UNESCO–TWAS and FAPESP have announced a postdoctoral research call for developing-country researchers, with up to 20 places in São Paulo, Brazil. The programme is worth planning for now, but applicants should understand its staged process: the initial expression of interest is for eligible supervisors, not a stand-alone fellowship application from the researcher.
Opportunity at a glance
- Category: Postdoctoral fellowships
- Location: Host institutions in São Paulo State, Brazil
- Duration: 12 months, without extension
- Fields: Natural, applied and social sciences
- Supervisor expression of interest: 1 November 2026
- Full-proposal deadline: 1 April 2027
Who can apply?
According to the official TWAS announcement, candidates need a doctorate obtained within the previous seven years, qualifying developing-country nationality and permanent residence, English proficiency and acceptance by an eligible host supervisor. Applicants already in Brazil, or holding temporary or permanent residence visas in Brazil or a developed country, are excluded. Check the complete country list and eligibility rules before approaching a host.
What support is available?
The FAPESP call provides fellowship payments under its applicable rates and an installation allowance under the relevant rules. Travel reimbursement may be requested subject to those rules. UNESCO–TWAS covers visa-related expenses in accordance with its regulations and available budget.
This is not an unrestricted family relocation package. Additional support for accompanying dependants is not provided, and fellows must undertake the research full-time in São Paulo. The call requires a return to the country of origin after completion.
How the application process works
- Eligible São Paulo supervisors submit their expressions of interest by 1 November 2026.
- The potential-supervisor list and proposal stage are expected from 1 December 2026.
- The researcher and supervisor agree on a suitable project; the supervisor submits the full proposal through FAPESP’s SAGe system by 1 April 2027.
- Results and approved project starts are expected from August 2027.
How to prepare now
Make a concise research-fit document explaining your methods, recent work and the question you want to investigate. Use it to identify laboratories whose work genuinely complements yours. Gather clear scans of your degree records and ask your institution about leave arrangements before making commitments.
Keep a separate checklist for your documents and your prospective supervisor’s responsibilities. A shared timeline can help avoid discovering late that an institutional approval or certified record is missing.
Official details and application route
Read the complete FAPESP call and submission instructions before applying. The official terms control eligibility, funding and any changes to the timetable.
Checked on 19 September 2026. Opportunities Feed is an independent information publisher and is not affiliated with TWAS or FAPESP. Selection and funding are not guaranteed.
Keywords: TWAS FAPESP fellowship 2027, Brazil postdoctoral fellowship, developing country researchers, São Paulo research opportunities, UNESCO TWAS
