Your Complete Guide to Fully Funded Research Fellowships Across the Globe

🧠 Introduction

Postdoctoral fellowships are essential stepping stones for early-career researchers aiming to advance their scientific careers, gain international research experience, and establish global academic networks. Whether in STEM fields, social sciences, or interdisciplinary research, postdoctoral fellowships offer fully funded opportunities, competitive stipends, and access to world-class research facilities.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of postdoctoral fellowships worldwide, with official links to major programs in Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, and global initiatives. If you are searching for international postdoctoral fellowships or fully funded postdoc opportunities, this is your one-stop resource.

🌍 Popular Postdoctoral Destinations

Countries like the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Canada remain the top choices for international postdocs due to their high research output and generous funding schemes. However, emerging research hubs in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are increasingly offering competitive fellowships.

📌 Quick Navigation – Postdoctoral Fellowships Worldwide

🌍 Popular Postdoctoral Destinations

🌐 Europe – Country-wise Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇬🇧 Post-doctoral Fellowships in the UK
🇩🇪 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Germany
🇫🇷 Post-doctoral Fellowships in France

🇮🇹 Italy (Marie Curie, EUI, Human Technopole)
🇪🇸 Spain (Juan de la Cierva, Ramón y Cajal)
🇳🇱 Netherlands (Rubicon, VENI/NWO)
🇨🇭 Switzerland (ETH Zurich, EPFL Fellowships)
🇸🇪 Sweden (Wallenberg Foundation, STINT)
🇳🇴 Norway (Research Council of Norway Fellowships)
🇩🇰 Denmark (Novo Nordisk, Danish Research Foundation)
🇫🇮 Finland (Academy of Finland Postdoctoral Researcher)
🇦🇹 Austria (Lise Meitner Fellowship, FWF)
🇵🇹 Portugal (FCT Fellowships)
🇵🇱 Poland (NCN Fellowships, Polonez Bis)
🇨🇿 Czech Republic (GAČR Postdoc Fellowships)
🇭🇺 Hungary (MTA Postdoctoral Fellowship)
🇧🇪 Belgium (FWO Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇮🇸 Iceland (RANNIS Arctic Research)
🇪🇪 Estonia (Mobilitas+ Program)
🇱🇹 Lithuania (Research Council of Lithuania)
🇸🇮 Slovenia (Young Researcher Program)
🇸🇰 Slovakia (SASPRO 2 Program)

🌏 Asia – Country-wise Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇮🇳 Post-doctoral Fellowships in India

🇯🇵 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Japan
🇷🇺 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Russia
🇨🇳 Post-doctoral Fellowships in China

🇸🇬 Singapore (NUS, NTU, A*STAR Fellowships)
🇰🇷 South Korea (Brain Pool, NRF Fellowships)
🇹🇭 Thailand (TRF & NRCT Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇲🇾 Malaysia (FRGS & UM Fellowships)
🇵🇭 Philippines (DOST-SEI Fellowships)
🇮🇩 Indonesia (BRIN Postdoctoral Research)
🇻🇳 Vietnam (VAST Postdoctoral Program)
🇹🇼 Taiwan (Academia Sinica Postdoctoral Fellowship)
🇭🇰 Hong Kong (RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme)

🌍 Middle East – Post doctoral Fellowships

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia (KAUST Fellowships, KACST Grants)
🇦🇪 UAE (NYU Abu Dhabi, Masdar Institute Fellowships)
🇶🇦 Qatar (QNRF Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇴🇲 Oman (TRC Research Fellowships)
🇧🇭 Bahrain (Arabian Gulf University Fellowships)
🇮🇱 Israel (Weizmann Institute, Azrieli Fellowships)
🇹🇷 Turkey (TÜBİTAK 2236 CoFund, TÜBA Fellowships)
🇮🇷 Iran (IPM & Sharif University Fellowships)

🌐 Americas – Post doctoral Fellowships

🇺🇸 Post-doctoral Fellowships in the USA

🇨🇦 Canada (Banting Fellowships, Mitacs Elevate)
🇲🇽 Mexico (CONACYT Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇧🇷 Brazil (CAPES PNPD Fellowships)
🇦🇷 Argentina (CONICET Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇨🇱 Chile (ANID Postdoctoral Research)
🇨🇴 Colombia (Colciencias Postdoctoral Fellowships)

🌏 Australia – Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇦🇺 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Australia

🌏 Africa – Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇿🇦 South Africa (NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇪🇬 Egypt (STDF & Nile University Fellowships)
🇳🇬 Nigeria (TETFund Postdoctoral Support)
🇰🇪 Kenya (African Academy of Sciences Postdocs)
🌍 Pan-African Programs (African Research Universities Alliance)

🌐 Global & Multinational Postdoctoral Fellowships

Some fellowships are open to researchers from all nationalities, offering placements in multiple countries or global collaborations:

🌍 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA – Europe & Worldwide)
🌍 Humboldt Research Fellowship (Germany & Global)
🌍 Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowships (US & Partner Countries)
🌍 Newton International Fellowships (UK + Global)
🌍 TWAS Fellowships (Developing Countries Focus)
🌍 Schmidt Science Fellows (International)
🌍 Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)

How to Apply for Postdoctoral Fellowships

Are you planning to continue your academic journey after a PhD? Securing a postdoctoral fellowship can be a career-defining opportunity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from types of fellowships to application procedures, eligibility, required documents, and expert tips—to help you confidently apply for postdoc positions worldwide.

🔍 What is a Postdoctoral Fellowship?

A postdoctoral fellowship (commonly called a postdoc) is a temporary research position designed to provide advanced training and independent research experience to individuals who have recently earned a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.

Postdoc positions typically span 1–3 years, often include a competitive salary, and are available across disciplines—science, technology, engineering, medicine, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields.

🎯 Why Pursue a Postdoc?

🔬 Develop deeper subject expertise
🌍 Collaborate with global research leaders
🧾 Strengthen your CV and publication record
🎓 Improve chances of faculty recruitment
💼 Transition into industry, policy, or think tanks

🧪 Types of Postdoctoral Fellowships

Postdoctoral fellowships can be broadly categorized as:

1. Institutional Fellowships

Offered directly by universities or research centers. Examples:

TIFR Postdoctoral Fellowship (India)
ETH Zurich Postdoc Program (Switzerland)
Max Planck Institutes (Germany)

2. Government-Funded Fellowships

Sponsored by national science agencies or education ministries. Examples:

SERB NPDF (India)
JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Japan)
NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (USA)

3. International Mobility Fellowships

Designed to promote global talent mobility. Examples:

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Fulbright Fellowships
Newton International Fellowship

4. Thematic Fellowships

Targeted at solving specific global challenges, such as:

TWAS Fellowships (Developing countries, STEM)
Schmidt Science Fellows (Interdisciplinary innovation)
Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP – Life Sciences)

🧾 General Eligibility Criteria

While specific eligibility varies, these are commonly expected:

✅ PhD awarded (within 3–5 years typically)
✅ Strong academic record with published papers
✅ Age limit (commonly 35–45 years depending on the program)
✅ Excellent English language proficiency
✅ A research proposal aligned with host interests or national priorities
✅ Recommendation letters from PhD guides or senior academics

Some programs may also prioritize:

Women and underrepresented groups
Interdisciplinary or innovative research
Candidates from low- and middle-income countries

🔍 How to Find the Right Postdoc Fellowship

Finding the right fellowship is half the battle. Here are trusted sources:

📌 University websites (e.g., Oxford, IITs, MIT)
📌 National funding portals (SERB, JSPS, NSF, DAAD)
📌 Aggregators: EURAXESS, ResearchGate, Academic Positions
📌 Global scholarship platforms (e.g., ScholarshipGrow.com)
📌 Newsletters and journals in your discipline

📥 Step-by-Step Application Process

✅ Step 1: Identify the Right Fellowship

Read the official eligibility, field of research, deadlines, and funding structure. Ensure you meet all criteria.

✅ Step 2: Contact a Host Institution

Reach out to a potential supervisor or research group at your target university. A strong endorsement increases your chances.

