UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowships Programme

The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme (UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme) funds short research stays in Japan for early-career scholars from eligible countries.

What it offers

• Up to US$10,000 lump-sum grant covering:
  • International and domestic travel
  • Accommodation
  • Medical insurance (mandatory, cost deducted from grant)
  • Personal subsistence (meals, local transport, incidental expenses)
  • Other justified research-related expenses
• Grant does not cover tuition, equipment, publication or conference costs unless integral to the research
• Duration: No less than 3 months and no more than 9 months
• Host country: Japan
• Fellowship period: From February 2027 onwards, to be completed no later than December 2027

Who can apply

• Nationals of invited Member States or Associate Members (see Annex 1)
• Maximum age: 40 years old at time of application
• Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction/supervision at the proposed Japanese host institution
• Have acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution

What you'll do

• Conduct postgraduate research in Japan on topics aligned with UNESCO’s mandate
• Focus areas for 2026 cycle:
  • Heritage Conservation and Management
  • AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
  • Ethical, Inclusive, and Human-Centred AI for Sustainable Development
  • AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure, and Societal Resilience
  • AI and Education
• Engage with Japan’s academic and research community

How to apply

1. Read the Application Guide
2. Contact your National Commission for UNESCO to learn national procedures
3. Prepare required documents:
   • Application form (Annex 3)
   • Academic documents
   • Recommendation letter
   • Host institution acceptance letter
   • Language certificate
   • Research proposal (Annex 4)
4. Submit to your National Commission for UNESCO at least 2 weeks before 30 September 2026

Good to know

• 10 fellowships available for 2026 cycle
• Targeted regions: Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine, Türkiye
• Submission deadline: 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time
• Applications must go through National Commissions for UNESCO