wider professional community and the patients those institutions serve.
These are specialised clinical and professional training opportunities. They are not general university admission scholarships, and applicants should select a programme that matches their surgical qualifications and professional experience.
Available Programs and Financial Support
1. IAOMS Foundation 12-Month Fellowships
Training locations: India and China Duration: 12 months Financial support: US$25,000 stipend
This pathway is designed for early- to mid-career oral and maxillofacial surgeons seeking intensive training in one of two specialist areas.
Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial Surgery: Training opportunities include centres in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, India.
Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery: Training opportunities include specialist centres in Beijing and Shanghai, China.
Participants gain exposure to complex clinical cases and advanced specialist practice while working within established training environments. The Foundation determines the training placement.
The stipend is intended to help with expenses associated with the fellowship, including travel, accommodation, meals and local transportation. The official programme notes that host institutions may provide or assist with some living arrangements.
2. Advanced Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery Fellowship
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye Duration: Six months Financial support: US$12,500 stipend
Hosted at Bahçeşehir University School of Dental Medicine, this fellowship focuses on advanced orthognathic surgery and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery.
It is intended for oral and maxillofacial surgeons who already have substantial surgical experience and are ready for more advanced training. The clinical environment allows participants to deepen their understanding of surgical approaches, treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
The programme offers two cohorts:
1 March–31 August 2027
1 September 2027–28 February 2028
The stipend helps support expenses associated with the fellowship, including travel and living costs. Applicants should confirm the financial arrangements and any additional expenses with the Foundation.
3. Qiu Weiliu Fellowship Program
Location: Shanghai, China Duration: Six months Financial support: US$12,500 stipend
The Qiu Weiliu Fellowship is a newer programme established to honour Professor Qiu Weiliu and expand access to international education in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Based at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital and Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Stomatology, the programme combines clinical and surgical exposure with academic activities, research opportunities and professional exchange.
It is intended for early- to mid-career oral and maxillofacial surgeons who want to strengthen their clinical knowledge while developing international academic relationships. Participants are expected to bring their experience back to their home countries and use it to support professional education and patient care.
4. IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholars Program
Location: Participating oral and maxillofacial surgery centres worldwide Duration: Two to four weeks Financial support: Up to US$5,000
The Visiting Scholars Program is the shorter option for surgeons who want focused international exposure without committing to a six- or twelve-month fellowship.
The experience is observational. Scholars learn by observing clinical teams, attending educational activities and examining how specialist departments organise patient care, professional teaching and multidisciplinary collaboration.
This format may suit eligible surgeons who have a specific learning objective they want to explore at a host institution. The award is up to US$5,000, rather than a guaranteed identical payment to every applicant.
The 2027–2028 observerships are scheduled to take place during the programme cycle from March 2027 to March 2028, subject to the individual arrangements.
Who Can Apply?
These programmes are intended for qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons rather than applicants from unrelated academic or professional backgrounds.
Applicants should generally:
Have completed the required basic oral and maxillofacial surgery training.
Have professional interests that match the selected fellowship or observership.
Hold the dental or medical qualifications required for practice and training in their jurisdiction.
Be able to communicate effectively in English where required by the programme.
Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and improving patient care.
Be willing to share knowledge and experience with colleagues and trainees after completing the programme.
Be prepared to maintain their relationship with the IAOMS professional community.
The Foundation's 2027–2028 programme information specifies that applicants must have completed basic oral and maxillofacial surgery training by 30 June 2026 and be within five years of completing that training at the time of application. A minimum of two years of IAOMS membership is also required, along with a commitment to maintain membership through 31 December 2028. Applicants should check the requirements of their chosen pathway before submitting an application.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility differs by programme, so applicants should not assume that qualifying for one pathway automatically makes them eligible for another.
Professional qualifications: Applicants must hold the relevant dental or medical qualifications and have completed the required oral and maxillofacial surgery training.
Specialist experience: The twelve-month fellowships are aimed at early- to mid-career surgeons. The Advanced Orthognathic and TMJ Fellowship specifically expects substantial prior surgical experience. Applicants should assess their experience against the requirements of their selected track.
IAOMS membership: Applicants must meet the membership-duration requirement and commit to maintaining active membership through 31 December 2028. Confirm the precise membership rule on the individual programme page, particularly for the Visiting Scholars pathway.
