UNESCO Fellowships 2026: Fully Funded Research, Study and Professional Development Opportunities
UNESCO Fellowships provide financial support for students, researchers, PhD candidates, early-career professionals, and innovators to pursue research, specialized training, and professional development in UNESCO’s priority areas. Supported by donor governments and extrabudgetary funding, these fellowships help participants develop expertise while contributing to education, science, culture, and sustainable development worldwide.
More than 450 fellowships are available across multiple international programmes designed to promote innovation, academic excellence, and global collaboration.
About UNESCO Fellowships
UNESCO Fellowships are designed to empower talented individuals by providing funding for:
- Academic research
- Specialized professional training
- International study opportunities
- Capacity building
- Scientific research
- Cultural preservation
- Sustainable development projects
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
These fellowships are available across various disciplines and are supported through partnerships with governments, universities, and international organizations.
UNESCO Fellowship Opportunities
Several fellowship programmes are currently available, including:
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme
The UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme supports young researchers conducting projects that contribute to sustainable development and international cooperation.
- Applications open until 30 September 2026
- Supports early-career researchers
- International research funding
UNESCO/People’s Republic of China (The Great Wall) Fellowships
This long-running programme provides:
- 75 fellowship opportunities
- Study and research support
- International academic exchange
TWAS PhD Fellowships
Designed for doctoral researchers in science and technology.
- Approximately 160 PhD fellowships
- Research support
- International collaboration opportunities
OWSD PhD Fellowships
Supporting women scientists pursuing doctoral research in developing countries.
UNESCO/ISEDC Co-Sponsored Fellowships
- 20 fellowships available
- Engineering and energy-related training
- Supported by the Russian Federation
Early-Career Fellowship Opportunities
UNESCO also offers fellowships specifically for emerging professionals, including:
- UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowships
- UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships in Engineering (28 fellowships)
- UNESCO/Poland Fellowships in Archaeology and Conservation (7 fellowships)
- UNESCO/Republic of Korea Co-Sponsored Fellowships (25 fellowships)
- UNESCO/Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme (10 fellowships)
- TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowships (100 fellowships)
- OWSD Early Career Fellowship
- Silk Roads Youth Research Grant (12 fellowships)
These programmes help participants build international research experience while strengthening professional expertise.
Fellowships Supporting Innovative Projects
UNESCO also funds projects that promote innovation and sustainable development through programmes such as:
- Green Chemistry for Life (PhosAgro/UNESCO/IUPAC)
- UNESCO/Nestlé Because Youth Matter Programme (20 fellowships)
- GEM Report Fellowship
These opportunities support innovators developing practical solutions to global challenges.
Who Can Apply?
Depending on the fellowship programme, applicants may include:
- University students
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Early-career professionals
- Researchers
- Scientists
- Engineers
- Project leaders
- Young innovators
Each fellowship has its own eligibility criteria, application requirements, and selection process.
Benefits
Successful applicants may receive:
- Full or partial financial support
- International research opportunities
- Professional training
- Access to world-class institutions
- Networking opportunities
- Mentorship from leading experts
- International collaboration
- Career development support
Benefits vary depending on the specific fellowship programme.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Review the available UNESCO fellowship programmes.
- Select the fellowship matching their academic or professional background.
- Prepare the required application documents.
- Submit applications before the relevant programme deadline.
- Await evaluation and selection by UNESCO and partner institutions.
Each fellowship has separate application requirements and deadlines.
Why Apply?
UNESCO Fellowships offer participants an opportunity to strengthen their academic knowledge, gain international experience, conduct impactful research, and contribute to solving global challenges while building careers in education, science, culture, sustainability, and innovation.
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