UNESCO continues to empower the next generation of researchers, innovators, professionals, and changemakers through its extensive fellowship programmes. Supported by donors and extrabudgetary funding, UNESCO Fellowships provide financial assistance for research, academic studies, professional training, and innovative projects that contribute to UNESCO’s mission of advancing education, science, culture, communication, and sustainable development worldwide.
With more than 450 fellowships available across multiple programmes, UNESCO offers one of the most diverse international fellowship portfolios for students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, early-career professionals, and project initiators seeking to expand their knowledge, strengthen their expertise, and contribute meaningful solutions to global challenges.
These fellowships provide access to world-class institutions, international networks, advanced research opportunities, practical training experiences, and funding support that enable beneficiaries to make lasting impacts in their respective fields.
Why UNESCO Fellowships Matter
UNESCO fellowships are designed to foster knowledge creation, capacity development, international cooperation, and innovation. Through partnerships with governments, universities, research institutions, foundations, and private-sector organizations, UNESCO supports talented individuals who demonstrate the potential to contribute to sustainable development and positive societal transformation.
The fellowships focus on:
- Advancing scientific research
- Supporting higher education
- Promoting international collaboration
- Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening professional skills
- Supporting youth leadership
- Preserving cultural heritage
- Advancing sustainable development goals
- Empowering underrepresented researchers and professionals
Successful fellows gain valuable exposure to international research environments while developing skills and networks that can accelerate their careers.
UNESCO Fellowships for Students and PhD Candidates
UNESCO offers several fellowship opportunities specifically designed for students and doctoral researchers seeking advanced academic and research experiences.
UNESCO/People’s Republic of China (The Great Wall) Fellowships
One of UNESCO’s most established fellowship programmes, the Great Wall Fellowship supports advanced studies and research opportunities in China.
Key highlights include:
- 75 fellowships available
- Advanced academic studies
- Research opportunities
- International cultural exchange
- Access to leading Chinese institutions
- Professional and academic development
The programme strengthens educational cooperation while supporting future leaders and researchers from around the world.
TWAS PhD Fellowships
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in partnership with UNESCO, provides opportunities for doctoral candidates pursuing advanced scientific research.
Programme highlights:
- 160 fellowships available
- Support for PhD studies
- Advanced scientific research opportunities
- International collaboration
- Capacity building in science and technology
These fellowships aim to strengthen scientific excellence and research capacity globally.
OWSD PhD Fellowships
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) supports women pursuing doctoral studies in scientific disciplines.
The programme seeks to:
- Increase women’s participation in science
- Promote gender equality in research
- Support scientific innovation
- Strengthen leadership among women scientists
UNESCO/ISEDC (Russian Federation) Co-Sponsored Fellowships
Supported by the International Centre for Sustainable Energy Development, these fellowships focus on sustainable energy and related development challenges.
Programme features:
- 20 fellowships available
- Specialized technical training
- Sustainable energy studies
- Capacity development
- Knowledge exchange opportunities
Early Career Fellowships for Emerging Researchers and Professionals
UNESCO recognizes the importance of supporting professionals during the early stages of their careers.
UNESCO/People’s Republic of China (The Great Wall) Fellowships
The Great Wall programme also offers opportunities for early-career professionals seeking specialized training and research experiences.
UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships in Engineering
These fellowships support emerging engineering professionals and researchers.
Highlights include:
- 28 fellowships available
- Advanced engineering training
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Professional development
- Access to Polish academic institutions
UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships in Archaeology and Conservation
This specialized programme supports heritage preservation professionals.
Key features:
- 7 fellowships available
- Archaeological research opportunities
- Conservation training
- Heritage management skills development
- International collaboration
UNESCO/Republic of Korea Co-Sponsored Fellowships
The Republic of Korea partners with UNESCO to support young professionals through advanced training opportunities.
Programme highlights:
- 25 fellowships available
- Professional capacity building
- Research opportunities
- Technical training
- International networking
UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi – Japan Young Researchers Fellowships
Named after former Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, this fellowship supports promising young researchers pursuing innovative studies that contribute to global development.
Benefits may include:
- Research funding
- International recognition
- Academic mentorship
- Global networking opportunities
UNESCO/Kingdoms Institute – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia AlUla Fellowships Programme
This fellowship programme focuses on advancing research and innovation connected to heritage, archaeology, and cultural preservation.
Highlights include:
- 10 fellowships available
- Specialized research support
- International collaboration
- Heritage and cultural studies opportunities
TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowships
TWAS supports researchers who have completed their doctoral studies and wish to pursue advanced scientific research.
Programme highlights:
- 100 fellowships available
- Postdoctoral research opportunities
- Scientific capacity development
- International research collaboration
OWSD Early Career Fellowship
Designed specifically for women scientists, this programme supports research excellence and leadership development.
The fellowship aims to:
- Strengthen research careers
- Support women in STEM fields
- Enhance scientific leadership
- Promote gender equity in research
Silk Roads Youth Research Grant
This initiative encourages young researchers to explore topics related to the historic Silk Roads and their contemporary relevance.
Programme highlights:
- 12 fellowships available
- Youth-focused research support
- Intercultural dialogue promotion
- Historical and contemporary research opportunities
Fellowships Supporting Innovative Projects
UNESCO also supports individuals and teams working on transformative projects with the potential to address global challenges.
Green Chemistry for Life – PhosAgro/UNESCO/IUPAC
This programme promotes sustainable scientific innovation through green chemistry research.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting environmentally friendly technologies
- Advancing sustainable chemistry
- Encouraging scientific innovation
- Addressing global environmental challenges
UNESCO/Nestlé – Because Youth Matter
This fellowship supports youth-led initiatives and innovative projects designed to create positive social impact.
Programme highlights:
- 20 fellowships available
- Support for youth innovators
- Funding for impactful projects
- Leadership development opportunities
- Social entrepreneurship support
Additional Fellowship Opportunities
GEM Report Fellowship
UNESCO also offers opportunities through the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report Fellowship, which supports professionals and researchers working on education-related issues and policy analysis.
Participants may gain:
- Research experience
- Policy engagement opportunities
- International visibility
- Professional networking
Benefits of UNESCO Fellowships
Recipients of UNESCO Fellowships may benefit from:
- Financial support for research and studies
- International training opportunities
- Access to leading academic institutions
- Professional mentorship
- Global networking opportunities
- Enhanced career prospects
- Exposure to international best practices
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Leadership development
- Increased visibility and recognition
How UNESCO Fellowships Contribute to Global Development
UNESCO fellowships play a crucial role in supporting individuals who are working toward solutions in areas such as:
- Education
- Science and technology
- Sustainable development
- Climate action
- Cultural preservation
- Heritage conservation
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Gender equality
- Youth empowerment
By investing in talented individuals, UNESCO contributes to building stronger institutions, advancing knowledge, and creating sustainable solutions that benefit communities worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should regularly monitor UNESCO’s fellowship portal and the specific programme pages for application openings, eligibility criteria, deadlines, required documentation, and selection procedures.
Since each fellowship programme has its own application timeline and requirements, candidates are encouraged to review the details carefully before submitting an application.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
