Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 offers 10 fellowships for outstanding young researchers from Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Ukraine, and Türkiye to undertake postgraduate research in Japan. Fellows can receive up to US$10,000 for research stays of 3 to 9 months in priority areas including heritage conservation, artificial intelligence (AI), climate action, sustainable development, and education.
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme is a prestigious international fellowship jointly supported by UNESCO and the Government of Japan. The programme aims to strengthen research capacity, promote international academic collaboration, and support innovative postgraduate research that contributes to UNESCO’s global priorities.
Through research placements at Japanese universities and research institutions, fellows gain access to world-class academic expertise, advanced research facilities, and opportunities for international knowledge exchange.
Program Overview
Program Name: UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026
Organized By: UNESCO
Supported By: Government of Japan
Program Type: International Research Fellowship
Number of Fellowships: 10
Maximum Fellowship Grant: Up to US$10,000
Research Duration: 3–9 months
Host Country: Japan
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support outstanding young researchers.
- Promote international research collaboration.
- Strengthen research capacity in developing regions.
- Advance research aligned with UNESCO’s strategic priorities.
- Foster innovation in sustainable development and artificial intelligence.
- Encourage academic exchange between Japan and participating countries.
Research Areas
Applicants must propose research in one of the following priority areas:
Heritage Conservation and Management
Research related to preserving, protecting, managing, and promoting cultural and natural heritage.
AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
Research exploring artificial intelligence solutions for environmental sustainability, biodiversity, resource management, and climate resilience.
Ethical, Inclusive, and Human-Centred AI for Sustainable Development
Projects focusing on responsible AI, ethics, inclusivity, governance, and sustainable development.
AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure, and Societal Resilience
Research addressing smart cities, resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and urban sustainability using AI technologies.
AI and Education
Projects exploring the use of artificial intelligence to improve education systems, learning outcomes, educational access, and digital transformation.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows may receive grants of up to US$10,000.
The fellowship supports research stays lasting:
- Minimum: 3 months
- Maximum: 9 months
The funding helps researchers conduct approved postgraduate research at Japanese universities and research institutions.
Eligible Expenses
The fellowship grant may cover:
- International airfare.
- Domestic travel within Japan.
- Accommodation.
- Medical insurance.
- Personal living expenses.
- Eligible research-related costs directly connected with the approved project.
Expenses Not Covered
The fellowship does not cover:
- Tuition fees.
- Purchase of research equipment.
- Publication costs.
- Conference participation unless it forms an approved component of the research project.
Applicants should plan their budgets accordingly.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
They must:
- Be nationals of one of the invited UNESCO Member States or Associate Members.
- Be 40 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
- Propose research relevant to one of the programme’s priority themes.
- Demonstrate adequate language proficiency required by the host institution.
- Secure acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
Eligible Countries and Regions
The 2026 fellowship is open to applicants from:
- African countries.
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Ukraine.
- Türkiye.
Applicants should verify that their country is included among the invited UNESCO Member States or Associate Members before applying.
Research Host Requirements
Applicants must obtain:
- Formal acceptance from a supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
- Confirmation that the institution agrees to host and supervise the proposed research throughout the fellowship period.
Applications without host acceptance are generally not eligible.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme strengthens international academic cooperation while supporting research that addresses some of today’s most important global challenges. By investing in emerging researchers, the programme contributes to sustainable development, responsible artificial intelligence, heritage conservation, climate resilience, and educational innovation.
The fellowship also enables participants to build international research networks and benefit from Japan’s advanced academic and scientific environment.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Identify a research topic aligned with one of the programme’s priority areas.
- Contact a Japanese university or research institution.
- Secure acceptance from an academic supervisor in Japan.
- Prepare a detailed postgraduate research proposal.
- Gather all required academic and supporting documents.
- Complete the UNESCO fellowship application.
- Submit the application through the designated application process before the official deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your application:
- Choose a research topic closely aligned with UNESCO priorities.
- Clearly explain the significance and expected impact of your research.
- Develop a realistic research methodology and timeline.
- Obtain a strong commitment from your Japanese academic supervisor.
- Demonstrate how the fellowship will strengthen your long-term research career.
- Highlight international relevance and potential policy or societal impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application errors:
- Applying without a confirmed Japanese supervisor.
- Proposing research outside the listed priority areas.
- Submitting incomplete application materials.
- Failing to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Preparing an unrealistic research schedule.
- Including expenses that are not eligible under the fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme?
It is an international fellowship programme that supports postgraduate research in Japan for outstanding young researchers working in fields aligned with UNESCO’s priorities.
How many fellowships are available?
The 2026 programme will award 10 fellowships.
How much funding is provided?
Each selected fellow may receive up to US$10,000 for an approved research stay in Japan.
How long can the research stay last?
Research stays must last at least 3 months and no more than 9 months.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are young researchers aged 40 years or younger from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine, or Türkiye who hold at least a Master’s degree and have secured supervision at a Japanese institution.
What research topics are supported?
The fellowship supports research in heritage conservation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, climate action, resilient infrastructure, and AI in education.
Does the fellowship cover tuition fees?
No. The fellowship does not cover tuition fees, equipment purchases, publication costs, or conference participation unless conferences are an approved part of the research project.
Conclusion
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for emerging researchers to conduct 3–9 months of postgraduate research in Japan with funding of up to US$10,000. By supporting research in heritage conservation, artificial intelligence, climate action, sustainable development, and education, the programme promotes international collaboration, strengthens research capacity, and helps develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
For more information, visit UNESCO.