TWAS-NRF Fellowship

Applications are invited for the NRF–TWAS postdoctoral fellowship programme available for scientists from developing countries (other than South Africa). TWAS-NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships are tenable at research institutions in South Africa for a minimum period of six months to a maximum period of three years. NRF will provide travel to and from South Africa, a standard monthly allowance which should be used to cover living costs, such as accommodation, food and health insurance.

Eligibility:

Applicants for these fellowships must meet the following criteria:

• be nationals of a developing country (other than South Africa);
• must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in South Africa or any developed country;
• must have obtained  a PhD degree in a field of natural sciences;
• apply for the fellowship within five (5) years of having obtained a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences;
• be a regular employee in a developing country (other than South Africa) and hold a research assignment there;
• 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;
• provide an official letter from a host South African institution, department or laboratory and motivation from the applicant’s host;
• proof of  knowledge of English is preferable, if language of instruction was not English*;
• present a detailed research project that must be registered and approved by the host institution  and provide a letter of support from the prospective host supervisor;
• be financially responsible for any accompanying family members.

*Preference will be given to applicants that meet the following requirements of the English Language Proficiency Academic test: IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); or TOEFL (paper) 575 (TWE 4.5); or TOEFL iBIT (min. 20); or Cambridge minimum 58.

Duration of award(s): TWAS-NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships are tenable at research institutions in South Africa for a minimum period of six months to a maximum period of three years.