How to Apply for the 2025 TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Programme for Reserachers in Developing Countries. The TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2025 supports researchers from developing countries who want to collaborate with leading scientific institutions in the Global South. This initiative, established by the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in partnership with UNESCO, promotes regular research visits and collaboration among scientists in natural sciences.
Application Deadline: 9 December 2025
Host Countries: Centres of excellence in the Global South
Partner Organization: UNESCO
Programme Duration: 2 to 3 months per visit, renewable up to 3 years
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree.
- The selection of associates is based on merit.
- Scientists from isolated institutions in developing countries receive special consideration.
- Women scientists are encouraged to apply.
- Eligible nationalities include researchers from developing countries in the South.
- There is no age limit.
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Benefits
TWAS provides travel support for the associates and a contribution towards subsistence costs up to USD 300 per month while living expenses are covered by the host centres.
The Associateship covers:
- Travel expenses for the associate.
- A monthly contribution of USD 300 towards incidental local expenses.
- Accommodation and food provided by the host centre.
- Research facilities provided by the host centre.
- Subject to the availability of funds, the appointment may be renewed for a further three-year term.
Required Documents
Applicants must complete the online application form and 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.
- Applicant’s curriculum vitae (no more than four pages).
- 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. The letter should contain the proposed time of the visits (two to three months for each visit) and should refer to the proposed cooperation. It should show 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.
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Programme Requirements
- Appointments have a fixed duration of three years. During this time, the associate is entitled to visit the host centre twice, for a period of two to three months each time. Subject to the availability of funds, the appointment may be renewed for a further three-year term.
- Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio. Applicants will not be eligible to visit another institution in that year under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes. One exception is that the head of an institution who invites an external scholar to share his or her expertise under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes may still apply for another programme.
- Applicants must understand the eligibility criteria and other key requirements that are specified in the online application form.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application form by clicking on the “Apply now” button at the bottom of the official TWAS page.
While filling in the online application, applicants need to upload the required documents listed above.
Applications should be submitted before 9 December 2025.
Incomplete applications or those without the required documents will not be considered.
FAQ Section
1. Who is eligible for the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme?
Researchers from developing countries in the South who hold a PhD or equivalent degree are eligible. Women scientists and those from isolated institutions receive special consideration.
2. What is the duration of the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship?
Each appointment lasts three years. During this period, associates can visit the host centre twice for two to three months per visit.
3. What expenses does the Associateship cover?
TWAS provides travel expenses and a monthly contribution of USD 300 for incidental costs. The host centre covers accommodation, food, and research facilities.
4. How many centres participate in the programme?
Almost 300 centres of excellence across the South participate in the Associateship Scheme.
5. What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a passport copy, curriculum vitae, PhD certificate, publication list, two recommendation letters, a statement from the head of their home institution, and an invitation letter from a host centre.
6. Can an applicant apply for more than one TWAS programme in a year?
No. Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio.
7. How can one apply for the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship?
Applicants must complete the online application form on the official TWAS website and upload all required documents before the deadline, 9 December 2025.
For more Information: Visit the website for TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2025
