Imagine pursuing a PhD while getting hands-on research experience at one of the world’s most respected centers for chemical and biological sciences — that’s exactly what the UNESCO-TWAS-ICCBS Fellowship Program 2025 offers. This prestigious opportunity is designed for young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) who dream of pushing boundaries in science and innovation. Hosted at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in Karachi, Pakistan, the fellowship doesn’t just open doors to advanced labs — it throws them wide open.
This program is part of a broader mission by UNESCO and TWAS to foster scientific excellence and capacity-building in the Global South. So, if you’ve got the brains, the drive, and a research proposal ready to rock, this could be your golden ticket.
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Who Can Apply for the TWAS-ICCBS Fellowship?
Before you start packing your bags, let’s talk eligibility. First off, you must be a national of a developing country, just not Pakistan, and you must not hold any permanent or temporary residency visas for Pakistan or any developed country. Fair is fair, right?
You also need to be under the age of 35 as of December 31, 2025. Academically, a Master’s degree in a natural sciences field is non-negotiable, and you should already be registered for a PhD in your home country (hello, sandwich model!). English proficiency is a must, too — if your prior education wasn’t in English, you’ll need to show official proof that you can survive a scientific conversation without reaching for Google Translate.
What Fields of Study Are Covered Under the Fellowship?
Now, what can you study under this program? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot more exciting than it sounds on paper. Fields covered include organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry.
Whether you’re dreaming about dissecting complex molecules, creating life-saving drugs, or cracking the mysteries of the human body at the molecular level, ICCBS offers cutting-edge labs and expert mentorship to back your ambitions.
What Support Does the Fellowship Provide?
One of the sweetest parts of this fellowship? It’s almost like a fully loaded research adventure. ICCBS provides a monthly stipend to cover all the basics — food, accommodation, local transportation, and minor medical expenses. That means you can focus fully on your research without stressing over your next meal or a surprise hospital visit.
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Plus, your research will be supported in a top-tier environment where equipment and expertise aren’t in short supply. It’s worth noting, though, that the monthly stipend covers “living” expenses, not luxury expenses — so no, you won’t be funding weekend trips to the Maldives with it.
How to Apply for the TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship?
Applying isn’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of strategic planning. First, you need to secure a preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS. This involves emailing Prof. Dr. Raza Shah (raza.shah@iccs.edu) or the ICCBS protocol office (protocol.iccbs@iccs.edu) with your CV, a brief outline of your research proposal, and two reference letters.
After getting that all-important acceptance letter, you’ll move on to the official online application via the TWAS portal. Required documents include your health certificate, English proficiency evidence, and a “Registration and No Objection Certificate” from your home university. Oh, and those reference letters? They need to be signed and printed on official letterhead — no casual emails from your professors allowed.
What Makes the 2025 Fellowship Highly Competitive?
Here’s where the reality check kicks in: the UNESCO-TWAS-ICCBS Fellowship is no walk in the park to land. With a limited number of slots and a very specific set of eligibility requirements, every application gets scrutinized hard.
You’re not just competing against peers from your own country — you’re up against the brightest young scientists from dozens of developing nations. Plus, any missing documents or failure to meet deadlines can instantly tank your chances. The selection process is rigorous, focusing heavily on academic excellence, the quality of your research proposal, and your future potential to contribute to scientific progress in your home country.
In short: only the sharpest, most prepared candidates need apply.
Key Deadlines and Final Thoughts
Circle this date in red: August 14, 2025, midnight CEST. That’s your hard deadline for submitting your application, complete with the preliminary acceptance letter. Miss it, and you’re out of luck until next year. Also, keep in mind you can apply for only one TWAS or OWSD program per calendar year, so choose wisely.
Wrapping it up: if you’re serious about a career in science, and you’re passionate about chemical or biological research, the UNESCO-TWAS-ICCBS Fellowship could be a game-changer. But don’t underestimate the competition. Start early, triple-check every document, and put your best academic foot forward. After all, opportunities like this don’t come knocking twice.
For more information and to apply, visit the official TWAS website.
