The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 is now open for applications from eligible young researchers seeking to undertake postgraduate research in Japan.
Also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme, the initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and aims to strengthen research capacity and international knowledge exchange. For the 2026 cycle, 10 fellowships will be awarded to highly qualified young researchers from eligible countries and territories.
Background & Fellowship Description
The 2026 programme supports innovative postgraduate research connected to heritage conservation and management, sustainable development and artificial intelligence.
Fellows will undertake research stays at Japanese universities or research institutions, providing an opportunity to develop their research while engaging with Japan’s academic and research community.
2026 Fellowship at a Glance
- Fellowships: 10
- Grant: Up to US$10,000
- Duration: 3 to 9 months
- Host country: Japan
- Fellowship period: From February 2027, ending no later than December 2027
- Deadline: 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time
- Submission: Through National Commissions for UNESCO
Research Areas
Applicants must select one primary research area and a corresponding sub-area from the programme’s designated fields.
The 2026 research areas include:
- Heritage Conservation and Management
- AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
- Ethical, Inclusive, and Human-Centred AI for Sustainable Development
- AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure, and Societal Resilience
- AI and Education
Qualifications
Education and Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of one of the invited Member States or Associate Members.
- Be 40 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent relevant to the proposed research.
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
- Have sufficient proficiency in the language used for instruction or supervision at the proposed Japanese host institution.
- Obtain acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
The invited countries include Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and numerous other eligible countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Türkiye and Ukraine.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows may receive a grant of up to US$10,000 as a lump-sum contribution toward approved research-stay expenses.
Eligible costs may include:
- International and domestic travel
- Accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Meals and local transportation
- Personal subsistence
- Certain research-related expenses
The grant does not generally cover tuition fees, computers or other equipment, publication costs or conference participation unless the latter is clearly justified as an integral part of the research.
Medical insurance is mandatory and will be arranged by UNESCO, with its cost deducted from the fellowship amount.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow the official application process:
- Read the Application Guide carefully.
- Contact the National Commission for UNESCO in their home country.
- Prepare the required documents, including the application form, academic documents, recommendation letter, host institution acceptance letter, language certificate, and research proposal.
- Submit the application to the relevant National Commission at least two weeks before the required deadline.
- Candidates nominated by their National Commission must then submit the online application and supporting documents to UNESCO.
- National Commissions must submit nominations and application documents to UNESCO by 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time.
Only applications nominated by the relevant National Commission will be accepted by UNESCO.
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme – Official Page
Frequently Asked Questions
How many UNESCO/Japan fellowships are available in 2026?
UNESCO and the Government of Japan will award 10 fellowships during the 2026 cycle.
How much is the fellowship worth?
The fellowship grant is up to US$10,000.
How long is the research fellowship?
The research stay must be at least three months and no more than nine months.
Can Zimbabwean researchers apply?
Yes. Zimbabwe is included among the invited African Member States for the 2026 cycle.
What degree is required?
Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent in a field relevant to their proposed research.
Do I need a Japanese university supervisor?
Yes. Applicants must obtain acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for candidate submission is 30 September 2026 at midnight Paris time.
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 provides eligible young researchers with an opportunity to undertake postgraduate research in Japan in fields including AI, sustainable development and heritage conservation.
With only 10 fellowships available, eligible candidates should begin preparing their research proposal and supporting documents early and contact their National Commission for UNESCO regarding the national nomination process.
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