To all the excellent researchers from the developing countries seeking research opportunities abroad, today we are here with an exciting Associateship program offered by one of the reputed programme units of UNESCO that you should not miss out on. You heard it right! Applications are now open to apply for the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2026. TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences), in collaboration with UNESCO and several excellence centers in South has instituted a Joint Associateship Scheme that aims to enable outstanding researchers from developing countries to visit these centers regularly and carry out immersive research
Under the Associateship scheme, an associate will be appointed for the duration of three years, during which associates can visit the research centers twice a year for a period of 2-3 months to carry out research collaboration. Almost 300 centers of excellence are willing to participate in this programme, among them, 175 centers are located in Argentina, and the rest of them are in all other developing countries. The Associateship offers generous support. TWAS offers a monthly contribution of USD 300 to cover the living costs during their stay, while the host centers cover the costs of accommodation and food and provide state-of-the-art research facilities. The programme is inviting applications from applicants holding a minimum Phd or equivalent degree.
The Associateship programme is highly competitive; applicants holding excellent academic achievements will be appointed on a merit basis. Preference is given to the researchers belonging to isolated institutions in developing countries – TWAS highly encourages Women Scientists to apply.
About TWAS
TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) is a special unit of UNESCO working to promote scientific excellence in developing countries and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through science, technology, & Innovation.
Details About TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2026
| Programme | Associateship Scheme |
|---|---|
| Offered by | TWAS-UNESCO |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | Developing Countries in the South |
| Fields | Natural Sciences |
| Age Limit | None |
| Minimum Degree | PhD or Equivalent |
| Duration | 2–3 months |
| Application Deadline | December 9th, 2025 |
Also, Check: Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Financial Coverage
TWAS Offers:
- A monthly stipend of 300$ to cover your living expenses
Host Centers Offers:
- Accommodation
- Meales
- Access to Research Facilities
Eligibility Criteria
- Calling application from the researchers belonging to developing countries in the Global South (Check here)
- Applicants must hold a minimum PhD or equivalent degree
- Applicants’ research must be in the field of natural sciences
- Possess a strong research publication record
- Secure an invitation letter from one of the centers of excellence participating in the scheme
- Selected applicants will be appointed as an associate for a duration of 3 years, during which you have to commit to making two site visits to the host centers for a period of 2-3 months
- Preference is given to applicants from isolated institutions
- There is no age limit to apply for the programme
- Women scientists are highly encouraged to apply
Required Documents
- Scanned copy of passport
- Supporting statement from the head of the institute
- CV/Resume (Max 4 Pages)
- Complete list of Publications
- PhD certificate
- Two Letters of Recommendation by two referees, one should be an expert from another country
- An invitiation letter from the participating center (contains proposed time of the visits for 2-3 months)
Also, Check:
- Global China Fellows Program 2026-27 at Boston University, USA
- FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026 in France
How to Apply for the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Programme?
Host Countries:
- Check out the list of Associate host countries by visiting here
List of Participating Centers of Excellence:
- Check out the complete list of participating centers by visiting here
Visit the official link below to apply
