What if your PhD studies could take you abroad without paying tuition fees or worrying about monthly living expenses? The World Academy of Sciences and COMSATS University Islamabad are now accepting applications for the 2026 TWAS-CUI Postgraduate Fellowship Programme. The opportunity is designed for young researchers from developing countries who want to pursue a fully funded PhD in Pakistan. This fellowship supports postgraduate research in natural sciences and selected social science fields. Successful applicants will study at one of Pakistan’s leading universities while receiving financial support throughout the programme.
What Is the TWAS-CUI Postgraduate Fellowship Programme?
The programme is a collaboration between TWAS and COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI). It offers fully funded PhD fellowships to students from developing countries outside Pakistan. The fellowship can last up to three years.
CUI is among Pakistan’s top higher education institutions, with thousands of students and research facilities across several campuses. The university is known for strong research output in science, engineering, technology, and development studies.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Access to research laboratories and university facilities
- Opportunity to pursue a PhD in Pakistan for up to 3 years
- Study opportunities in English
- Exposure to international research networks
The stipend is intended to help cover accommodation, meals, and health insurance during the fellowship period.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants can apply for PhD studies in areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Mathematics
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Sciences
- Chemistry
- Pharmacy
- Biomedical Materials
- Development Studies
- Management Sciences
The programme mainly targets students interested in science, technology, and applied research fields.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be nationals of a developing country other than Pakistan
- Be under 35 years old by 31 December 2026
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Have strong academic performance
- Not hold permanent residency in Pakistan or any developed country
- Be willing to study full-time in Pakistan
- Show proof of English proficiency if previous education was not in English
Applicants must also obtain a preliminary acceptance letter from COMSATS University Islamabad before submitting the final TWAS application.
Important Application Details
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is 15 June 2026. And the fellowship lasts for a maximum of 3 years.
How to Apply
Applicants must first apply for admission through the CUI International Admissions Portal. After receiving an acceptance letter from CUI, candidates can then submit their fellowship application through the TWAS online portal.
You can read the official programme details here: TWAS-CUI Postgraduate Fellowship Programme
If you are searching for more fully funded PhD opportunities for international students, you should also read our post on 40 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students in 2026. It includes scholarships across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded PhD opportunities remain highly competitive, especially for students from developing countries. Programmes like the TWAS-CUI Fellowship help young researchers access advanced education, research facilities, and international academic experience without the heavy financial burden that usually comes with doctoral studies. For students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or development studies, this fellowship could open the door to a global research career.
If you are not yet ready for PhD studies you may find it useful to explore these fully funded masters scholarships: 30 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships for International Students in 2026.
