TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowships are tenable in the departments, institutions and laboratories of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for a minimum period of 12 months to a maximum period of 2 years and are awarded to young scientists from developing countries (other than Malaysia) to enable them to pursue advanced research in the natural sciences. USM will provide a standard monthly allowance which should be used to cover living costs, such as accommodation, food and health insurance.

The award of the fellowship is subject to obtaining in due course a final offer letter of admission from USM. Upon receipt of the USM-TWAS award letter from TWAS, candidates will need to contact in due course the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) of USM to apply for the final offer letter. In case the application for the final offer letter of admission is not approved by USM, the award will become null and void. The language of instruction is English.

Eligibility

Applicants for these fellowships must meet the following criteria:

• be nationals of a developing country (other than Malaysia);
• must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Malaysia or any developed country;
• hold a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences;
• apply for the fellowship within five years of having obtained a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences;
• be regularly employed in a developing country (other than Malaysia) and hold a research assignment there;
• provide evidence of proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS).
• be financially responsible for any accompanying family member.
• 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.

Submission 

• Applicants must submit the Acceptance Letter from the USM Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) when applying to TWAS or by the deadline at the latest. Without the acceptance letter, the application will not be considered for selection.
• Applications for the TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme can ONLY be submitted via the online portal.
• Applicants should be aware that they can apply for only one fellowship per year. With the exception of the Visiting Scientists programme, all other fellowship programmes offered by TWAS and OWSD are mutually exclusive.