UNESCO Japan Young Researchers Fellowships 2026 offer 10 research fellowships worth up to $10,000 for young researchers from invited countries to conduct postgraduate research in Japan.
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme, also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme, is accepting applications for its 2026 cycle.
Supported by the Government of Japan, the programme will award 10 fellowships to qualified young researchers from invited countries in Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye.
Selected fellows will undertake postgraduate research at Japanese universities or research institutions for 3 to 9 months.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships |
| Cycle | 2026 |
| Fellowships | 10 |
| Host country | Japan |
| Fellowship duration | 3–9 months |
| Fellowship grant | Up to US$10,000 |
| Research period | February–December 2027 |
| Maximum age | 40 |
| Minimum qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Submission | National Commissions for UNESCO |
About the Fellowship
Established in 2001, the programme aims to strengthen research capacity and promote international knowledge exchange.
For the 2026 cycle, research proposals should address areas connected to heritage conservation and management, sustainable development and artificial intelligence, including their social, ethical, governance and contextual dimensions.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for researchers to work within Japan’s academic and research community.
Research Areas
Applicants must select one primary research area and a corresponding sub-area.
The listed research areas are:
- 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
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an invited Member State or Associate Member.
- 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 reading and writing 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.
Eligible Countries
The 2026 cycle includes invited countries and Associate Members across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Arab States, Europe and other eligible groups.
African countries listed include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Namibia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and other invited states.
The complete eligibility list should be checked in the official programme documents before applying.
Fellowship Funding
Selected fellows may receive a grant of up to US$10,000.
The grant is provided as a lump-sum contribution and may cover eligible costs related to the approved research stay, including:
- International and domestic travel.
- Accommodation.
- Medical insurance.
- Meals and personal subsistence.
- Local transportation.
- Incidental expenses.
- Other eligible research-related expenses.
Medical insurance is mandatory and will be arranged by UNESCO. Its cost will be deducted from the fellowship amount before disbursement.
The fellowship does not cover tuition fees, equipment such as computers or publication costs. Conference participation is also excluded unless it can be justified as an integral and significant part of the research project.
Fellowship Period
Research stays in Japan will begin from February 2027 onwards and must be completed by December 2027.
The fellowship duration must be between three and nine months.
How to Apply
The application process involves several stages.
Step 1: Review the Application Guide
Applicants should first read the official Application Guide and supporting documents to understand the eligibility and submission requirements.
Step 2: Contact Your National Commission
Applicants must contact the National Commission for UNESCO in their home country to confirm the national application procedure.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Required materials include:
- Application form.
- Academic documents.
- Recommendation letter.
- Acceptance letter from a Japanese host institution or supervisor.
- Language certificate.
- Research proposal using the required template.
Step 4: Submit Nationally
Applicants should submit their applications to their National Commission for UNESCO at least two weeks before the required deadline.
Step 5: UNESCO Submission
Candidates nominated by their National Commission must then submit the online application and supporting documents to UNESCO using the programme’s designated email address.
Only candidates nominated by their National Commission will be accepted by UNESCO.
Application Deadline
The final candidate submission deadline is:
October 15, 2026, at midnight Paris time.
National Commissions may establish earlier internal deadlines, so applicants should contact their national commission as early as possible.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed by a Selection Committee composed of experts from UNESCO and the Government of Japan.
The evaluation considers:
- Candidate merit.
- Quality of the proposed research.
- Relevance of the research.
- Originality of the research proposal.
The final selection decision will be made by the Japanese authorities based on the committee’s recommendations, with consideration given to gender equality and diversity.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers whose postgraduate research aligns with AI, sustainable development, heritage conservation, climate action, education, cities or societal resilience.
The requirement for a Japanese academic supervisor means applicants should begin the host-institution and supervisor process well before the October deadline.
The funding is substantial but is provided as a maximum lump-sum grant rather than a separate tuition scholarship. Applicants should therefore carefully review which expenses are eligible before preparing their research budget.
Application Tips
Applicants should:
- Identify a suitable Japanese university or research institution.
- Secure acceptance from an appropriate academic supervisor.
- Ensure the research proposal directly matches one of the five research areas.
- Clearly explain the originality and relevance of the proposed research.
- Prepare the required language documentation.
- Contact their National Commission for UNESCO early.
- Check whether their country has an earlier national submission deadline.
- Submit a complete application before the UNESCO deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fellowships are available?
The 2026 cycle will award 10 fellowships.
How much funding is available?
Each selected fellow may receive a fellowship grant of up to US$10,000.
Where will the research take place?
The fellowship supports research stays at universities and research institutions in Japan.
How long is the fellowship?
The research stay must last between 3 and 9 months.
What is the maximum age?
Applicants must be no more than 40 years old at the time of application.
What academic qualification is required?
Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent relevant to their proposed research.
Do I need a Japanese supervisor?
Yes. Applicants must obtain acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
Can applicants from Zimbabwe apply?
Zimbabwe is included in the list of invited African Member States for the 2026 cycle.
What is the deadline?
The final UNESCO deadline is October 15, 2026, at midnight Paris time. National Commissions may require applications earlier.
Does the fellowship cover tuition?
No. The programme states that the fellowship grant does not cover tuition fees.
Official Application Information
Applicants should use the official UNESCO fellowship page and contact their National Commission for UNESCO for the national nomination procedure.
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this fellowship for informational and educational purposes. We are not affiliated with UNESCO or the Government of Japan and do not administer the fellowship or select applicants.
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