- Up to ~US$10,000Award Value
- ~10 awards/yearNumber of Fellowships
- 3-9 monthsResearch Duration
- Research in JapanLocation
- Founded 2001Programme Start
- Deadline Sep 30, 2026Application Deadline
At a glance
—
Funding
—
Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
Angola
Country
UNESCO
Provider
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme, also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme, offers research fellowships to young researchers from eligible countries to undertake postgraduate research in Japan. Established in 2001 through the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Capacity-Building of Human Resources, this initiative aims to foster global research collaboration and academic excellence in areas aligned with UNESCO's priorities. Since its inception, the programme has supported 291 young researchers from 101 countries, significantly contributing to research capacity building and knowledge advancement in critical global areas. For the 2026 cycle, the programme will award 10 fellowships, supporting research focused on heritage conservation, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence, with research stays scheduled between February and December 2027. Successful applicants receive a maximum fellowship grant of up to US$10,000 for research conducted at Japanese universities or institutions. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is 30 September 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- International Airfare — Return airfare to Japan for the research period.
- Domestic Travel — Travel expenses within Japan directly related to the approved research.
- Accommodation — Support for housing costs during the research stay.
- Medical Insurance — Compulsory medical insurance coverage, arranged by UNESCO and deducted from the grant (est. ~USD 500-1000).
- Daily Living Expenses — Contribution towards food, utilities, and personal costs, up to ~USD 10,000 in total grant.
- Local Transportation — Costs for local travel within Japan.
- Approved Research Costs — Funds for specific research-related expenses approved by the programme.
How to apply
Applicants must follow a structured application process through their respective National Commissions for UNESCO. It is crucial to start early to secure a supervisor and prepare all necessary documents.
- Review Application Guide — Carefully read the official Application Guide provided by UNESCO to understand all requirements and procedures.
- Contact National Commission — Reach out to the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country to understand national-specific requirements and deadlines.
- Secure Japanese Supervisor — Obtain a formal acceptance letter from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
- Prepare Documents — Gather all required documents, including academic transcripts, research proposal, and supervisor acceptance.
- Complete Application Form — Fill out the official UNESCO application form and develop a detailed research proposal aligning with programme themes.
- Submit to National Commission — Submit your complete application package to your National Commission for UNESCO well in advance of their internal deadline.
- Nomination and UNESCO Submission — After nomination by your National Commission, ensure all nomination documents are forwarded to UNESCO by the final deadline.
Eligibility
NationalityNationals of invited UNESCO Member States or Associate Members, including 47 African countries, and eligible countries in Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab States, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
Age40 years of age or younger at the time of application.
Academic QualificationHold at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification relevant to the proposed research.
Research AcceptanceMust obtain formal acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution before applying.
Language ProficiencyPossess sufficient proficiency in the language used by the proposed host institution in Japan.
The fellowship does not cover university tuition fees, purchase of computers or research equipment, publication costs, or conference participation unless directly linked to the approved research project.
Eligible countries
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Countries in Asia and the Pacific (est.), Latin America and the Caribbean (est.), Arab States (est.), Türkiye, Ukraine
Deadlines
Main Cycle 2026/20272026-09-30
Selection
Applications undergo a thorough evaluation by a Selection Committee comprising experts from UNESCO and the Government of Japan. The assessment prioritizes academic excellence, research quality, originality, and relevance to UNESCO's strategic priorities. The feasibility of the proposed research is also a key consideration. The final selection is made by the Government of Japan, with an emphasis on promoting gender equality and diversity among the recipients.
Verified sources
- UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programmeunesco.orgofficial
- Apply for the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026: Fully Funded Research in Japan - Global South Opportunitiesglobalsouthopportunities.comannouncement
About the provider
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), founded in 1945, aims to build peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. It works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme?
+
It is a fellowship programme established by UNESCO and the Government of Japan, offering research grants to young researchers from eligible countries to undertake postgraduate research in Japan at universities and research institutions.
What does the fellowship cover?
+
The fellowship covers international airfare, domestic travel for research, accommodation, daily living expenses, local transportation, approved research-related costs, and compulsory medical insurance.
What is the award value of the fellowship?
+
The maximum fellowship grant is up to US$10,000, which is intended to support the research stay in Japan.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
+
Applicants must be nationals of invited UNESCO Member States (including 47 African countries and others), 40 years old or younger, hold at least a Master's degree, and secure acceptance from a Japanese academic supervisor.
Which countries are eligible for this fellowship?
+
Eligible countries include 47 African nations, as well as selected countries in Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab States, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
What study levels are supported by this fellowship?
+
The fellowship supports postgraduate research, typically at Master's or PhD level, conducted at Japanese universities or research institutions.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 cycle?
+
The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is 30 September 2026 (Midnight Paris Time).
How do I apply for the fellowship?
+
You must apply through your National Commission for UNESCO in your home country. This involves securing a Japanese academic supervisor, preparing all documents, and submitting your application to your National Commission for nomination.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents include an application form, a detailed research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, a letter of acceptance from a Japanese supervisor, two recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.
How are fellowship recipients selected?
+
Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, research quality, originality, relevance to UNESCO priorities, and feasibility of the proposed research, as assessed by a joint Selection Committee.
What is the duration of the fellowship and is it renewable?
+
The research duration is between 3 and 9 months, and the fellowship is not specified as renewable in the provided information.
Where can I confirm the latest details and apply?
+
All current-cycle details and the official application guide should be confirmed on the official UNESCO fellowships website.