The TWAS Doctoral Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for international students from developing countries to undertake PhD-level research at some of the most respected institutions in Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa. This initiative, managed by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), aims to remove financial barriers and strengthen scientific capacity in the Global South by supporting early-career researchers across a wide range of disciplines.
By providing financial assistance and academic mentorship, the fellowship not only empowers students to engage in impactful research but also enables them to build global networks and acquire practical experience in high-quality academic environments. Moreover, the program plays a pivotal role in advancing TWAS’s broader mission to support sustainable development through science, innovation, and international collaboration.
In addition to covering living expenses, travel support, and health coverage, awardees also benefit from valuable exposure to world-class laboratories and distinguished faculty. Furthermore, they gain access to cutting-edge research tools that are essential for producing high-impact work. As a result, the fellowship serves as a springboard for future scientific leadership, encouraging scholars to contribute significantly to both national and global progress through innovation and applied research.
Summary
Host: The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
Location: Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa
Category: PhD/Doctoral Scholarships
Eligible Applicants: Citizens of developing countries (non-EU)
Award Coverage: Tuition support, monthly stipend, return airfare, visa costs, and health insurance
Details of the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship 2026
The TWAS Doctoral Fellowship actively develops scientific leadership in the Global South by selecting and supporting exceptional students in science and engineering each year. TWAS awards between 100 and 160 fellowships annually, recognizing outstanding candidates across various disciplines.
Leading institutions in Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa host the program, offering rigorous academic training while fostering international collaboration among scientists and research centers in developing countries.
Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam founded TWAS in 1983 alongside a group of distinguished scientists from the Global South. With backing from the Italian government and global scientific leaders, TWAS has grown into a powerful platform that promotes scientific excellence and addresses development challenges through research, policy, and education.
The fellowship supports students in conducting PhD-level research in the following areas:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Structural, Cell, and Molecular Biology
- Biological Systems and Organisms
- Medical and Health Sciences (including Neurosciences)
- Chemical Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Astronomy, Space, and Earth Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physics
Fellowship recipients benefit not only from academic training but also from access to advanced facilities, multidisciplinary networks, and international mentorship—factors essential for career advancement and scientific impact.
Eligibility Requirements for the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship 2026
To be eligible for the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a developing country outside the European Union.
- Demonstrate a strong academic background and meet the admission requirements of the chosen host institution.
- Submit a preliminary acceptance letter from a TWAS-affiliated host institution. This letter must be issued within the same calendar year as the application.
- Possess a research proposal relevant to the fields of study supported by TWAS.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English or the primary language of instruction at the host institution.
- Be under the age of 35 at the time of application.
- Not apply for more than one TWAS or OWSD program within the same calendar year.
It is important to note that each host institution may have additional criteria, such as minimum academic scores, interview processes, or specific documentation. Applicants are encouraged to review the specific eligibility requirements for their chosen university or research centre.
Benefits of the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship
This fellowship provides comprehensive support to ensure that doctoral candidates can focus entirely on their academic and professional development. The key benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: A fixed monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as food, housing, and local travel.
- Tuition Support: Coverage under TWAS’s Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding model to assist with tuition fees at the host institution.
- Travel Allowance: Round-trip economy-class airfare from the scholar’s home country to the host institution.
- Visa and Permit Costs: Reimbursement for expenses related to student visa and/or study permit applications.
- Health Coverage: Basic medical insurance for the duration of the study program.
- Academic Resources: Access to laboratories, faculty mentors, and collaborative research opportunities.
In addition, students benefit from cultural immersion, participation in international academic conferences, and access to a global community of scientists—all of which contribute to personal growth and professional networking.
Requirements for the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship
Applications for the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship will be evaluated based on:
- Academic performance in previous undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Relevance and feasibility of the proposed research project.
- Evidence of leadership potential and commitment to scientific development.
- Quality of the preliminary acceptance letter from the host institution.
- Letters of recommendation from academic referees.
- Proficiency in English or the language of instruction.
- Alignment of research goals with the development needs of the applicant’s home country.
Special consideration is given to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and those working in underrepresented scientific disciplines. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate how their research will contribute to solving pressing challenges in their communities or countries.
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to submit the following documents as part of their application package:
- A valid passport or national identification document
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A detailed research proposal
- A preliminary acceptance letter from a TWAS-approved host institution (dated the same year)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- Proof of language proficiency (if required by host institution)
Incomplete or incorrectly filled applications will not be considered. It is advised to prepare these documents well in advance and upload them in the correct format.
How to Apply
To apply for the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the official TWAS Fellowships portal: twas.org/opportunities/fellowships
- Select your preferred host institution and review its program requirements.
- Contact the institution and obtain a preliminary acceptance letter for a PhD position.
- Create an account on the TWAS online application system.
- Complete the application form and upload all required documents.
- Review your submission carefully and submit it before the deadline.
Each TWAS partner program has its own application timeline, so be sure to verify deadlines on the individual program pages.
Application Deadline
Application Opens: Varies by institution
Application Closes: Refer to the specific host institution’s fellowship page
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process early to meet deadlines and improve their chances of success.
Click the apply button below to get started on your application.
