The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in partnership with leading global institutions such as the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) India, is offering a range of fully funded fellowship and research opportunities for 2026. These programmes are designed to support scientists from developing countries through advanced research training, international collaboration, and capacity building.

This comprehensive guide covers three major TWAS opportunities:

1. TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme (Sub-Saharan Africa)
2. TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme (MENA Region)
3. TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme (PhD in India)

Each programme provides unique benefits, from short-term research visits in Germany to fully funded doctoral studies in India.

1. TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme (Sub-Saharan Africa)

The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa offers postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to undertake a fully funded three-month research visit to Germany.

Programme Overview

• Duration: 3 months
• Host Country: Germany
• Target Group: Postdoctoral researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Deadline: April 15, 2026

The programme is designed to initiate and strengthen research collaborations between African scientists and German institutions, with the goal of building long-term academic partnerships.

Key Benefits

Participants will receive:

• Full travel expenses to Germany
• Subsistence allowance during the stay
• Access to advanced research facilities
• Opportunity to establish international research collaborations

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD obtained in 2021 or later
  • Special extension for women: up to 6 additional years depending on number of children
• Be currently employed at a research institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Have at least 5 years of experience in the science system
• Not already be in Germany at the time of application
• Not have an established collaboration with the German host

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Passport copy
• Invitation letter from a German host institution
• Two reference letters
• PhD certificate
• Proof of language proficiency (English or German)
• Institutional support letter

Important Notes

• Visits must take place within 12 months of award
• No family support is provided
• Only one TWAS application is allowed per year

Learn more and apply here

2. TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme (MENA Region)

This programme mirrors the Sub-Saharan Africa version but is tailored for researchers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Programme Overview

• Duration: 3 months
• Host Country: Germany
• Target Group: Postdoctoral researchers in MENA
• Deadline: April 15, 2026

The goal is to foster collaboration between MENA researchers and German scientists.

Key Benefits

• Travel funding
• Living expenses covered
• Access to German research institutions
• Opportunity for long-term collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD (2021 or later, with extensions for women)
• Be employed in a MENA-based institution
• Have at least 5 years of research or academic experience
• Not have prior collaboration with the host institution

Application Requirements

Similar to the SSA programme, including:

• Invitation letter
• References
• Academic credentials
• Language proof
• Institutional support

Additional Notes

• Women scientists are strongly encouraged to apply
• All academic disciplines are eligible
• Collaboration must be newly initiated

Learn more and apply here

3. TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme (PhD in India)

The TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme offers fully funded PhD opportunities for students from developing countries to study in India.

Programme Overview

• Level: PhD
• Duration: Up to 4 years
• Host Country: India
• Deadline: May 6, 2026

This programme supports research in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.

Fields of Study

Eligible disciplines include:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Biology and Biotechnology
• Medical and Health Sciences
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Astronomy and Earth Sciences

Fellowship Types

1. Full-Time Fellowship
   • For applicants not enrolled in a PhD
   • Duration: Up to 4 years
2. Sandwich Fellowship
   • For PhD students already enrolled in their home country
   • Duration: 6 months to 3 years

Benefits

• Monthly stipend
• Subsidized accommodation
• Health insurance
• Access to CSIR research facilities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be under 35 years old
• Be nationals of developing countries (excluding India)
• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Be employed in their home country
• Provide proof of English proficiency
• Secure acceptance from a CSIR institution

Required Documents

• Acceptance letter from CSIR institution
• Academic certificates
• Research proposal
• Proof of employment
• English proficiency

Important Notes

• Applicants must return to their home country after completion
• No concurrent assignments allowed
• Only one TWAS programme application per year

Learn more and apply here

Why You Should Apply

These TWAS opportunities offer:

• Fully funded international research experience
• Access to world-class institutions
• Career advancement in science and academia
• Global collaboration opportunities
• Exposure to advanced research environments

Application Deadlines Summary

• TWAS-DFG (SSA): April 15, 2026
• TWAS-DFG (MENA): April 15, 2026
• TWAS-CSIR PhD: May 6, 2026

Discover more global Fellowship and Scholarship opportunities on Opportunities for Youth (OFY).