Skip to content

TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026: Research Capacity Building Fellowship

The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026 enables institutions in developing countries to host international experts for research collaboration and capacity building. Applications must be submitted by 23 November 2026 through the online portal.

September 29, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 23, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryDeveloping countries (as defined by TWAS)
University/OrgVaries (host institution in developing country)
Degree LevelPostdoctoral, Short Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyEngineering, Mathematics, Science, Technology
DeadlineNovember 23, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

People Also Checked: LawAI Summer Fellowship 2027 in USA (Fully Funded) (Fully Funded)

Overview

The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026 is a competitive fellowship administered by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). It enables academic and research institutions in developing countries to invite internationally recognized experts for short-term visits. These visits strengthen local research capacity, foster international collaboration, and transfer specialized knowledge to host institutions.

For African researchers and institutions—particularly those in Zimbabwe and the SADC region—this programme offers a pathway to access global expertise without the cost of sending staff abroad. The expert comes to you, making it a cost-effective model for institutional development.

People Also Checked: Umeå University Postdoctoral Scholarship in Philosophy 2027: Research on Causation (Fully Funded)

What the Programme Covers

The research provided does not specify exact funding amounts or coverage details. What is confirmed is that the programme facilitates visits by international experts to host institutions in developing countries. Applicants should consult the official TWAS website for detailed information about travel, accommodation, and honorarium provisions.

Eligibility

Based on the programme structure, eligibility typically includes:

People Also Checked: Resilience Fund 2026: Women-Led Climate Adaptation Grants for South & Southeast Asia (Fully Funded)
  • Host institutions must be located in developing countries (as defined by TWAS)
  • Institutions should demonstrate capacity to benefit from and implement the expert’s knowledge transfer
  • Proposed experts should hold recognized international standing in their field
  • Applications are submitted by institutions, not individual researchers

Zimbabwean and SADC institutions are strongly encouraged to apply, as TWAS prioritizes support for scientifically lagging countries.

Application Process

The application is completed through an online form system. Follow these steps:

  1. Create an account on the TWAS online application portal
  2. Log in with your credentials to access the form
  3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with *)
  4. Save your progress and return as needed before the deadline
  5. Review all entries carefully—submitted applications cannot be modified
  6. Submit before 23 November 2026

Technical support is available at onlineforms@twas.org for any portal issues.

Required Documents

While specific document requirements are not detailed in the source, typical TWAS applications include:

  • Institutional endorsement letter
  • Expert’s curriculum vitae
  • Detailed work plan for the visit
  • Budget justification
  • Letters of support from collaborating departments

Check the official programme page for the complete document checklist.

Key Dates

Application deadline: 23 November 2026

There is no indication of rolling deadlines or multiple rounds. Plan to submit well before the cutoff to avoid technical issues.

Why SADC Institutions Should Apply

The Visiting Expert Programme addresses a critical barrier for African research institutions: the high cost of international collaboration. Rather than funding individual researchers to travel overseas, this model brings expertise directly to local laboratories, classrooms, and research centres.

For Zimbabwe specifically, where currency instability and travel costs limit international engagement, this programme offers sustainable capacity building. Past TWAS programmes have supported chemistry, biology, mathematics, and engineering—fields where Zimbabwean institutions seek to strengthen postgraduate training.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Identify an expert whose expertise directly addresses institutional priorities
  • Design activities with measurable outcomes (workshops, curriculum development, joint publications)
  • Demonstrate institutional commitment to sustaining the collaboration beyond the visit
  • Include specific dates and logistical arrangements to show feasibility
  • Highlight how the visit will benefit multiple researchers or departments

Contact and Support

For programme information: https://twas.org/opportunity/twas-visiting-expert-programme

For technical portal issues: onlineforms@twas.org

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Not specified in available research; covers expert visit costs including travel and accommodation (confirm on official website)

Eligibility Criteria

Research and academic institutions in developing countries; applications submitted by institutions, not individuals

Required Documents

Institutional endorsement, expert CV, work plan, budget justification (complete list on official website)

Application Process

Create account on TWAS portal → Complete online form → Save and revise as needed → Submit before deadline → Await selection
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme requires institutional applications. Individual researchers cannot apply directly. Your university or research institute must submit the application, with you as the proposed host coordinator.
The available research does not specify exact coverage. Typically, TWAS visiting programmes cover international travel, accommodation, and a daily subsistence allowance for the expert. Confirm specific provisions on the official programme page before applying.
No. The deadline is fixed at 23 November 2026. The online system will not accept late submissions. You can save and revise your application multiple times before submission, but once submitted, no changes are permitted.
Select an expert with established international recognition, relevant expertise matching your institutional needs, and willingness to engage in knowledge transfer activities. The expert should complement—not duplicate—existing local capacity.
Selection rates are not published. Success depends on proposal quality, institutional capacity to implement outcomes, expert credentials, and alignment with TWAS priorities for scientifically lagging countries. Zimbabwe and SADC institutions are eligible under developing country criteria.
Contact onlineforms@twas.org immediately. Do not wait until near the deadline—technical issues can take time to resolve. Describe your problem clearly and include screenshots if possible.