TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026 | Fully Funded PhD Fellowships

TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026 | Fully Funded PhD Fellowships

Fully Funded PhD Fellowships for Scientists from Developing Countries

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India and UNESCO-TWAS have partnered to offer a number of fellowships for foreign scholars from developing countries. These fellowships are designed for scientists who wish to pursue research toward a PhD in emerging areas of science and technology for which facilities are available in CSIR laboratories and institutes across India.

Programme Overview

About the Fellowship

The TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme provides an opportunity for scientists from developing countries to pursue PhD research in India’s premier CSIR research laboratories and institutes. Fellows benefit from world-class research facilities, experienced supervisors, and a vibrant scientific community.

CSIR is one of India’s largest research and development organizations, with a network of laboratories covering diverse scientific fields. Fellows are placed in these labs based on their research interests and the availability of relevant facilities.

Fields of Study

Applicants can pursue research in the following scientific areas:

01 Agricultural Sciences
02 Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
03 Biological Systems and Organisms
04 Medical and Health Sciences (including Neurosciences)
05 Chemical Sciences
06 Engineering Sciences
07 Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
08 Mathematical Sciences
09 Physics

Fellowship Options

Sandwich Fellowships
For students already registered for a PhD in their home country. The fellowship may be granted for a minimum period of 6 months and a maximum period determined by the host institute, not exceeding 3 years. Fellows return to their home university to complete their degree after the research placement.

Full-Time Fellowships
For students not yet registered for a PhD. The fellowship may be granted for up to 4 years. Fellows are expected to register for a PhD at a university in India within the first year, subject to agreement with CSIR and the host institution.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this fellowship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a maximum of 35 years old on 31 December 2026

• Be a national of a developing country (India is not eligible)

• Must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in India or any developed country

• Hold a Master’s degree in science and technology

• Be regularly employed in your home country and hold a research assignment there

• For Sandwich Fellowships: Be registered for a PhD in your home country and provide a Registration and No Objection Certificate from your home university

• For Full-Time Fellowships: Be willing to register at a university in India within the first year if agreed by CSIR

• Provide an official acceptance letter from a CSIR laboratory or institution (applications without this will not be considered)

• Provide evidence of English proficiency if your medium of education was not English

• Provide evidence that you will return to your home country after the fellowship

• Not take up other assignments during the fellowship period

• Be financially responsible for any accompanying family members

Financial Support

CSIR provides the following support to successful fellows:

• Monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance

• Subsidized accommodation

• The stipend is not convertible into foreign currency

How to Apply

Step 1: Secure a Host Institution
Before applying, you must secure preliminary acceptance from a CSIR laboratory or institute. Contact potential supervisors directly and obtain an official acceptance letter. The acceptance letter must be dated the same year as your application.

You can find a list of eligible CSIR institutions on their website or in the downloadable document provided with this announcement.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the following documents:

• Acceptance letter from a CSIR host institution

• Master’s degree certificate and transcripts

• Proof of employment in your home country

• For Sandwich applicants: Registration and No Objection Certificate from your home university

• English proficiency certificate (if applicable)

• Research proposal

• CV

• Passport copy

Step 3: Submit Online Application
Applications can only be submitted through the TWAS online portal once the call opens on 6 March 2026. Use the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the official announcement page.

Important Note: Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio.

Application Timeline

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific merit of the research proposal

• Academic qualifications

• Quality of the host institution acceptance

• Potential impact on the applicant’s home country

• Alignment with CSIR research priorities

Successful candidates will be notified by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Contact Information

TWAS Fellowships Office
ICTP Campus, Strada Costiera 11
34151 Trieste, Italy
Phone: +39 040 2240-3314
Fax: +39 040 2240-689
Email: [email protected]

Dr (Mrs) Mamta Sharma
Principal Scientist
International S&T Affairs Directorate (ISTAD)
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Anusandhan Bhavan, 2, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110 001
Phone: +91-11-23470218 or 8987482814
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.csir.res.in

Important Downloads

• Online Application Tutorial

• Sample Preliminary Acceptance Letter

• List of CSIR Eligible Centres (2023)

These documents are available on the official TWAS fellowship page.

Final Tips for Applicants

• Start contacting potential supervisors now. Do not wait until the call opens in March.

• Ensure your acceptance letter is dated in 2026.

• Read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.

• Prepare a strong research proposal that aligns with the host institution’s expertise.

• Double-check all documents before submission.

Visit the Official Webpage of the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme

Good luck with your application

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