✅ Step 3: Develop a Research Proposal

Write a well-structured proposal (2–5 pages) with:

Title and abstract
Objectives and research questions
Methodology
Expected outcomes
Timeline and feasibility
Relevance to host or funder’s priorities

✅ Step 4: Gather Application Documents

See the next section below for a full checklist.

✅ Step 5: Submit Online Application

Follow the format requested by the funding body. Pay attention to file size, naming, and supporting documentation.

✅ Step 6: Attend Interviews or Proposal Review

Some fellowships (e.g., Fulbright, DST Inspire) conduct panel interviews or ask for proposal presentations.

📑 Key Documents Required

🧾 CV / Resume – Academic format with detailed research & publications
📝 Research Proposal – Tailored to the fellowship theme
✍️ Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Your research story and motivations
👨‍🏫 Reference Letters – Usually 2 or 3, from PhD supervisor or collaborators
📜 PhD Degree Certificate – Or proof of thesis submission
💌 Host Institution Invitation Letter – Especially for international mobility fellowships
🌐 English Proficiency Proof – TOEFL/IELTS (if required)

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Submitting generic or copy-pasted research proposals
❌ Not aligning with host institution’s expertise
❌ Ignoring word/page limits
❌ Weak reference letters
❌ Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete forms
❌ Applying to fellowships you are ineligible for (e.g., age or field mismatch)

🗓️ Ideal Timeline (12-Month Planner)

Months Before Deadline	What to Do
12 Months	Identify opportunities and host mentors
10 Months	Finalize proposal topic and supervisor
8 Months	Draft proposal and CV
6 Months	Collect reference letters
4 Months	Polish application and submit
2–3 Months	Prepare for interview (if any)
1 Month	Visa, travel, housing planning

💬 Expert Tips to Strengthen Your Application

✅ Read successful sample proposals if available
✅ Attend online info sessions/webinars by fellowship organizers
✅ Highlight your unique contribution to the field
✅ Mention why the host institution is ideal for your research
✅ Get your proposal reviewed by a mentor
✅ Focus on impact, innovation, and feasibility

🛬 What Happens After Selection?

If selected, here’s what you should immediately do:

Apply for visa and travel documents
Confirm fellowship offer letter
Book accommodation or university housing
Familiarize yourself with the host lab culture
Prepare to relocate internationally if required
Join virtual onboarding/training (if available)

🔄 Can You Reapply?

Yes, many fellowships like MSCA, Fulbright, TWAS, and Newton allow reapplication if:

You still meet the eligibility
You’ve improved your proposal and profile

🧳 Do Postdoctoral Fellowships Cover Family & Dependents?

One of the most common concerns for postdoctoral researchers—especially those with spouses or children—is whether fellowships allow and financially support dependents. The answer varies significantly depending on the funding agency, country, and type of fellowship.

✅ Fellowships That Support Dependents

Some prestigious international postdoctoral fellowships provide explicit financial support for family members, making relocation easier and more manageable:

💼 1. Additional Family or Dependent Allowances

Fellowships like the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and Fulbright Scholar Program often include monthly or annual allowances for spouses and children to help offset living costs. These may cover:

Education for children
Health insurance
Living expenses

Example:

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships include a Family Allowance for researchers with dependents, in addition to the basic living and mobility allowances.

🏡 2. Housing Subsidies or Family Accommodation

Several fellowships offer institutional accommodation suitable for families or provide subsidies to cover private housing. This is especially common in fellowships based at:

Research universities (e.g., ETH Zurich, IITs, Oxford)
Government institutions (e.g., CSIR India, CNRS France)
Institutes with campus housing (e.g., TIFR, KAUST)

These accommodations typically include:

Family apartments or quarters
Furnished rental options
Low-cost faculty housing with utilities

🎟️ 3. Visa Facilitation & Support for Dependents

Most fellowships permit dependents to accompany the fellow, and some even offer assistance with visa applications. Depending on the host country, benefits include:

Spousal work permits (e.g., in Canada, UK, EU)
Student visas for children
Guidance from host institution international offices

Example:

Fulbright fellowships provide J-2 visas for dependents, allowing spouses to apply for work authorization in the U.S.

