TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2026 for Developing Countries

In collaboration with UNESCO and a number of centers of excellence in the South, TWAS has instituted a Joint Associateship Scheme to enable competent researchers from the South to visit these centers regularly. An associate is appointed for three years during which he/she can visit a Center twice for research collaboration. Almost 300 centers have been selected to participate in the Scheme.

• Table of Content
• About The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
• TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme
• Aim and Benefits of TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme
• Requirements for TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme

Aim and Benefits of TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme

• The Associateship covers the associate's travel expenses and a monthly contribution of USD300 towards incidental local expenses.
• The host center covers accommodation and food, and provides the research facilities.

Requirements for TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme Qualification

• Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree.
• The selection of associates is highly competitive; appointments are made on the basis of merit.
• Special consideration is given to scientists from isolated institutions in developing countries.
• Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
• Appointments have a fixed duration of  three  years.
• During this time, the associate is entitled to visit the host center  twice , for a period of 2 to 3 months each time. Subject to the availability of funds, the appointment may be renewed for a further 3-year term.

Interview date, Process and Venue for TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme

While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation:

• scanned copy of the applicant's passport, even if expired (page with applicant's name and surname);
• supporting Statement from Head of Home Institution;
• the applicant's  curriculum vitae (no more than 4 pages);
• the applicant's full list of publications;
• PhD certificate;
• two letters of recommendation by two referees, one of whom should be from an expert from another country;
• a recent invitation letter – on the host institution's letterhead paper – from one of the Institutions listed in the files available  here . It should contain the proposed time of the visits (two to three months for each visit) and should refer to the proposed cooperation. It should be made obvious that the applicant and the proposed host have been in contact regarding the scientific work to be done during the visit and that the conditions for conducting the work have been agreed in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available.

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme webpage