UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 | Up to US$10,000 Research Fellowship in Japan | Apply by 30 September 2026
Table of Contents
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026, also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme, is now open for applications. This international research fellowship offers young researchers the opportunity to conduct postgraduate research in Japan, with a fellowship grant of up to US$10,000.
The UNESCO Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 is designed for highly qualified researchers from selected countries in Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye. The programme supports research in heritage conservation, sustainable development and artificial intelligence.
With 10 fellowships available, this UNESCO fellowship provides an opportunity for eligible researchers to strengthen their academic research, gain international experience and contribute to knowledge in areas of global importance.
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
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About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a United Nations specialized agency that promotes international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication.
UNESCO works to advance sustainable development, protect cultural heritage, strengthen research and promote knowledge exchange across countries.
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme was established in 2001 under the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Capacity-Building of Human Resources. The programme is supported by the Government of Japan and aims to strengthen research capacity and international academic cooperation.
Since its establishment, the programme has supported 291 young researchers from 101 countries.
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 Overview
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 provides postgraduate researchers with an opportunity to undertake an approved research stay at a Japanese university or research institution.
The fellowship supports innovative and high-quality research connected to UNESCO’s mandate, with emphasis on sustainable development, heritage conservation and artificial intelligence.
Fellowship Details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 |
| Also Known As | UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme |
| Host Organization | UNESCO and Government of Japan |
| Host Country | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| Number of Fellowships | 10 |
| Fellowship Grant | Up to US$10,000 |
| Duration | 3 to 9 months |
| Research Period | February 2027 onwards |
| Completion Deadline | December 2027 |
| Eligible Regions | Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Submission Channel | National Commissions for UNESCO |
What Does the UNESCO Japan Fellowship Offer?
The UNESCO Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowship provides financial support for eligible research-related expenses during the approved research stay in Japan.
Selected fellows may receive a grant of up to US$10,000. The grant is provided as a lump-sum contribution and is intended to cover costs directly related to the approved research project.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive support for:
- International travel for the approved itinerary.
- Domestic travel connected to the approved itinerary.
- Accommodation in Japan.
- Medical insurance.
- Personal subsistence, including meals.
- Local transportation and incidental expenses.
- Other research-related expenses where applicable.
Important: The US$10,000 fellowship grant is a maximum amount, not a guaranteed payment for every selected fellow. Medical insurance is mandatory, and its cost will be deducted from the total fellowship amount before disbursement.
What the Fellowship Does Not Cover
The UNESCO/Japan fellowship does not generally cover:
- Tuition fees.
- Purchase of equipment, including computers.
- Publication costs.
- Conference participation, unless clearly justified as an integral part of the research and directly contributes significantly to the project.
Applicants should carefully review the official Application Guide before preparing their budgets and research proposals.
Who Is Eligible for the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowship 2026?
The UNESCO Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 is open to eligible nationals of invited Member States and Associate Members.
To qualify for the UNESCO fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements.
1. Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be nationals of one of the countries listed in the official Cycle 2026 invitation list.
The invited countries include selected nations in Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye.
Zimbabwe is included among the invited African Member States. Zimbabwean researchers who meet the other requirements may therefore apply through the appropriate National Commission for UNESCO.
2. Age Requirement
Applicants must be 40 years old or younger at the time of application.
Candidates should verify their age eligibility using the official Application Guide.
3. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent in a field relevant to their proposed research.
The programme seeks candidates who demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
A relevant postgraduate qualification is important because the fellowship is intended to support advanced research rather than general study.
4. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in reading and writing in the language of instruction or supervision at their proposed host institution in Japan.
Candidates should confirm the language requirements with their Japanese academic supervisor and provide the required language documentation.
5. Japanese Academic Supervisor
Applicants must have obtained acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
The supervisor will oversee the proposed research during the fellowship period.
This means applicants should begin contacting potential Japanese research institutions and supervisors before submitting their applications.
UNESCO Fellowship Research Areas 2026
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 supports research in five main areas.
1. Heritage Conservation and Management
This research area focuses on the conservation and management of heritage.
Potential research directions may include cultural heritage preservation, heritage management and related issues, depending on the official list of indicative sub-areas.
2. AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
This research area connects artificial intelligence with natural resource management and climate action.
Researchers interested in environmental sustainability, climate-related challenges and AI applications may find this area relevant.
3. Ethical, Inclusive, and Human-Centred AI for Sustainable Development
This area focuses on artificial intelligence and its social, ethical and human-centred dimensions.
Research may explore how AI can contribute to sustainable development while addressing inclusion, ethics and governance.
4. AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure, and Societal Resilience
This research area focuses on the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable cities, infrastructure and societal resilience.
It may be relevant to researchers working on urban development, infrastructure systems and technology-driven sustainability.
5. AI and Education
This area focuses on the relationship between artificial intelligence and education.
Applicants interested in educational technology, AI in learning and related research topics should consult the official indicative sub-areas.
Important: Applicants must select one primary research area and one corresponding sub-area that best reflects their proposed research. The full list of sub-areas is provided in Annex 2 of the official application documents.
Is This Fellowship Suitable for African Researchers?
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 is particularly relevant to eligible researchers from Africa because African Member States are included in the invited countries list.
