Call for the Application of TWAS-CUI Postgraduate Fellowship 2026 in Pakistan!!!
The TWAS-COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) Fellowship Programme for postgraduate research offers fellowships to young scientists from developing countries other than Pakistan who wish to pursue a PhD in the natural or social sciences. By providing a clear pathway to doctoral studies at COMSATS University Islamabad, the program ensures that financial or geographic barriers do not prevent talented individuals from reaching their highest potential. It serves as a commitment to academic equity across the Global South. This initiative is specifically designed for young researchers who possess the drive to contribute to the natural and social sciences but may lack the institutional resources or funding in their home countries.
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This full-time fellowship is designed for students not currently registered for a PhD in their home countries and provides support for up to three years. Research is conducted in English across a wide range of fields, including Computer Science, Mathematics, Pharmacy, and Biotechnology, as well as Management and Development Studies. Depending on program availability, successful applicants can begin their studies during the Autumn 2026 semester in September or the Spring 2027 semester in February (or March for the Abbottabad campus). To support daily life, CUI provides a monthly stipend in local currency to cover essential costs such as food, housing, and health insurance throughout the duration of the degree.
At the heart of this initiative is access to high-level research environments. Scholars benefit from modern laboratories and a diverse faculty at COMSATS, which is recognized as a leading institution in Pakistan. This exposure allows researchers to engage with complex scientific questions in fields such as Biotechnology and Environmental Science, using tools and resources that might be unavailable in their home regions.
The fellowship also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and cultural exchange. By bringing together researchers from various backgrounds, it fosters a unique community where ideas are shared freely across borders. These interactions help students build a global professional network, which is essential for solving modern scientific challenges that require a unified, international approach.
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Beyond academic growth, the program is designed to empower scholars to become leaders in their communities. Upon completing their PhDs, fellows return home equipped with advanced technical skills and a broader perspective on sustainable development. This knowledge transfer is crucial for building local scientific capacity and implementing practical solutions to regional issues, such as food security and public health. By supporting young scholars today, the program helps build a global community of experts ready to address challenges such as climate change and emerging technologies. It ensures that every talented mind, regardless of where they are born, has a fair chance to contribute to the world’s scientific knowledge.
Location:
PakistanBenefits
- Monthly Stipend for Living Expenses: COMSATS University Islamabad provides a dedicated monthly stipend to cover the fundamental costs of living while residing in Pakistan. This allowance is designed to manage food, local accommodation, and health insurance, ensuring the researcher remains focused on their academic goals. However, it is important to note that this stipend is provided in local currency and is not convertible to foreign exchange.
- Access to World-Class Research Infrastructure: Fellows gain full access to the extensive network of departments and specialized research centers across CUI’s seven campuses. This includes advanced laboratories for biosciences, micro-devices, and climate research, as well as libraries and digital academic resources. Such exposure allows scholars to conduct high-impact research using modern equipment that may be unavailable in their home institutions.
- Comprehensive Tuition and Registration Coverage: The fellowship functions as a full-time PhD support system, covering the academic fees associated with the three-year doctoral program. By removing the financial burden of tuition, the program enables students from developing countries to pursue a high-quality education at no personal cost. This support ensures a seamless transition into the Pakistani higher education system for the duration of the fellowship.
- Financial Security through Full Fee Waivers.: The fellowship completely covers all registration and tuition fees for the entire duration of the PhD program. This ensures that scholars can pursue their doctoral degrees without the burden of accumulating academic debt or worrying about rising educational costs. By removing these financial barriers, the program allows researchers to dedicate their full attention to their scientific inquiries and thesis completion.
- Professional Development and Networking Opportunities: Fellows become part of an elite global network of TWAS alumni and Pakistani academic professionals. Throughout the program, researchers are encouraged to attend seminars, workshops, and international conferences hosted at COMSATS University. These interactions help scholars build a professional reputation and form collaborations that often lead to joint research publications and future career opportunities.
- Cultural Immersion and Language Integration: Living and studying in Pakistan offers a unique opportunity for fellows to experience a new culture and learn the local language, Urdu, through daily interaction. This experience broadens their global perspective and enhances their adaptability in diverse working environments. Developing these “soft skills” is highly valuable for scientists who intend to work in international policy or global research management.
Eligibilities
- be nationals of a developing country (other than Pakistan);
- must not be on site in Pakistan;
- must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Pakistan or any developed country;
- hold an MSc degree (with research) in a field of natural sciences;
- IF applying in a field of eligible social sciences, hold a MSc degree in a field of social sciences.
- be a maximum age of 35 years by 31 December in the year of application;
- Full-time fellowships applicants:
- a) must be willing to register at CUI, Pakistan;
- b) must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent degree, with a thesis of 06 credit hours and with no less than 3.0/4.0 CGPA or 60% marks, and without “D” grades throughout the academic career;
- c) must pass a Graduate Record Examinations- GRE (Subject) test as per policy of the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (HEC) or must sit the Graduate Assessment Test (GAT subject) managed by the National Testing Service, Pakistan (NTS) within the first semester of studies at CUI and score a minimum mark of 60;
- d) must apply online for admission at CUI through the CUI International Admissions Portal. In applying online, candidates must select the option “CUI-TWAS fellowship” and must also submit a scanned copy of all academic certificates (transcripts and degrees). If accepted, candidates will be issued an Acceptance Letter from CUI, and then they MUST apply via the TWAS online portal for the CUI-TWAS fellowship.
- provide evidence of proficiency in English, if the medium of education was not English;
- provide evidence that s/he will return to her/his home country on completion of the fellowship;
- not take up other assignments during the period of her/his fellowship;
- be financially responsible for any accompanying family members and for any delay incurred in completing the fellowship.
Application Process
To ensure your application is considered for the TWAS-CUI Postgraduate Fellowship, you must follow these specific steps and meet the mandatory requirements before the deadline.
- Official Deadline: All materials must be submitted via the online portal by 15 June 2026.
- Mandatory Acceptance Letter: You must obtain a preliminary Acceptance Letter from COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) before applying. Applications submitted without this letter will be automatically disqualified.
- Reference Letter Requirements: You are required to submit professional reference letters. These must be:
- Printed on official letter-headed paper.
- Hand-signed by the referee.
- Uploaded directly through the online portal (emailed or unsigned letters will not be accepted).
- Submission Method: Applications are only accepted through the official TWAS online portal. Use the “Apply Now” button located at the bottom of the program’s webpage to begin.
Application Deadline: June 16, 2026 (26 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
