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UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme

Offered by UNESCO

The programme awards 10 fellowships to young researchers for postgraduate research related to heritage conservation, sustainable development, and AI, with research stays in Japan.

Apply on the official site(opens in a new tab)
UNESCO logo
Deadline
15 October 20268 days left
Who can apply
Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye
Last verified
Checked today at the official source

Opportunity overview

The 2026 UNESCO/Japan programme offers ten fellowships for postgraduate research at Japanese universities and research institutions. Research stays last three to nine months, begin from February 2027 and must finish by December 2027. The programme supports international research exchange and collaboration with a Japanese academic supervisor.

Projects must address one of the call’s research areas: heritage conservation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development, natural resources and climate action, resilient cities, or education. This round is restricted to the invited countries and territories listed in the official annex; it is not open to every nationality.

Who can apply

Nationals of the invited Member States or Associate Members in Annex 1, aged no more than 40 at application. A relevant Master’s degree or equivalent, strong academic potential, sufficient proficiency in the host’s teaching or supervision language, and acceptance from a Japanese academic supervisor are required. Check the complete invited-country list: Malaysia is not included in this round.

Benefits and funding

Up to US$10,000 as a lump-sum contribution towards approved travel, accommodation, subsistence and research costs in Japan. Mandatory medical insurance is arranged by UNESCO and deducted from the grant. Tuition, equipment and publication costs are excluded; conference costs require specific justification.

How to apply

  1. Read the application guide and confirm your country appears in Annex 1. Contact your National Commission for UNESCO about its local selection procedure.
  2. Prepare the application form, academic records, recommendation, Japanese host acceptance, language certificate and research proposal using the official templates.
  3. Submit to your National Commission at least two weeks before the required deadline. Only candidates nominated by a National Commission are accepted by UNESCO.
  4. The National Commission must submit the nomination and complete documents to UNESCO by 15 October 2026, midnight Paris time. Follow the nominated-candidate submission instructions on the official page.

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