TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 for Postdoctoral researchers from sub-Saharan Africa. – Opportunities For Africans

Application Deadline: 15 April 2026

Applications are actually open for the 2026 TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme. The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme gives postdoctoral researchers residing and dealing in sub-Saharan Africa with the chance to make a three-month ‘Cooperation Visit’ to a analysis institute in Germany. Such visits should be undertaken inside 12 months of the award.

The intention of the go to is to provoke analysis collaboration between African and German scientists with the final word purpose of growing longer-term hyperlinks, maybe by different Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, or German Research Foundation) programmes. DFG will cowl journey bills and supply subsistence prices for the keep in Germany. The administration and monetary operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an settlement signed by the 2 organizations.

Eligibility

• Applicants want to carry a PhD obtained not sooner than 2021; nevertheless, for feminine candidates the 12 months restrict for the PhD may be prolonged by two years per child, i.e. for a girl with one child the PhD 12 months can be 2019 or later. This exception for feminine candidates has a restrict of three youngsters which equals a most of six years. Therefore, the PhD of a feminine applicant with three or extra youngsters mustn’t have been obtained earlier than 2015.
• At the time of submission of the proposal candidates maintain a analysis place at an establishment situated in a  sub-Saharan African country.
• Applicants must have been engaged in a science system (together with graduate and postgraduate coaching, analysis, instructing) for a minimum of 5 years previous to a respective name in a sub-Saharan African country or MENA country.
• Applicants already on web site in Germany should not eligible.
• Applicants with a longtime collaboration with the meant host should not eligible. Examples of established collaboration embody one widespread publication with the host Professor; the host Professor was beforehand the applicant’s MSc or PhD supervisor; or different kinds of in depth collaboration. Preparatory interactions (equivalent to digital conferences, together with different types of communication) previous to the deliberate visitor go to are inspired.
• Previous recipients of a TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visit can’t reapply. For a second go to, the German host can apply for funding underneath the DFG Initiation of International Collaboration Programme.
• Women scientists are particularly inspired to apply.
• All educational fields will likely be thought of.
   

Application Procedure

Applicants should full the net application type by clicking on the ‘Apply now’ button on the backside of this web page. While filling within the on-line application, candidates additionally must add the next documentation:

• scanned copy of your passport, even when expired (web page together with your identify and surname);
• a latest invitation letter from a German host:

1. – most two pages on the host establishment’s letterhead paper,
2. – it ought to comprise the proposed time of the go to (as much as 3 months) and may discuss with the proposed cooperation. The outcomes of the choice will likely be out there in January/February 2027. Therefore, the go to can happen between February 2027 and February 2028.
3. – It must be made evident that the applicant and the proposed host have mutually agreed on the analysis proposal that will likely be submitted;
4. – affirmation that the mandatory analysis amenities can be found;

• two reference letters from senior scientists conversant in your work. The letters have to be on headed paper and signed;
• copy of the PhD certificates;
• proof of proficiency in both English or German;
• supporting assertion from the Head/Director of the applicant’s home institute: it should verify that the Head/Director is beneficial to the application and that the applicant will likely be granted go away to take up the cooperation go to in Germany if awarded.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme