TWAS Doctoral Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded PhD Opportunity for International Students
Are you an aspiring researcher from a developing country looking to pursue a fully funded PhD? The TWAS Doctoral Fellowship 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for international students to undertake doctoral research at some of the leading institutions in Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa. Supported by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), this fellowship aims to empower scientists from the developing world and foster sustainable development through science and innovation.
About the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship
The TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) is a global science organization based in Trieste, Italy. Established in 1983 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and other prominent scientists, TWAS is committed to building scientific capacity in the developing world. Each year, TWAS awards 100 to 160 doctoral fellowships to students from non-EU developing countries, helping them gain the skills and knowledge needed to tackle global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and disease.
The TWAS Doctoral Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded PhD program that allows students to conduct research in a wide range of scientific fields. Fellows benefit from a monthly stipend to cover living costs, along with additional financial support for travel, accommodation, and tuition.
TWAS Doctoral Fellowship Summary
- Host Institutions: Various TWAS partner institutes in Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa
- Study Level: PhD / Doctoral research
- Program Duration: Up to 3 years
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Deadline: Varies by program and institution (check individual program pages)
Fields of Study
The fellowship supports a broad spectrum of disciplines in the natural and physical sciences, including:
- 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
Financial Coverage
TWAS Doctoral Fellowship recipients receive comprehensive financial support, which includes:
- Monthly Stipend: Covers accommodation, food, health insurance, and other living expenses
- Tuition Support: Partial cost of study funding for tuition fees
- Travel Costs: Round-trip economy airfare
- Visa and Permit Fees: Coverage for visa or study permit application costs
This makes the program 100% free of cost for the selected candidates, easing the financial burden of studying abroad.
TWAS Doctoral Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the TWAS PhD Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Be nationals of non-EU developing countries (see the official list on the TWAS website)
- Have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Demonstrate English language proficiency suitable for academic discussions and research
- Meet any specific criteria set by the host institute (which may vary)
TWAS Doctoral Fellowship Application Process
Applying for the TWAS Doctoral Fellowship is a straightforward process:
- Visit the official TWAS website and navigate to the specific PhD program page.
- Wait for the application call to open. Only then will the “Apply Now” button be activated.
- Submit your application online through the TWAS portal.
- Secure a preliminary acceptance letter from a participating institution — this is a mandatory requirement.
- Applicants can apply for only one TWAS or OWSD program per year. Those selected are not eligible for other TWAS programs during the same year.
It is highly recommended to start the acceptance process early—even before the call opens—as only letters dated the same year as the application are accepted.
Why Choose TWAS?
TWAS fellowships offer more than just financial aid—they provide access to leading scientists, advanced research facilities, and a multicultural academic environment. It’s an ideal stepping stone for building a career in science and making a meaningful impact in your home country.
How to Apply
To learn more or start your application, visit the official TWAS Doctoral Fellowships portal:
Official Website