United Nations Scholarships 2026–2027 provide valuable funding opportunities for international students, researchers, and young professionals seeking support for higher education, scientific research, and professional development. These opportunities are designed to help talented individuals from developing countries, particularly students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), access education, research training, and international academic networks.
Through partnerships with universities, research institutions, and specialised organisations, the United Nations supports a range of scholarships, grants, and fellowship programmes covering areas such as climate change, science, technology, engineering, medicine, sustainability, and international development.
These funding opportunities can help students pursue postgraduate studies, research projects, and specialised training while contributing to global development goals.
Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | United Nations Scholarships 2026–2027 |
| Funding Type | Scholarships, grants and research support |
| Target Group | International students, researchers and professionals |
| Eligible Regions | Developing countries, including LDC nationals |
| Study Areas | Science, climate, technology, sustainability, development and research |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD and research programmes |
| Providers | UN agencies and partner institutions |
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About United Nations Scholarship Opportunities
The United Nations supports education and research through different scholarship programmes, grants, and academic partnerships. These opportunities are offered through UN agencies and affiliated institutions to strengthen education access and research capacity.
Many programmes focus on supporting individuals from developing countries who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to addressing global challenges.
Available opportunities may include:
- Fully funded scholarships.
- Research grants.
- PhD funding.
- Postdoctoral fellowships.
- Academic exchange programmes.
- Professional training opportunities.
Applicants should carefully review each programme because eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding arrangements vary.
Featured United Nations Scholarships and Research Funding Opportunities
IPCC Scholarship Programme for Developing Country Scientists
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Scholarship Programme supports young scientists from developing countries working on climate change-related research.
The programme gives priority to students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly those studying outside their home countries.
Supported research areas include:
- Climate science.
- Climate adaptation.
- Climate impacts.
- Sustainable development.
This opportunity helps strengthen scientific capacity in countries vulnerable to climate change.
UNESCO Fellowships and Scholarships
UNESCO provides several fellowship and scholarship opportunities for students and researchers from developing countries.
These programmes support academic development in areas connected to UNESCO priorities, including:
- Education.
- Science.
- Culture.
- Technology.
- Sustainable development.
Some programmes specifically target nationals of Least Developed Countries or give them priority during selection.
TWAS-SIDA PhD Scholarships for Climate Research
The TWAS-SIDA PhD Scholarships support promising candidates from Least Developed Countries pursuing research related to climate change.
The programme aims to develop scientific expertise and strengthen research capacity in developing nations.
Eligible fields may include:
- Climate science.
- Environmental research.
- Natural sciences.
- Sustainability studies.
TWAS Innovation and Research Awards
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) provides several awards and research opportunities supporting scientists from developing countries.
Examples include:
TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award
This award recognises scientists from Least Developed Countries working on sustainability-related innovations.
The award includes a cash prize of USD 4,000.
TWAS-Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences
This award recognises women scientists from African Least Developed Countries for achievements in biological sciences.
The award provides a cash prize of USD 5,000.
TWAS-IsDB Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
The TWAS-IsDB Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme supports early-career researchers from Islamic Development Bank member countries classified as Least Developed Countries.
The programme supports research connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Areas may include:
- Science.
- Technology.
- Health.
- Environmental research.
- Innovation.
TWAS-FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
This programme provides postdoctoral research opportunities for researchers from Least Developed Countries.
Fellowships are hosted at research institutions in São Paulo, Brazil.
Supported fields include:
- Natural sciences.
- Applied sciences.
- Social sciences.
UN Technology Bank Research Opportunities
The UN Technology Bank, together with partner organisations, provides research and training opportunities for scientists from Least Developed Countries.
Through the PACTs programme (Programme of Collaborations with LDCs), early-career scientists can receive exchange opportunities at laboratories in:
- Trieste, Italy.
- New Delhi, India.
- Cape Town, South Africa.
Research areas include:
- Biotechnology.
- Biomedical sciences.
- Agriculture.
- Biotechnology policy and regulatory science.
International Design Education Scholarship Programme
The International Design Education (IDE) Programme provides scholarships for students from Least Developed Countries pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering at Zhejiang University.
The programme was launched through collaboration between:
- UN Technology Bank.
- World Eco-Design Conference.
- Zhejiang University.
It supports students interested in design innovation and sustainable development.
OWSD PhD Fellowship Programme
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) offers fellowship opportunities for female scientists from developing countries.
The programme supports women pursuing postgraduate research leading to a PhD outside their home countries.
Priority areas include:
- Science.
- Technology.
- Engineering.
- Mathematics-related fields.
Berkeley Law School LDC Scholarship
The University of California Berkeley Law School provides scholarship support for nationals of Least Developed Countries studying LL.M. programmes.
The scholarship provides a tuition waiver covering half of tuition fees.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility varies depending on the scholarship programme, but applicants commonly include:
- International students.
- Undergraduate students.
- Master’s students.
- PhD candidates.
- Early-career researchers.
- Scientists from developing countries.
- Women researchers.
- Professionals working in development-related fields.
Applicants should check individual programme requirements before applying.
How to Apply for United Nations Scholarships 2026–2027
Step 1: Identify Suitable Opportunities
Search for scholarships matching your:
- Academic background.
- Research interests.
- Country eligibility.
- Career goals.
Step 2: Review Eligibility Requirements
Check important requirements such as:
- Academic qualifications.
- Nationality requirements.
- Research experience.
- Language requirements.
- Age limits where applicable.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Common documents may include:
- Academic transcripts.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Research proposal.
- Motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- Proof of nationality.
- Academic certificates.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applicants should submit complete applications before the stated deadline and ensure all supporting documents are included.
Benefits of United Nations Scholarships
Successful applicants may gain:
- Financial support for education.
- International research experience.
- Access to global academic networks.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities to contribute to sustainable development.
These programmes can help students and researchers build careers in academia, international organisations, government, and global development sectors.
Final Thoughts
United Nations Scholarships 2026–2027 offer important opportunities for international students, researchers, and professionals seeking financial support for education and research.
From climate research scholarships and science fellowships to postgraduate funding and international exchange programmes, these opportunities support individuals working toward solutions to global challenges.
Students and researchers from developing countries are encouraged to explore available programmes, review eligibility requirements carefully, and prepare strong applications to take advantage of these international funding opportunities.
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