TWAS Fellowships 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Germany and India
Are you a scientist from a developing country looking to advance your career through international research? The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers fully funded TWAS fellowships and research opportunities in 2026. These programs support PhD studies, postdoctoral visits to Germany, and global collaborations. They target researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and other developing nations.
TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa
This program lets postdoctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa spend three months in Germany. It aims to start new research partnerships with German institutions.
Key Details
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: Germany
- Who can apply: Postdocs from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
Benefits
You get full travel costs paid, a daily living allowance, and access to top research labs. This helps build lasting ties with German scientists.
Who Qualifies
You need a PhD earned in 2021 or later. Women get extra time based on family needs. You must work at a research place in Sub-Saharan Africa and have five years of experience there. You cannot already be in Germany or have links with the German host.
What to Submit
Send a passport copy, invite letter from a German host, two reference letters, PhD certificate, language proof (English or German), and a letter from your home institution.
Other Rules
Visits happen within 12 months of getting the award. No support for family. You can apply to only one TWAS program per year. Learn more and apply.
TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme for MENA Region
This program works like the Sub-Saharan one but for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It supports three-month research stays in Germany to spark new collaborations.
Key Details
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: Germany
- Who can apply: Postdocs from MENA countries
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
Benefits
Travel and living costs are covered. You gain entry to German labs and chances for ongoing work with hosts.
Who Qualifies
Hold a recent PhD (2021 or later, with time extensions for women). Work at a MENA research institution with five years of experience. No past ties with the German host allowed.
What to Submit
Include an invitation letter, references, academic papers, language proof, and home institution support.
Other Rules
Women are encouraged to join. All science fields count. Start fresh collaborations. Learn more and apply.
TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme for PhD in India
This fully funded PhD program takes students from developing countries to India. It lasts up to four years and covers many science fields.
Key Details
- Level: PhD
- Duration: Up to 4 years (full-time) or 6 months to 3 years (sandwich for enrolled students)
- Location: India (CSIR labs)
- Deadline: May 6, 2026
Study Areas
Options include agricultural sciences, biology, medical sciences, chemistry, engineering, physics, math, and earth sciences.
Benefits
Get a monthly payment, cheap housing, health coverage, and lab access.
Who Qualifies
Be under 35, from a developing country (not India), hold a Master’s degree, and work in your home country. Show English skills and get acceptance from a CSIR lab.
What to Submit
Provide a CSIR acceptance letter, school certificates, research plan, job proof, and English test results.
Other Rules
Return home after the program. No other jobs at the same time. One TWAS application per year only. Learn more and apply.
Deadlines at a Glance
- TWAS-DFG Sub-Saharan Africa: April 15, 2026
- TWAS-DFG MENA: April 15, 2026
- TWAS-CSIR PhD India: May 6, 2026
These TWAS fellowships open doors to world-class research and career growth. Check the links to start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa?
Postdoctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa with a PhD earned in 2021 or later, who work at a research institution there for at least five years, qualify.
What benefits do TWAS-DFG programs offer?
They cover full travel costs, a daily living allowance, and access to top German research labs to build new partnerships.
What is the deadline for TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship in India?
The deadline is May 6, 2026, for PhD students from developing countries under 35 with a Master’s degree.
What documents are needed for TWAS applications?
You need a passport copy, invitation letter from the host, reference letters, PhD or Master’s certificates, language proof, and home institution support.