English communication: Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English as specified by the fellowship requirements.
Knowledge-sharing commitment: The Foundation expects successful participants to share their learning with colleagues and trainees and contribute to professional development after returning home.
Application completeness: Applicants must submit the documents required for their selected programme. Missing recommendations or supporting documents may affect an application.
Application Documents
For the advanced fellowships, applicants should prepare the following materials, subject to the exact checklist for their chosen programme:
Online application and personal statement: Explain the specialist training you seek, why it is relevant to your professional development and how you intend to use the experience after returning home.
Curriculum vitae: Include qualifications, clinical training, professional appointments, relevant surgical experience and academic activity.
Professional headshot: Supply a current professional photograph.
Training programme director's recommendation: Obtain the required letter from the appropriate training supervisor.
Letter of privileges: Request a letter from your professor or department head describing your current surgical privileges and relevant clinical activity.
Additional recommendations: Submit the required letters from IAOMS members and/or representatives of your affiliated national oral and maxillofacial surgery association.
Professional references: Provide the names and contact information requested in the application.
Confidentiality agreement: Complete the required signed agreement.
Additional pathway-specific documents: Some programmes may request a surgical case list or other supporting evidence of relevant experience.
The Visiting Scholars Program has a different application checklist, including a department head's letter confirming approved leave for the proposed observership, a recommendation from an IAOMS member, a CV and a professional headshot. Approved applicants must also provide host training-centre confirmation.
Use the official checklist for your selected programme rather than submitting a generic set of documents.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application
Choose the programme based on a clear training need. Identify the specialist knowledge or clinical exposure that is difficult to obtain through your current professional environment. Your chosen pathway should address that need directly.
Explain the value to your home institution. Describe how the training could contribute to clinical practice, professional teaching, research or knowledge-sharing when you return. Avoid making broad promises that you cannot substantiate.
Make your personal statement evidence-based. Refer to your actual professional experience, relevant cases or activities, and the specific skills you hope to develop. Explain why the chosen training environment is appropriate for your goals.
Prepare recommendations early. Senior colleagues may need time to write detailed letters. Share the programme requirements and deadline with your referees well in advance.
Clarify financial and practical arrangements. A stipend is financial support, not necessarily a guarantee that every expense will be covered. Ask the Foundation and host institution about travel, accommodation, insurance, visa arrangements and any additional costs.
Check your membership status. Because the programme has a membership-duration requirement, confirm that you meet it before investing time in the application.
These suggestions are intended to help applicants organise their materials; the Foundation's published criteria remain the authority for selection.
Application Timeline
Applications open: 13 October 2026
Application deadline: 29 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Application review: December 2026
Interviews for relevant fellowship pathways: Early to mid-January 2027
Expected notifications: January 2027, with pathway-specific dates
Training commencement: Depends on the programme and cohort, with activities scheduled across 2027–2028
The deadline is shared across the Foundation's advertised programmes. Applicants should nevertheless verify the timeline on the individual programme page, as interview arrangements and start dates may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this opportunity open to all international students?
No. The programmes are designed for qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who meet the relevant training, experience and membership requirements.
How much financial support is available?
The advertised support is US$25,000 for the twelve-month fellowships, US$12,500 for each of the six-month advanced fellowships, and up to US$5,000 for the Visiting Scholars Program. The exact terms depend on the selected pathway.
Does the Visiting Scholars Program involve performing surgery?
It is described as an observational programme focused on clinical learning, education and professional exchange. Applicants should not interpret it as authorisation to practise or perform procedures at the host institution.
Can I apply without two years of IAOMS membership?
The Foundation's published 2027–2028 criteria specify a minimum membership duration. Check the individual pathway's requirements and contact the Foundation if your membership history is unclear.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on 29 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Submit early enough to resolve any account, documentation or referee issues.
Is the stipend guaranteed to cover all expenses?
No. The published amounts are financial support, but the extent of coverage can vary. Applicants should verify travel, accommodation and other arrangements directly with the Foundation and host institution.
Final Note
The IAOMS Foundation's 2027–2028 programmes offer qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons several routes to international specialist training. The most appropriate option depends on the applicant's experience, clinical interests and intended contribution to their home institution.
Before applying, read the individual programme requirements carefully, verify the membership criteria and prepare the supporting documents well before the deadline.
Application deadline: 29 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. CST.
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