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.

Apply here

Learn More