The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits in Germany Programme provides postdoctoral researchers from sub-Saharan Africa, including South 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 TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme 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) programmes.
Programme Details
Host institution: Please click here for useful information on how to identify the best German host in your field.
Fields of Study: All academic fields.
Duration: 3 months.
Number of Awards: Not specified.
Eligible countries: Open to nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits in Germany Benefits
The TWAS-DFG scholarship will cover following items:
health insurance
travel expenses
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.
TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits in Germany Eligibility
Applicants for the TWAS-DFG scholarship must meet the following criteria:
Applicants must hold a PhD and must have obtained it not earlier than 2015;
Applicants must be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country, including South Africa, and hold a research position in sub-Saharan African country;
Applicants already on site in Germany or with an established collaboration with the intended host are not eligible;
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 Programme;
Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply;
All academic fields will be considered.
Application instructions
Applicants must click on the apply button below and follow instructions to apply. Furthermore, applicants must also upload required documents, while filling the form.
Required Documents
scanned copy of your passport, even if expired (page with your name and surname);
CV, maximum two pages including a list of no more than 6 publications;
a recent invitation letter from a German host – on the host institution’s letterhead paper – which should contain the proposed time of the visit (up to 3 months) and should refer to the proposed cooperation.
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 favorable to the application and that the applicant will be granted leave to take up the cooperation visit in Germany if awarded.
The deadline to apply is . For more details the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits in Germany, please visit the official page.
