TWAS Fellowships for Research Developing World Academy of Sciences
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers the world's largest South-South PhD and postdoctoral research fellowship programme, partnering with institutions across developing nations to support early-career researchers.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
10 August 2026 (for specific components like the Swaminathan Achievement Grant)
Country
ItalyAbout the TWAS Fellowships for Research Developing World Academy of Sciences
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), based in Trieste, Italy, works for the advancement of science in developing countries. Through its extensive opportunities portfolio, TWAS offers the world's largest South-South PhD and postdoctoral research fellowship programme, helping early-career researchers gain education and experience at top science institutions.
TWAS currently offers about 160 PhD fellowships in conjunction with eight partners in six countries, alongside about 100 postdoctoral fellowships in conjunction with nine partners in five countries. These fellowships are designed to build scientific capacity in science- and technology-lagging countries by enabling researchers to undertake advanced training abroad.
In addition to fellowships, TWAS manages diverse research grants, project grants, and achievement awards, such as the TWAS-M.S. Swaminathan Achievement Grant in Food Science. These initiatives fund individual scientists and research groups, covering specialized equipment, consumable supplies, and monetary awards to drive scientific excellence.
Candidates must submit applications through the online portal and provide necessary supporting documents, including preliminary acceptance letters from host institutions where applicable. Specific eligibility criteria, age limits, and eligible fields vary depending on the exact sub-programme or fellowship track chosen within the TWAS portfolio.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Largest South-South PhD and postdoctoral research fellowship programme in the world
Collaborates with top science institutions across multiple developing and developed partner countries
Supports critical scientific fields including food science, agriculture, basic sciences, and climate resilience
Provides substantial research grants and equipment funding for science- and technology-lagging countries
Offers prestigious international recognition and networking opportunities for early- and mid-career researchers
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
6 requirements
Documents Checklist
15 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Identify the specific TWAS programme, fellowship, or grant of interest on the official portal
Obtain a preliminary acceptance letter from the chosen host institution as early as possible before the call opens
Access the TWAS online application platform during an active call
Complete all required form fields, ensuring correct date formats and file types such as PDF only
Run a check using the form menu button to verify mandatory fields and save data
Submit the completed application electronically through the online portal before the deadline
Application Timeline
Varies by programme
Call Opening
Applications can be submitted only once the call for the chosen programme is open
10 August 2026
Application Deadline
Extended deadline specified for grants such as the Swaminathan Achievement Grant
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Apply for your host institution preliminary acceptance letter well before the call opens to avoid delays
Check specific age limits and degree requirements, as they differ strictly between PhD, postdoctoral, and senior grant tracks
Use the online platform check button frequently to identify missing or unaccepted data highlighted in red
Upload all documents strictly as PDF files, as Word documents are not accepted by the portal
Ensure your forward-looking project clearly outlines outreach, science communication, and developing country collaborations
Verify that you have not received conflicting international grants that violate eligibility rules for specific streams
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
TWAS fellowships help early-career researchers from developing countries gain education and research experience at top science institutions through the world's largest South-South fellowship programme.
Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio, and may not visit another institution under any other TWAS programme in that same year.
All document uploads must be in PDF format. Word files are not accepted by the online application system.
Yes, candidates must upload a preliminary acceptance letter issued in the same year of application by their chosen host institution.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open Varies - confirm on official site - get your documents ready now.
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