The TWAS-FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2027 is now accepting applications from researchers across developing countries who wish to undertake advanced postdoctoral research in Brazil. Jointly offered by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), the programme provides fully funded postdoctoral fellowships of up to 12 months at leading universities and research institutions in the State of São Paulo.
The fellowship supports outstanding early-career researchers in natural, applied and social sciences, while strengthening scientific collaboration between Brazil and developing countries. Successful projects are expected to begin from August 2027.
Fellowship Overview
The TWAS-FAPESP programme enables researchers who earned their PhD within the last seven years to conduct high-level research under the supervision of experienced academics at host institutions in São Paulo. Fellows will work on research projects that align with ongoing FAPESP-funded research grants.
Key details:
- Host country: Brazil
- Location: State of São Paulo
- Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Funding: Fully funded by FAPESP
- Project start: From August 2027
- Final application deadline: 1 April 2027
Research Fields
The fellowship is open to a wide range of academic disciplines, including:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
- Biological Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physics
- Social and Economic Sciences
Researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply provided their proposed work aligns with an eligible supervisor’s ongoing FAPESP-funded project.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy both TWAS and FAPESP eligibility requirements. The fellowship is intended for researchers who are nationals and permanent residents of developing countries.
Eligible candidates must:
- Be a national and permanent resident of a developing country.
- Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field.
- Apply within seven years of obtaining their doctorate.
- Not possess temporary or permanent residency in Brazil or any developed country.
- Not already be residing in Brazil.
- Secure a conditional acceptance letter from an eligible supervisor at a São Paulo host institution.
- Demonstrate sufficient written and spoken English for research activities.
Importantly, there is no age limit for applicants.
Participating Universities
Fellows may be hosted by internationally recognized institutions across São Paulo State, including:
- University of São Paulo (USP)
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
- São Paulo State University (UNESP)
- Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)
- Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp)
- Federal University of ABC (UFABC)
These universities host world-class laboratories and research centres spanning biomedical sciences, engineering, agriculture, environmental science and the social sciences.
Application Timeline
The application process takes place in two stages and includes several important deadlines:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call opens | 8 September 2026 |
| Supervisor expressions of interest close | 1 November 2026 |
| List of eligible supervisors published | 1 December 2026 |
| Full proposal deadline | 1 April 2027 |
| Results announced | August 2027 |
| Fellowship begins | From August 2027 |
All deadlines are based on BrasÃlia Time (BRT).
How the Application Process Works
The fellowship begins with eligible supervisors submitting an Expression of Interest to FAPESP. After the official list of approved supervisors is published on 1 December 2026, prospective fellows can identify suitable researchers and establish collaboration.
Once a supervisor agrees to host the candidate, the full proposal is submitted electronically through FAPESP’s SAGe system by the supervisor. The proposal includes a research project, academic records, curriculum documents, institutional statements, a data management plan and proof of English proficiency.
A conditional acceptance letter from the host supervisor is mandatory before the final proposal can be submitted.
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
The TWAS-FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship offers much more than financial support. It provides researchers with access to Brazil’s leading research infrastructure, internationally respected supervisors and collaborative scientific networks. Fellows gain valuable experience conducting independent research while contributing to projects with global scientific relevance.
The programme is particularly beneficial for researchers seeking to strengthen their publication record, expand international collaborations and advance careers in academia, research institutes or innovation sectors within developing countries.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Competitive applicants should begin preparing well before the deadlines. Identifying a supervisor whose research closely matches their expertise is one of the most important steps in the process. A focused research proposal demonstrating clear scientific contribution to the supervisor’s existing FAPESP project can significantly improve competitiveness.
Applicants should also ensure that academic transcripts, doctoral documentation and English proficiency statements are prepared early to avoid delays during submission.
Official Application
Prospective applicants should review the complete Call for Proposals and FAPESP fellowship regulations before applying. The official documentation includes detailed information on funding, evaluation procedures, scientific reporting and accountability requirements.
Final Deadline: 1 April 2027
Host Country: Brazil
Duration: Up to 12 months
Funding: Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship
