Brief Information
GTCR MENA Grant 2026 is a major research funding opportunity launched by UNESCO-TWAS with support from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The programme is designed for young PhD-level scientists from selected Middle East and North Africa countries, as well as eligible diaspora researchers. It supports transformative projects, research equipment, and collaboration with German research institutions.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme Name: Grants for Transformative and Collaborative Research in the Middle East and North Africa (GTCR-MENA)
- Deadline: 14 May 2026, 11:59 PM CEST
- Organizer: UNESCO-TWAS
- Funding Partner: German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)
- Type: Research grant
- Duration: Typically 24 months
- Location / Type: MENA region with collaboration involving German laboratories
- Minimum Degree: PhD
- Eligible Fields: AI, Quantum Technologies, Microelectronics, Biotechnology, Climate & Energy, Aerospace, Health, Sustainability, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Age Limit: Up to 40 (men), up to 46 (women with allowances)
- Funding: Equipment, consumables, MSc support, conference, mobility, publications
Table of Contents
Overview
GTCR MENA Grant 2026 is designed to strengthen research capacity across selected MENA countries, especially in institutions with limited infrastructure. The programme enables researchers to acquire essential equipment and resources to enhance scientific productivity.
The grant focuses on strategic research areas aligned with Germany’s High-Tech Agenda, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and sustainability. It also supports interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages strong partnerships with German research institutions.
An important advantage of the GTCR MENA Grant 2026 is its flexibility in supporting not only research equipment but also additional components such as MSc student involvement, conference participation, mobility in Germany, and open-access publications.
The programme also strongly supports women in science, including a dedicated component for female researchers returning after maternity leave.
For more insight into research priorities, visit the official
High-Tech Agenda Germany
Eligibility
To apply for GTCR MENA Grant 2026, applicants must:
- Be nationals of eligible MENA countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen
- Hold a PhD degree
- Be ≤40 years (men) or ≤46 years (women with allowances)
- Be affiliated with an academic/research institution in an eligible country
- Submit a strong research proposal in one of the eligible fields
- Have or establish collaboration with a German research institution
- Provide a Letter of Collaboration from the German partner
- Not hold an active TWAS or OWSD grant
Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
Application Details
Applicants must submit their application online through the official TWAS portal. Before applying, it is essential to carefully review the full guidelines and prepare all required documents.
Steps to apply:
- Prepare a strong research proposal aligned with HTAD priorities
- Secure a collaboration with a German research partner
- Obtain a Letter of Collaboration
- Gather required documents (PhD proof, institutional affiliation, etc.)
- Submit the application online before the deadline
- Deadline: 14 May 2026
- Application Portal:
https://onlineforms.twas.org/apply/299
Applicants can only apply to one TWAS programme per year, so planning is important.
FAQ
1. Is the GTCR MENA Grant 2026 fully funded?
Yes, it is fully funded and covers research equipment, consumables, and additional research-related support.
2. Can I apply without a German partner?
No, you must have or establish collaboration with a German institution and submit a Letter of Collaboration.
3. Does the grant cover salaries or travel?
No, salaries and general travel are not covered, except specific research-related components like conferences or mobility.
4. Who can apply?
PhD holders from eligible MENA countries working in academic or research institutions.
Official Link
👉 Apply and learn more here:
https://twas.org/opportunity/grants-transformative-and-collaborative-research-middle-east-and-north-africa-gtcr-mena
🔎 Visit more opportunities on Oppotify:
https://oppotify.com
