TWAS Fellowships 2026: Fully Funded PhD in India & Postdoc in Germany
Are you a scientist from a developing country looking to advance your career through international research? The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers exciting fully funded opportunities in 2026, including TWAS Fellowships for PhD studies and postdoctoral visits to Germany. These programs partner with groups like the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India. They aim to help researchers from places like Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa build skills and connections.
TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa
This program lets postdoctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa spend three months in Germany. It focuses on starting new research ties with German institutions.
Program Details
The visit lasts three months and takes place in Germany. It targets postdoctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2026.
What You Get
You receive full travel costs, a daily living allowance, and access to top research labs. This setup helps create lasting partnerships.
Who Can Apply
You need a PhD earned in 2021 or later. Women get extra time based on the number of children they have, up to six years. You must work at a research institution in Sub-Saharan Africa and have at least five years of experience in science. You cannot be in Germany now or already work with the German host.
Documents Needed
Submit a passport copy, an invitation letter from a German host, two reference letters, your PhD certificate, proof of English or German skills, and a letter of support from your home institution.
Key Rules
The visit must happen within 12 months of getting the award. No support covers family costs. You can apply to only one TWAS program per year.
TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme for MENA Region
This program works the same way as the Sub-Saharan Africa one but serves researchers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It builds new links between MENA scientists and German labs.
Program Details
The stay is three months in Germany for postdoctoral researchers from MENA. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.
What You Get
Travel, living expenses, lab access, and chances for ongoing work with German partners are all covered.
Who Can Apply
Hold a PhD from 2021 or later, with extensions for women. You must be employed at a MENA institution and have five years of research or teaching experience. No prior ties to the German host are allowed.
Documents Needed
Provide an invitation letter, references, academic records, language proof, and institutional support, just like the other program.
Key Rules
Women scientists are encouraged to join. All fields of study qualify. Start a fresh collaboration.
TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme for PhD in India
This fully funded PhD program lets students from developing countries study in India at CSIR labs. It covers up to four years of advanced work in science and technology.
Program Details
It offers PhD level training up to four years long in India. The deadline is May 6, 2026.
Fields Covered
Study areas include agricultural sciences, biology and biotechnology, medical and health sciences, chemistry, engineering, physics, mathematics, astronomy, and earth sciences.
Fellowship Options
Choose a full-time fellowship if you are not yet in a PhD program, up to four years. Or pick a sandwich fellowship if enrolled at home, lasting six months to three years.
What You Get
Expect a monthly stipend, low-cost housing, health insurance, and use of CSIR facilities.
Who Can Apply
Be under 35 years old, from a developing country outside India, hold a Master’s in a related field, and be employed at home. Show English skills and get acceptance from a CSIR lab.
Documents Needed
Include an acceptance letter from CSIR, academic certificates, a research proposal, proof of employment, and English test results.
Key Rules
Return home after finishing. No other jobs at the same time. One TWAS application per year only.
Reasons to Apply for These TWAS Opportunities
These programs give fully funded trips abroad, work at leading labs, career growth in science, global teamwork, and hands-on advanced research.
Application Deadlines
- TWAS-DFG for Sub-Saharan Africa: April 15, 2026
- TWAS-DFG for MENA: April 15, 2026
- TWAS-CSIR PhD in India: May 6, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programmes?
These programs allow postdoctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa or the MENA region to spend three months in Germany to start new research ties with German institutions.
Who can apply for the TWAS-DFG programmes?
You need a PhD earned in 2021 or later, at least five years of research experience, and employment at a home institution in the eligible region, with no prior ties to the German host.
What does the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship cover?
It provides up to four years of fully funded PhD training in India at CSIR labs, including a monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, and lab access.
What are the application deadlines for these TWAS opportunities?
The TWAS-DFG programmes for Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA close on April 15, 2026, while the TWAS-CSIR PhD in India deadline is May 6, 2026.