TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026

Omran Aburayya
Apr 26
3 min read

If you are a passionate young scientist from a developing country looking to advance your research career, the TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026 applications are now open! This exciting opportunity offers aspiring researchers the chance to pursue PhD-level studies in chemical and biological sciences at the prestigious International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in Karachi, Pakistan. Aimed at fostering scientific excellence and building research capacity, this fellowship combines academic training, cutting-edge research, and international collaboration.

🗒️ TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Summary

Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Host Institution: International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi
Academic Level: PhD (Research towards a PhD degree)
Target Group: Young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan)
Funding: Monthly stipend covering living expenses (food, accommodation, local transport, and minor illness), but not convertible into foreign currency.
Duration: Minimum 6 months, maximum 12 months
Application Deadline: 14 August 2025 (midnight CEST)
Start Date: Flexible within 2026 after acceptance
Eligible to: Nationals of developing countries in the South, excluding Pakistan

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is a research-focused initiative designed for early-career scientists pursuing their PhD in their home countries (sandwich model). The fellowship supports research activities in a dynamic and highly reputed environment, equipping fellows with essential scientific skills and contributing significantly to the scientific development of their home countries.

📚 Fields of Focus

Agricultural Sciences
Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
Biological Systems and Organisms
Medical and Health Sciences (including Neurosciences)
Chemical Sciences

The programme includes:

A research stay at ICCBS under expert supervision
Participation in ongoing projects in advanced chemical and biological research fields
Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities
Collaboration with international scientists
Training in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific communication
Opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals

The language of instruction is English, and ICCBS maintains a vibrant, multicultural research environment, ideal for fostering global scientific partnerships.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Full coverage of living expenses through a monthly stipend
Free access to research facilities and resources at ICCBS
Supervision by leading scientists in chemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, and more
Health certification required but no health insurance coverage provided (candidates must be fit to travel)
Support for developing professional research skills and potential publications

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

Be nationals of a developing country (other than Pakistan)
Be aged 35 or younger by 31 December 2025
Hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in a field of natural sciences
Be registered for a PhD in their home country (and provide a Registration and No Objection Certificate)
Provide a Preliminary Acceptance Letter from ICCBS (obtained by contacting Prof. Dr. Raza Shah with CV, degree certificate, two reference letters, and research proposal)
Show proficiency in English (provide proof if education was not in English)
Be in good health (certificate required)
Commit to returning to their home country after the fellowship
Not accept any other concurrent assignments during the fellowship
Cover costs for accompanying family members independently

📝 Application Procedure:

🗓️ Deadline: 14 August 2025

🌐 Mode of Application: Online only via the TWAS portal (apply button at the bottom of the official page)

ℹ️ For assistance in filling the online application form, download this document

📂 Documents Required:

Completed online application form
Preliminary Acceptance Letter from ICCBS
Two signed reference letters on letterhead
Copy of MSc degree
Proof of PhD registration and No Objection Certificate
Proof of English proficiency (if needed)
Health certificate
Passport copy

⚠️ Important: Applications without a valid Acceptance Letter will not be considered. Applicants are advised to request this letter early to meet the deadline.

ℹ️ Extra Information:

Applicants can apply to only one TWAS or OWSD programme per calendar year.
Those applying for the TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship cannot concurrently visit another institution under the TWAS Visiting Professor programme.
A useful online application tutorial is available on the TWAS website to assist applicants.

ℹ️ For further inquiries, applicants may contact: