TWAS Postgraduate Fellowships (CNPq Brazil, DBT India)

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Nationals of developing countries (excluding the host country) with an MSc in science or engineering, aged 35 or under, who do not hold residency in the host country or a developed country. Full-time PhD for up to four to five years in Brazil (CNPq) or India (DBT).

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

TWAS fellowships for PhD study at Brazilian (CNPq) and Indian (DBT) institutions. The programme has announced that it will not open a call in 2026.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Nationals of developing countries (excluding the host country) with an MSc in science or engineering, aged 35 or under, who do not hold residency in the host country or a developed country. Full-time PhD for up to four to five years in Brazil (CNPq) or India (DBT).
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Mar (probable if the call returns; TWAS announced that no call will open in 2026 - earlier calls ran Dec – Mar, check twas.org for a 2027 call) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for TWAS Postgraduate Fellowships (CNPq Brazil, DBT India)?

Nationals of developing countries (excluding the host country) with an MSc in science or engineering, aged 35 or under, who do not hold residency in the host country or a developed country. Full-time PhD for up to four to five years in Brazil (CNPq) or India (DBT).

What does TWAS Postgraduate Fellowships (CNPq Brazil, DBT India) cover?

Monthly living allowance in the host country (for TWAS-DBT: Rs. 37,000 plus housing allowance in the first two years), plus travel to the host country; the stipend cannot be converted to foreign currency

When is the deadline for TWAS Postgraduate Fellowships (CNPq Brazil, DBT India)?

Dec – Mar (probable if the call returns; TWAS announced that no call will open in 2026 - earlier calls ran Dec – Mar, check twas.org for a 2027 call) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with TWAS Postgraduate Fellowships (CNPq Brazil, DBT India)?

Host countries: Brazil, India.

What documents do I need for TWAS Postgraduate Fellowships (CNPq Brazil, DBT India)?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the TWAS Postgraduate Fellowships (CNPq Brazil, DBT India) application?

High: Acceptance Letter from Host Institution in Brazil/Global South + Research Proposal + References