The TWAS-DFG Research Collaboration Program for African Scientists in Germany 2026
By: UNESCOLast update:
Applicant criteria
NationalityCongo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa
SpecialityAll Specialties , Science
Age
- No specific age required
Gender
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity FieldTechnology and Programming, Science, Nature and Environment, Others
Job locationGermany
DegreePhd
Deadline2026-04-16
Opportunity description
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is a prestigious funding organization in Germany that supports excellent research. Partnering with TWAS, DFG offers researchers from developing countries a short-term opportunity to conduct research collaborations in Germany. Travel and subsistence expenses are covered by DFG, while the program's operations are managed by UNESCO.
Program Details
- This program allows postdoctoral researchers residing in sub-Saharan Africa to undertake a three-month Cooperation Visit to a German research institute.
- Visits must occur within 12 months of the award, aiming to initiate research collaboration and develop long-term links between African and German scientists.
Fields and Specializations:
There are no restrictions on disciplines—any field that contributes to research collaboration between the African researcher and the German host is eligible. The most common fields include:
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences and Biology
- Engineering and Technology
- Environmental and Climate Sciences
- Social Sciences and Economics
Benefits
- Travel expenses covered in full by DFG.
- Subsistence costs during stay in Germany provided.
Eligibility criteria
- PhD obtained no earlier than 2021, with exceptions for mothers given childbirth.
- Occupied a research position in a sub-Saharan African country at the submission time.
- Five years of engagement in the science system in African or MENA regions.
- Not currently in Germany when applying.
- No previous collaboration with the proposed host.