The programme provides an opportunity to conduct research in Japan while developing international academic connections.
This Fellowship May Be Suitable For:
- African researchers holding a relevant Master’s degree.
- Young researchers aged 40 or below.
- Postgraduate researchers planning research in Japan.
- Researchers working in heritage conservation.
- Researchers exploring artificial intelligence and sustainable development.
- Researchers interested in AI and education.
- Researchers studying climate action and natural resources.
- Researchers with strong academic and research potential.
- Candidates who can secure a Japanese academic supervisor.
Applicants should remember that meeting the general profile does not guarantee selection. Candidates must also satisfy the nationality, language, research and nomination requirements.
How Competitive Is the UNESCO Japan Fellowship?
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 offers only 10 fellowships.
Because the number of available fellowships is limited, applicants should prepare a strong, relevant and original research proposal.
The selection process considers:
- The merits of the candidates.
- The quality of the proposed research.
- The relevance of the research.
- The originality of the research proposal.
- Gender equality and diversity considerations.
The Selection Committee is composed of experts from UNESCO and the Government of Japan in relevant fields. The final selection decision will be made by the Japanese authorities based on the Committee’s recommendation.
How to Improve Your Research Proposal
Applicants should ensure that their proposal:
- Clearly explains the research problem.
- Identifies the main research objectives.
- Demonstrates relevance to the selected UNESCO research area.
- Explains the proposed methodology.
- Shows why the research is important.
- Identifies expected research outcomes.
- Explains why a Japanese host institution is appropriate.
- Reflects the applicant’s academic and research background.
A well-prepared proposal should be specific, realistic and aligned with the official research areas.
How to Prepare Your CV for the UNESCO Fellowship
A strong academic CV can help present your research background clearly.
Applicants should consider including:
- Full name and contact details.
- Academic qualifications.
- Research interests.
- Relevant research experience.
- Academic publications, where applicable.
- Research projects.
- Professional experience relevant to the proposed research.
- Academic awards and achievements.
- Relevant technical or language skills.
- Contact details of academic referees, where required.
Your CV should demonstrate your academic preparation and ability to undertake the proposed postgraduate research.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants for the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme should avoid the following mistakes:
Missing the Application Deadline
The official deadline is 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time.
Applicants should contact their National Commission early because national submission deadlines may be earlier.
Applying Without a Japanese Supervisor
Applicants must obtain acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
Start the supervisor search early to allow time for communication and acceptance.
Submitting an Incomplete Application
The application requires several supporting documents. Missing documents may prevent the application from being considered.
Choosing the Wrong Research Area
Applicants should select one primary research area and one corresponding sub-area from the official list.
Ignoring National Commission Procedures
Applications must be submitted through the National Commission for UNESCO of the applicant’s home country.
Only applications nominated by the National Commission will be accepted by UNESCO.
How to Apply for the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026
The application process involves preparing the required documents and submitting the application through the National Commission for UNESCO.
Step 1: Read the Official Application Guide
Review the official Application Guide to understand the eligibility requirements, application procedures and submission instructions.
Step 2: Contact Your National Commission for UNESCO
Contact the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country to enquire about national application procedures.
Applicants from Zimbabwe should contact the relevant National Commission for UNESCO for guidance on the national submission process.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the required documents, including:
- Application Form — Annex 3.
- Academic documents.
- Recommendation letter.
- Host institution acceptance letter.
- Language certificate.
- Research proposal — Annex 4.
Step 4: Submit to Your National Commission
Submit your application to your National Commission for UNESCO at least two weeks before the required deadline, according to the official instructions.
Step 5: Complete the UNESCO Online Application
Once informed by the National Commission that you have been nominated, communicate your online application form and supporting documents to:
keizoobuchi.fellowships@unesco.org
Step 6: Final Nomination Deadline
National Commissions must submit nomination letters and all application documents to UNESCO no later than:
30 September 2026, midnight Paris time.
Incomplete applications or online applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
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Official Application Documents
Applicants should use the official UNESCO documents for the Cycle 2026.
Application Guide
The Application Guide explains the fellowship requirements and application procedures.
Read the Official Application Guide
Annex 1 — Invited Member States and Associate Members
Check whether your country is included in the official invitation list.
View the Invited Countries List
Annex 2 — Research Areas and Indicative Sub-Areas
Use this document to select the primary research area and corresponding sub-area for your proposal.
Annex 3 — Application Form
Annex 4 — Research Proposal Template
Download the Research Proposal Template
Annex 5 — UNESCO Certificate of Language Knowledge
Download the Language Certificate
National Commissions for UNESCO
Find National Commission Contact Information
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 offers eligible young researchers an opportunity to undertake postgraduate research in Japan with a fellowship grant of up to US$10,000.
The UNESCO Japan fellowship is open to selected countries in Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye. Research areas include heritage conservation, sustainable development, artificial intelligence and education.
Researchers interested in this international fellowship should begin preparing their research proposal, academic documents and Japanese supervisor acceptance as early as possible.
Apply before 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time.
For the latest official information, always consult the UNESCO Application Guide and contact your National Commission for UNESCO.
Good luck with your UNESCO Japan fellowship application!
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