TWAS Fellowships For Research And Advanced Training 2025/2026 For Young Scientists In Developing Countries (Fully Funded) -

About the TWAS Fellowships for Research and Advanced Training

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invites applications for the 2025/2026 TWAS Fellowships for Research and Advanced Training. These fully funded fellowships allow young scientists from developing countries to spend three to twelve months at a research institution in another developing country (excluding their own).

The program is designed to:

Strengthen the research capacity of early-career scientists
Provide advanced training in cutting-edge research environments
Build international scientific networks and foster long-term collaboration

By supporting promising scientists at the start of their careers, TWAS helps develop scientific excellence in regions that need it most.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the TWAS Research and Advanced Training Fellowships:

Academic Qualification: Must hold at least an MSc or equivalent degree in the natural sciences.
Employment Status: Must be employed by a research institution in a developing country.
Field of Study: Open to all areas of natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, earth sciences, etc.).
Citizenship: Must be citizens of a developing country.
Host Institution: The host research institution must be located in a developing country other than the applicant’s own.
Age Limit: There is no age restriction. However, preference is given to younger scientists at the early stages of their research careers, especially those working in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Important Notes:

Institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) are not eligible hosts for this program. If you wish to conduct your fellowship in China, ensure that your host institution is not affiliated with CAS.
The Head of your Home Institution cannot serve as a referee in your application.

Selection Criteria

The TWAS Fellowships Committee evaluates applications based on:

Academic and research excellence
Scientific potential and impact
Strength of the proposed training program
Relevance to the applicant’s home institution and country

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents when completing the online application form:

Scanned copy of passport (even if expired; page with name and surname)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Maximum 5 pages, including a list of publications
Supporting Statement from the Head of Home Institution
Two reference letters from senior scientists familiar with your work (not including your home institution head)
MSc certificate and university transcripts
Official invitation letter from the Head of the Host Institute confirming your research stay plans

Benefits of the TWAS Fellowships for Research and Advanced Training

Duration: Minimum 3 months and maximum 12 months.
Funding Provided by TWAS:
- Covers international low-cost airfare to and from the host country.
- Provides a subsistence allowance of up to USD 300 per month.
Support Expected from Host Institution:
- Must provide accommodation, food, and access to research facilities.
Award Basis: Fellowships are granted strictly on scientific merit, as assessed by the TWAS Fellowships Committee.

This fellowship offers exceptional opportunities for early-career scientists to:

Gain hands-on experience in a new research environment
Build international networks with leading researchers
Acquire new skills and techniques that can strengthen their home institution’s capacity
Contribute to global scientific collaboration while staying rooted in developing-country priorities

By investing in promising researchers, TWAS aims to advance science for sustainable development in the Global South.

How to Apply

Visit the TWAS online application portal for the Research and Advanced Training Fellowships.
Review the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you qualify.
Secure an invitation letter from a research institution in a developing country (other than your own).
Prepare all required documents listed above.
Complete the online application form and upload all supporting documents.
Submit your application before October 6, 2025.
Await notification from TWAS regarding the status of your fellowship application.

Contact Email (for queries): exchanges@twas.org

Final Thoughts

The 2025/2026 TWAS Fellowships for Research and Advanced Training provide fully funded opportunities for young scientists to conduct high-level research, expand their academic networks, and enhance their career prospects. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement in your country and eager to gain international exposure, this fellowship could be your launchpad to global research excellence.