The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides postdoctoral researchers living and working in sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to make a three-month ‘Cooperation Visit’ to a research institute in Germany. Such visits must be undertaken within 12 months of the award.
The aim of the visit is to initiate research collaboration between African and German scientists with the ultimate goal of developing longer-term links, perhaps through other Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, or German Research Foundation) programs.
Eligibility
Applicants need to hold a PhD obtained not earlier than 2020; however, for female applicants, the year limit for the PhD can be extended by two years per child, i.e., for a woman with one child, the PhD year would be 2018 or later. This exception for female applicants has a limit of three children, which equals a maximum of six years. Therefore, the PhD of a female applicant with three or more children should not have been obtained before 2014.
Applicants must be engaged in a science system (including graduate and postgraduate training, research, teaching) in a sub-Saharan African country for at least five years prior to the call.
Applicants already on site in Germany are not eligible.
Applicants who have established collaboration with the intended host are not eligible. Examples of established collaboration include one common publication with the host Professor; the host Professor was previously the applicant’s MSc or PhD supervisor; or other types of extensive collaboration. Preparatory interactions (such as virtual meetings, including other forms of communication) 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 Programe.
Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
All academic fields will be considered.
Benefits
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.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online application form. While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation:
scanned copy of your passport, even if expired (page with your name and surname);
a recent invitation letter from a German host:
maximum two pages on the host institution’s letterhead paper,
it should contain the proposed time of the visit (up to 3 months) and should refer to the proposed cooperation. The results of the selection will be available in January/February 2026. Therefore, the visit can take place between February 2026 and February 2027.
It should be made evident that the applicant and the proposed host have mutually agreed on the research proposal that will be submitted;
confirmation that the necessary research facilities are available;
two reference letters from senior scientists familiar with your work. The letters need to be on headed paper and signed;
copy of the PhD certificate;
evidence of proficiency in either English or German;
supporting statement from the Head/Director of the applicant’s home institute: it must confirm that the Head/Director is favourable to the application and that the applicant will be granted leave to take up the cooperation visit in Germany if awarded.
