The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is designed for postdoctoral researchers based in sub-Saharan Africa. This fellowship gives them the opportunity to spend three months at a research institute in Germany. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. The program aims to build new scientific collaborations and promote long-term partnerships between African and German researchers.
DFG (German Research Foundation) covers travel and subsistence costs during the stay. Importantly, the visit must take place within 12 months of the award. The program welcomes applications from all academic fields. Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
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Key Details
Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African countries
Program Duration: 3 months
Program Location: Germany
Funding/Benefits: Travel expenses and subsistence costs
Award Provider: TWAS and German Research Foundation (DFG)
About this Program
This program enables postdoctoral researchers from sub-Saharan Africa to visit a German research institute for three months. The main goal is to initiate new research collaborations. These visits may lead to longer-term partnerships through other DFG programs. The program covers all academic disciplines. DFG funds travel and living expenses during the visit.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a PhD obtained no earlier than 2021.
- For female applicants, the PhD year limit extends by two years per child (up to three children, max six years).
- Applicants must hold a research position at an institution in sub-Saharan Africa at the time of application.
- Applicants must have engaged in a science system (graduate/postgraduate training, research, teaching) for at least five years in a sub-Saharan African or eligible MENA country.
- Applicants already in Germany are not eligible.
- Applicants with established collaboration with the intended host (such as joint publications or prior supervision) are not eligible.
- Preparatory interactions (virtual meetings, discussions) with the host before the visit are encouraged.
- Previous recipients of this fellowship cannot reapply.
- Women scientists are strongly encouraged to apply.
- All academic fields are eligible.
What Fellows Receive: Travel costs and subsistence allowance for three months in Germany
Program Components: Research collaboration, networking, and potential for future partnerships
How to Apply
- Prepare all required documents, including a recent invitation letter from a German host, two reference letters, a copy of your passport, your PhD certificate, evidence of language proficiency (English or German), and a supporting statement from your home institution’s head.
- Ensure your research proposal is mutually agreed upon with your German host.
- Complete the online application form via the official TWAS portal. Only online applications are accepted.
- Submit your application before 15 April 2026.
The selection results will be available in January/February 2027. Visits can take place between February 2027 and February 2028. Please note, the program does not support accompanying family members and does not accept part-time visits. You may only apply for one TWAS or OWSD program per calendar year.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
