The UNESCO fellowship programmes

UNESCO fellowship programmes are designed to support students, researchers, early-career professionals and individuals developing innovative projects in fields related to its work. The fellowships are all supported by UNESCO, governments and other partner organisations, and provide financial assistance for academic study, research and practical training WHILE promoting international knowledge exchange and capacity building.

With more than 450 fellowships available across different programmes, opportunities may cover areas such as education, science, engineering, culture, heritage and sustainable development. Depending on the programme, beneficiaries can undertake degree studies, specialised research or professional training in different countries and institutions.

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations with the aim of promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It has 194 member states and 12 associate members, as well as partners in the non-governmental, intergovernmental and private sector.

UNESCO works to advance quality education, promote scientific cooperation, protect cultural and natural heritage, safeguard freedom of expression, and foster sustainable development. The organization also provides opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, training programmes and research initiatives that enable individuals and institutions to gain knowledge, develop skills and contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.

Fellowship benefits

The UNESCO fellowship comes with the following benefits:

1. Full or partial sponsorship covering travel, research, housing, and living costs
2. International training and global networking opportunities
3. Access to globally ranked institutions
4. Leadership development, technical training, and professional mentorship

Available fellowship categories

1. Students & PhD:
   1. UNESCO/ISEDC (Russian Federation),
   2. OWSD PhD,
   3. TWAS PhD,
   4. UNESCO/China (Great Wall)
2. Early career:
   1. UNESCO/Poland (Engineering; Archaeology and Conservation),
   2. UNESCO/Republic of Korea,
   3. UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi (Japan),
   4. Silk Roads Youth Research Grant,
   5. OWSD Early Career,
   6. TWAS Postdoctoral,
   7. UNESCO/AlUla (Saudi Arabia)
3. Projects:
   1. PhosAgro/UNESCO/IUPAC,
   2. UNESCO/Nestlé

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria:

• Students, professionals, early-career researchers, or postdoctoral fellows
• Must satisfy the specific criteria of the chosen program
• Good physical and mental health
• Meets admission requirements (academic ability, language proficiency) of the applied institution

How to apply

Interested applicants should visit the official UNESCO Fellowships page (linked below) then select the specific fellowship matching your background, and follow that program’s application process.

Application deadline

The deadline varies by program.

For more details, visit the UNESCO fellowship programmes page.