🌍 TWAS Fellowships (Developing Countries Focus)

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Empowering Scientific Excellence in the Global South

🧠 Introduction

The TWAS Fellowships offered by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) are one of the most prestigious and fully funded opportunities for early-career researchers from developing countries. These fellowships aim to boost scientific capacity, foster South–South collaboration, and support innovation-led research in natural and applied sciences.

TWAS Fellowships are offered in partnership with institutions across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, giving scholars access to state-of-the-art labs, renowned supervisors, and long-term research networks.

🌐 What is TWAS?

Founded in 1983, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a UNESCO-backed international body committed to promoting scientific excellence and sustainable development in the Global South.

  • Headquarters: Trieste, Italy
  • Supported by: UNESCO and Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency)
  • Vision: Bridging the scientific divide between the developed and developing world

🌐 Official Website: https://twas.org

🏆 Types of TWAS Fellowships

TWAS offers both Postdoctoral and PhD Fellowships through partnerships with research institutions in host countries like China, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, and more.

🔬 1. TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowships

  • Duration: 6 to 12 months
  • Eligibility:
    • PhD in natural sciences (awarded within the last 5 years)
    • Below 45 years of age
    • Citizen of a developing country other than the host country
  • Host Countries:
  • Fields of Study: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Agricultural Sciences
  • Funding:
    • Monthly stipend for living costs
    • International travel support
    • Access to research facilities

🎓 2. TWAS PhD Fellowships

  • Duration: 3–4 years
  • Eligibility:
    • Master’s degree in a relevant field
    • Below 35 years of age
    • Citizen of a developing country
  • Host Institutions:
  • Funding Includes:
    • Tuition waiver or full coverage
    • Monthly stipend
    • Research and academic guidance

🌍 Where Can You Apply? (Top Host Institutions)

Some of the top research institutes that host TWAS fellows include:

📌 Eligible Countries for TWAS Fellowships

TWAS Fellowships are strictly open to citizens of developing countries as defined by TWAS.
Check the full list of eligible nations here:
🌐 https://twas.org/developing-countries-south

📋 Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

  1. Choose the Fellowship Type: (PhD/Postdoctoral)
  2. Identify the Host Country & Institution
  3. Secure an Invitation or Acceptance Letter
  4. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Academic CV
    • Research Proposal
    • Letters of Recommendation
    • Degree Certificates & Transcripts
    • Passport copy
  5. Submit Online Application:

⏰ Deadlines vary between March and September, depending on the host institution.

✅ Why Choose TWAS Fellowships?

  • 🌍 Focus on scientists from low-income and middle-income countries
  • 💸 Fully funded research experience
  • 🧠 Access to world-class labs and scientific mentors
  • 🌐 Strong South–South scientific networks
  • 🚀 Boost to academic and research careers in the home country

🧾 FAQs – TWAS Fellowships

❓ Q1. Can I apply for more than one TWAS program?

✅ Yes, but not in the same year.
Applicants can apply to different TWAS Fellowship programs in different academic cycles, but only one application is allowed per year. If you submit more than one, all your applications will be disqualified.

❓ Q2. Are TWAS Fellowships available for Social Sciences or Humanities?

❌ No.
TWAS Fellowships are strictly limited to natural and applied sciences, such as:

  • Physics, Chemistry, Biology
  • Mathematics, Earth Sciences
  • Engineering, Agricultural Sciences
  • Medical Sciences (basic, non-clinical research)

TWAS does not support clinical research, humanities, arts, law, business, or social sciences.

❓ Q3. Do TWAS Fellowships provide support for family or dependents?

❌ No.
TWAS Fellowships are individual research grants. Funding covers:

  • The fellow’s living expenses
  • Research costs
  • International travel for the fellow only

Spouses, children, or dependents are not eligible for financial support. However, fellows may arrange for dependent travel at their own expense (subject to host country visa rules).

❓ Q4. Can I pursue a TWAS Fellowship in my own country?

❌ No.
TWAS mandates international mobility. You must select a host institution in a developing country other than your own.

For example:

  • An Indian citizen cannot pursue a TWAS fellowship in India.
  • A Nigerian citizen must choose a host in countries like South Africa, Pakistan, or China.

This fosters South–South collaboration and cultural exchange.

❓ Q5. Can I apply while still completing my PhD?

❌ No.
Applicants must have officially been awarded their PhD (with documentation) before applying for any TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowship.
If your viva voce or defense is completed but your degree is not formally awarded, your application may be rejected.

❓ Q6. What is the typical selection timeline for TWAS Fellowships?

🕒 Selection usually takes 4–6 months after the application deadline. Most applicants are notified by:

  • October–December for programs with March–June deadlines
  • February–April for programs with September deadlines

You can check your application status through the TWAS online portal.

❓ Q7. Can I apply to TWAS if I already hold another fellowship or job?

⚠️ Generally no.
TWAS expects full-time research commitment. If you already hold another fellowship or full-time academic position:

  • You must resign before joining a TWAS program, OR
  • Provide formal proof that the other role will end before the TWAS fellowship begins

Holding two simultaneous funded fellowships is usually not permitted.

❓ Q8. Is an English language certificate required?

✅ Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
TWAS does not require IELTS or TOEFL scores by default. However, you must prove:

  • Proficiency in English (or language of host institution)
  • That your academic training was conducted in English, if applicable
  • Some host institutions may request proof of English proficiency, especially for non-English speaking countries (e.g., China, Brazil)

❓ Q9. Can I extend my TWAS Fellowship beyond its original duration?

⚠️ Depends on the host institution.
TWAS fellowships are granted for fixed terms (6–12 months for postdocs, up to 4 years for PhDs). Any extension:

  • Must be justified and approved by the host institution
  • Cannot guarantee additional TWAS funding
  • May be subject to visa and administrative policies in the host country

❓ Q10. Can I reapply if my application was previously rejected?

✅ Yes.
You may reapply in subsequent years, but ensure:

  • Your academic profile or publications have improved
  • You address past weaknesses (e.g., unclear proposal, lack of host letter, poor documentation)

Each application year is reviewed independently.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to visit the official TWAS website for updated application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and host institution details.

Keywords: TWAS Fellowships, TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowship, TWAS PhD Fellowship, UNESCO fellowships, South-South research collaboration, fellowships for developing countries

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