UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships Programme 2026 – Fully Funded Japan Fellowship

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Overview of UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships Programme

The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships Programme (also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme) is a prestigious initiative supported by the Government of Japan. It offers young researchers from eligible developing countries the opportunity to conduct postgraduate research at Japanese universities and institutions.

◆ Established in 2001 under the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for Capacity-Building.
◆ 10 fellowships awarded for the 2026 cycle.
◆ Fellowship grant of up to US$10,000 (lump-sum).
◆ Research stay duration: 3 to 9 months.
◆ Research must be completed by December 2027.
◆ No application fee.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students for similar opportunities.

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Available Fields of Study – UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

The programme supports innovative postgraduate research in three main thematic areas.

◆ Heritage conservation and management.
◆ Sustainable development.
◆ Artificial intelligence.
◆ Interdisciplinary research connecting these themes with social, ethical, and governance dimensions.
◆ Explore latest scholarships in Japan for all nationalities for more field options.

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Eligibility Criteria for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

◉ Be a national of one of the invited Member States or Associate Members.
◉ Eligible regions: Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye.

◆ List of Eligible African Countries (47 Member States):
◉ Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

◆ Eligible Asia and Pacific Countries (17 Member States and 2 Associate Members):
◉ Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Niue, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

◉ Also eligible: Ukraine and Türkiye.
◉ Be no more than 40 years old at the time of application.
◉ Hold at least a Master's degree or equivalent in a field related to the proposed research.
◉ Demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
◉ Have good reading and writing skills in the language used at the host institution.
◉ Already have acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
◆ See financial aids for students in Asia for more funding options.

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Fellowship Benefits – UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

★ Up to US$10,000 lump-sum grant.
★ Covers travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
★ Research supervision at a Japanese academic institution.
★ Opportunity to engage with Japan's academic community.
★ Strengthen research capacities and promote international knowledge exchange.
★ Explore Japan's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Required Documents for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

✓ Completed application form (submitted through National Commission).
✓ Research proposal in the thematic areas.
✓ Master's degree certificate and academic transcripts.
✓ Letter of acceptance from a Japanese academic supervisor.
✓ Proof of language proficiency.
✓ Curriculum Vitae.
✓ Letters of recommendation.
✓ Passport copy.
✓ list of all open scholarships in Asia for additional funding sources.

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Important Dates for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 at midnight Paris time.

◆ Applications submitted through National Commissions for UNESCO.
◆ Fellowship period in Japan: From February 2027 onwards.
◆ Research must be completed by December 2027.
◆ Nominations by National Commissions due by the deadline.

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Application Process for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

1. Check if your country is among the invited Member States.

2. Contact the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country.

3. Secure acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university.

4. Prepare all required documents (research proposal, transcripts, etc.).

5. Submit your application to your National Commission for UNESCO.

6. If nominated, submit the online application form to: keizoobuchi.fellowships@unesco.org.

7. Await the final selection decision by UNESCO.

8. If selected, complete pre-departure arrangements for Japan.

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Why Choose UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

◆ Prestigious UNESCO programme supported by the Government of Japan.
◆ Fully funded research opportunity in Japan.
◆ Contribute to heritage conservation, sustainable development, and AI.
◆ Join a global network of 291 researchers from 101 countries.
◆ Enhance your academic and research career.
◆ Experience Japan's world-class research environment.
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships

◆ This is an excellent opportunity for young researchers from eligible countries.
◆ Start preparing your application early to meet the September deadline.
◆ Secure a host supervisor in Japan before applying.
◆ A strong research proposal aligned with the thematic areas is essential.
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in Japan for all nationalities.

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