[May 2026]
Explore a curated listing of UNESCO prizes, awards, fellowships, and grants with upcoming deadlines. These global opportunities offer funding, recognition, and international exposure to individuals and organisations.
Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature
Deadline: 31-May-2026
UNESCO and vivo have launched the Capture the Future initiative, inviting young people aged 18–35 to share visual stories about human-nature relationships in UNESCO biosphere reserves…[more]
Call for Nominations: International Literacy Prizes 2026
Deadline: 18-May-2026
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 recognize impactful literacy programmes worldwide that advance education, equity, and sustainable development…[more]
RFAs: Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest
Deadline: 30-June-2026
The Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest is a global photography competition for young people aged 14–25 to showcase cultural heritage along the Silk Roads. Participants submit photos under the theme “Living Heritage along the Silk Roads” for a chance to win professional cameras and international recognition…[more]
2026 UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation
Deadline: 15-June-2026
The UNESCO has opened nominations for the 2026 Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation, a prestigious biennial award sponsored by the Sultanate of Oman to recognize outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development…[more]
Call for Nominations: UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education
Deadline: 12-May-2026
The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education recognizes innovative initiatives that improve educational opportunities for girls and women. Funded by the Government of China, the prize awards two laureates annually with $50,000 USD each to support and expand impactful educational programs…[more]
Education Prize for AI-Driven Creativity and Critical Thinking Projects
Deadline: 08-May-2026
The UNESCO ICT in Education Prize 2026 is now open for nominations to recognize innovative projects that use artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen creativity, imagination, and critical thinking in education. Two winners will each receive US$25,000, a diploma, and global recognition from UNESCO in September 2026…[more]
Apply for UNESCO Young Scientist Awards 2026
Deadline: 07-May-2026
The UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards 2026 support young researchers working on ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability. Grants of up to US$5,000 are awarded for innovative research projects, especially in biosphere reserves. The programme promotes global knowledge exchange and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)…[more]
Apply Now: L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards
Deadline: 30-June-2026
The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards 2027 recognize five outstanding women scientists globally for excellence in research and scientific impact. Each laureate receives €100,000, with nominations open from April 6 to June 30, 2026. The awards highlight contributions across major scientific disciplines and global regions while promoting women in science…[more]
Entries Open: Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation
Deadline: 30-June-2026
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2026 recognize outstanding conservation projects that preserve cultural heritage and engage communities. The awards are open to projects completed within the last 10 years across the Asia-Pacific region. They highlight excellence in restoration, sustainability, and cultural identity preservation…[more]
Open Call: UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships in Archaeology and Conservation
Deadline: 15-May-2026
The UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships are inviting international candidates to undertake a nine-month internship programme in archaeology and conservation at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland…[more]
Applications open for Early Scholars Publication Grant Program
Deadline: 01-June-2026
The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) is inviting applications for the 2026 Early Scholars Publication Grants under its UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures…[more]
Applications open for Youth Eco Camp TURAQTY JOL 7.0 (Kazakhstan)
Deadline: 28-May-2026
Youth Eco Camp TURAQTY JOL 7.0 is an educational initiative organized by the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO under the national TURAQTY JOL Social Eco-Campaign. The program is designed to develop environmentally conscious youth leaders by combining ecological education, innovation, and hands-on project development…[more]