TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme - MENA 2026

📖 About TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme

The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides postdoctoral researchers living and working in the MENA region with the opportunity to make a three-month ‘Cooperation Visit’ to a research institute in Germany. These visits must be undertaken within 12 months of the award.

🎁 Benefits of TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme

• DFG will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Germany.
• The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD obtained not earlier than 2021. For female applicants, the year limit for the PhD can be extended by two years per child (up to a maximum of six years for three or more children). For example:
  • A woman with one child: PhD year would be 2019 or later.
  • A woman with three or more children: PhD year would be 2015 or later.
• At the time of submission, applicants must hold a research position at an institution located in a MENA country.
• Applicants must have been engaged in a science system (including graduate and postgraduate training, research, teaching) for at least five years prior to the call in a MENA country or a sub-Saharan African country.
• Applicants already on-site in Germany are not eligible.
• Applicants with an established collaboration with the intended host are not eligible. Examples of established collaboration include:
  • Common publication with the host professor.
  • Host professor was previously the applicant's MSc or PhD supervisor.
  • Other types of extensive collaboration.
• Preparatory interactions (e.g., virtual meetings) prior to the planned guest visit are encouraged.
• Previous recipients of a TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visit cannot reapply. For a second visit, the German host can apply for funding under the DFG Initiation of International Collaboration Programme.
• Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
• All academic fields will be considered.

📝 Application Date and Process

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload the following documentation:

Required Documents:

1. Scanned copy of your passport (even if expired; page with your name and surname).
2. Invitation letter from a German host:
   • Maximum two pages on the host institution’s letterhead paper.
   • Should contain the proposed time of the visit (up to 3 months) and refer to the proposed cooperation.
   • Confirmation that the applicant and the proposed host have mutually agreed on the research proposal.
   • Confirmation that the necessary research facilities are available.
3. Two reference letters from senior scientists familiar with your work:
   • Letters must be on headed paper and signed.
4. Copy of the PhD certificate.
5. Evidence of proficiency in either English or German.
6. Supporting statement from the Head/Director of the applicant's home institute:
   • Must confirm that the Head/Director is favorable to the application.
   • Must confirm that the applicant will be granted leave to take up the cooperation visit in Germany if awarded.

📅 Application Deadline

15 April, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme.
• Apply for the programme via the Online Application Portal.

📢 Important Notes

• Results of the selection will be available in January/February 2027.
• The visit can take place between February 2027 and February 2028.

• DFG will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Germany.
• The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations.