TWAS / NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF BRAZIL (CNPQ)
TWAS-CNPq Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
full · phd
- ~R$4,100/mo stipendFunding
- Research in BrazilWhere
- PhD holdersEligibility
- Developing countriesFor researchers from
- TWAS + CNPqPartnership
- Natural sciencesFields
At a glance
full
Funding
€12k
Max amount
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
Developing countries other than Brazil
Country
TWAS / National Council for Scientific and Technological Development of Brazil (CNPq)
Provider
The TWAS-CNPq Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a partnership between The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). It enables researchers from developing countries — other than Brazil — who already hold a PhD to spend a period (commonly 6 to 12 months) conducting postdoctoral research at a Brazilian research institution, with a monthly CNPq stipend of around R$4,100. Under the programme, the host country (Brazil, via CNPq) provides a monthly stipend to cover living costs during the fellowship, while TWAS coordinates the scheme and may support international travel in some cases. The fellowship strengthens scientific capacity in the developing world by giving researchers access to Brazil's well-equipped institutions and research groups, primarily in the natural sciences. Applicants apply through TWAS, identifying a Brazilian host institution and supervisor, by the annual deadline (commonly around mid-year). Selection is competitive and based on scientific merit and the quality of the proposed research, with attention to applicants from science- and technology-lagging countries.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — A monthly living stipend provided by CNPq (Brazil), on the order of ~R$4,100 per month, for the fellowship period.
- Research access — Access to the host institution's laboratories and research facilities.
- Travel (some cases) — TWAS may support international travel in some cases.
- Duration — For a defined postdoctoral period agreed with the host (commonly up to ~12 months, sometimes extendable).
How to apply
Identify a Brazilian host institution and supervisor, then apply through TWAS for the TWAS-CNPq postdoctoral fellowship by the annual deadline.
- Confirm eligibility — Check that you hold a PhD and are from an eligible developing country (not Brazil).
- Find a Brazilian host — Arrange a host institution and supervisor in Brazil for the postdoctoral research.
- Prepare your application — Assemble your research plan, CV/publications, PhD certificate, and host acceptance.
- Apply via TWAS — Submit the TWAS-CNPq application through TWAS by the deadline.
- Selection — TWAS and CNPq assess applications on scientific merit and the research plan.
- Placement — Selected fellows take up the postdoctoral position with the CNPq stipend.
Eligibility
DegreeHold a PhD (this is a postdoctoral fellowship).
OriginA national of a developing country other than Brazil.
HostA Brazilian host institution and supervisor for the postdoctoral research.
FieldNatural sciences (and related fields) within the programme's scope.
Age/prioritySome age guidance applies; applicants from science- and technology-lagging countries are prioritised.
Apply through TWAS with a Brazilian host. The stipend is provided by CNPq; TWAS coordinates the scheme. Deadlines are set annually (commonly ~mid-year).
Eligible countries
Developing countries other than Brazil
Deadlines
Annual TWAS-CNPq call2026-08-31
Selection
TWAS and CNPq select fellows on scientific merit, the quality and feasibility of the research plan, and fit with the Brazilian host, prioritising applicants from science- and technology-lagging developing countries. A confirmed host and supervisor in Brazil are central to the application.
Verified sources
- TWAS-CNPq Postdoctoral Fellowshiptwas.orgofficial
About the provider
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), based in Trieste, Italy under UNESCO, partners with Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) to fund postdoctoral fellowships. The programme builds scientific capacity in the developing world by hosting researchers in Brazil's research institutions.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the TWAS-CNPq Postdoctoral Fellowship?
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A partnership between The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and Brazil's CNPq that funds researchers from developing countries (other than Brazil) to carry out postdoctoral research at Brazilian institutions.
Who is eligible?
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Researchers who already hold a PhD and are nationals of a developing country other than Brazil, who arrange a Brazilian host institution and supervisor, primarily in the natural sciences.
What does it cover?
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A monthly living stipend provided by CNPq (Brazil), access to the host institution's research facilities, and in some cases TWAS support for international travel.
What level is it for?
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Postdoctoral research — you must already hold a PhD. It is not for master's or doctoral degree study.
How do I apply?
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Through TWAS — identify a Brazilian host institution and supervisor, prepare a research plan, and submit the TWAS-CNPq application by the annual deadline.
When is the deadline?
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It is set annually, commonly around ~mid-year. Check the current TWAS-CNPq call for the exact date.
Where do I do the research?
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At a Brazilian research institution that agrees to host you, with a supervisor in your field.
Which fields are eligible?
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Natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences, within the programme's scope.
Do I need a host before applying?
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Yes — a confirmed Brazilian host institution and supervisor are central to the application.
How long is the fellowship?
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For a defined postdoctoral period agreed with the host, commonly up to around 12 months, sometimes extendable subject to the programme's rules.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive — TWAS and CNPq select on scientific merit and research-plan quality, prioritising applicants from science- and technology-lagging countries.
Who provides the stipend?
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Brazil's CNPq provides the monthly stipend, while TWAS coordinates the programme and may assist with travel in some cases.