❌ Fellowships That Do NOT Fund Dependents (But Allow Accompaniment)

Many national or developing-country-focused fellowships do not offer financial support for families, but do not restrict you from bringing them. However, you will be responsible for:

Visa fees and processing
Rent and utilities for family housing
Schooling and health insurance

Examples include:

SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship (India)
TWAS Fellowships (developing countries)
ICSSR & UGC Fellowships (India)
Newton International Fellowship (UK)

In such cases, it is advised to plan your budget accordingly and check with your host supervisor or university about:

Nearby schools
Housing availability
Spouse employment options

👪 Pro Tips for Researchers with Families

✅ Communicate early with the host institute: Inform your mentor and HR office about your plans to relocate with dependents.

✅ Explore university-affiliated family support services: Many top universities offer child care, school search assistance, and counseling for academic families.

✅ Check local laws: For example, some countries allow spouses to work on dependent visas, while others do not.

✅ Use embassy or consular support: They can guide you through dependent visa documentation, medical insurance, and more.

🌍 Countries That Are More Family-Friendly for Postdocs

Some host countries are known for their family-friendly policies for international researchers:

🇸🇪 Sweden – generous parental benefits, subsidized daycare
🇩🇪 Germany – family allowance, education support
🇳🇱 Netherlands – expat-friendly, family housing options
🇨🇦 Canada – work visas for spouses
🇫🇷 France – child benefits, subsidized public schooling
🇦🇺 Australia – partner visas and health benefits
🇺🇸 USA – J-2 visa with optional work authorization

Final Thoughts

Bringing your family during your postdoctoral research journey is possible—but the level of support varies. It’s crucial to:

Review fellowship policies carefully
Speak with former fellows who relocated with dependents
Plan financially, even if dependents are allowed but not funded

By being proactive, you can ensure a smooth and enriching experience for both your research and your family life abroad.

🌍 Where Can You Apply? – Popular Countries

You can explore postdoc fellowships in:

🇺🇸 United States (Fulbright, NIH, NSF, university programs)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (Newton, Royal Society, Wellcome Trust)
🇩🇪 Germany (Humboldt, DFG, Max Planck)
🇮🇳 India (SERB, UGC, ICMR, CSIR)
🇯🇵 Japan (JSPS, RIKEN, Kyoto)
🇪🇺 Europe (MSCA, EMBO, CNRS, DAAD)
🌐 Global (HFSP, TWAS, Schmidt Science Fellows)

📌 Final Checklist Before Applying

✅ Do you meet eligibility criteria?
✅ Do you have a confirmed host?
✅ Have you tailored your proposal?
✅ Do you have recent publications?
✅ Have you proofread everything?
✅ Did you submit before the deadline?

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Postdoctoral Fellowships

Q1. Do I need a PhD to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship?

✅ Yes.
Almost all postdoctoral fellowships require applicants to have a completed PhD degree or equivalent doctoral qualification at the time of application or by the time the fellowship begins. In rare cases, candidates who have submitted their thesis may apply with provisional certificates, but they must complete their PhD before the fellowship starts.

Q2. Can I apply for a postdoc fellowship without publications?

🔶 Not advisable.
While there is no fixed rule, having peer-reviewed journal publications is a critical selection factor. Most selection panels assess your research potential based on publications, impact factor, and citations. Aim for at least 1–2 good publications before applying.

Q3. Are postdoctoral fellowships paid?

✅ Yes.
Postdoctoral fellowships are typically fully funded, offering:

A monthly stipend or salary
Research grant for lab work, equipment, or field research
Travel allowance
Sometimes even health insurance and family support

The amount depends on the funding body and host country.

Q4. Can international applicants apply for postdocs in other countries?

✅ Yes.
Many prestigious fellowships are open to international researchers. Programs like MSCA, Fulbright, HFSP, and TWAS encourage global mobility and are available to researchers from developing and developed countries alike. However, you may need a valid visa or residence permit.

Q5. What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral fellowship?

🕒 Usually 1 to 3 years.

Short fellowships: 12–18 months
Most common: 2 years
Long fellowships: up to 3–5 years (with renewal options)

Check each fellowship’s official guidelines for exact duration.

Q6. Can I apply for multiple fellowships at the same time?

✅ Yes, you can apply to multiple programs.
However, you cannot hold more than one postdoctoral fellowship simultaneously. Once selected, you will need to decline other offers. Applying widely increases your chances, but always tailor each application specifically.

Q7. Is a language test (IELTS/TOEFL) required?

🔹 Depends on the host country.

US, UK, Canada, Australia: IELTS/TOEFL is usually required unless you’re exempt due to prior education in English.
Germany, France, Japan: Not always mandatory but English proficiency is expected.
Some fellowships like Newton or Schmidt Science Fellows do not require formal tests but prefer demonstrable fluency.

Q8. Do I need to contact a host supervisor before applying?

✅ In most cases, yes.
Fellowships like MSCA, SERB NPDF, Humboldt, and TWAS require a formal invitation letter or consent from a host institution. Your host plays a vital role in:

Co-developing your research proposal
Providing lab access
Writing a host support letter

Q9. Can I bring my spouse or dependents during the fellowship?

✅ Yes, but…
Some fellowships (e.g., MSCA, Fulbright, HFSP) offer family or dependent allowances. Others don’t provide financial support, but they do allow dependents to accompany with separate visa arrangements. Always check the program’s policy on dependents.

Q10. Can I apply if I already worked in the host country?

🔶 It depends.

Some fellowships (like Newton International Fellowships) have residency restrictions—e.g., not having lived in the UK for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.
Other programs are more flexible but may require justification for repeat stays.

Q11. What is the maximum age for postdoctoral fellowships?

📅 Usually 35 to 45 years.
Many fellowships have an upper age limit:

SERB NPDF (India) – 35 years
TWAS – 40 years (some programs)
Fulbright – No age limit, but early-career researchers are prioritized
Age relaxations are often provided for women, SC/ST, or persons with disability (PWD) categories.

Q12. Do postdoc fellowships lead to faculty jobs?

✅ Yes, frequently.
A postdoctoral position enhances your research credentials, publication profile, and academic networks—making you a stronger candidate for:

Assistant professor roles
Research scientist positions
Industry R&D
Policy, consultancy, or think tanks

Some host institutions may even absorb postdocs into permanent faculty based on performance.

Q13. Can I change my research topic after being awarded the fellowship?

❌ Usually not allowed.
Your approved proposal forms the basis of your funding. Minor adjustments are accepted with host consent, but a full topic change may violate the terms and lead to cancellation.

Q14. Can I do a postdoc in my home country?

🔶 Depends on the fellowship.

TWAS Fellowships require that you go to another developing country.
MSCA Global Fellowships mandate an international host with return phase to Europe.
SERB, UGC, ICSSR (India) allow postdocs within India.
Check mobility rules before applying.

Q15. What makes a strong postdoc proposal?

💡 Key elements include:

Clear research question and objectives
Feasible methodology
Alignment with host expertise
Originality and innovation
Potential impact
Well-defined timeline and milestones
Proper budgeting (if applicable)

Getting feedback from your mentors before submitting is highly recommended.

Q16. What are the most competitive postdoctoral fellowships?

🌟 Some globally competitive fellowships include:

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Europe & Global
Fulbright Scholar Program – USA and partner nations
Humboldt Fellowship – Germany
Schmidt Science Fellows – Interdisciplinary research
Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) – Life Sciences
Newton International Fellowship – UK
TWAS Fellowships – For developing countries

📝 Conclusion

Postdoctoral fellowships play a crucial role in the progression of early-career researchers by offering fully funded opportunities, competitive stipends, and access to top-notch research facilities in various fields. Securing a postdoctoral fellowship is a vital stepping stone in any research career. It offers financial support, research freedom, and networking opportunities. Start early, stay organized, and let your academic excellence shine through your application.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide compiles major global post-doctoral fellowships based on publicly available information. Always refer to the official fellowship websites for the latest eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application guidelines.