UNESCO/Japan Keizo Obuchi Young Researchers Fellowships 2026

Description

The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme will fund ten research stays in Japan under its 2026 cycle. Proposals must address heritage conservation and management, AI for natural resources and climate action, ethical and inclusive AI, sustainable cities or education. Research stays last from three to nine months, begin from February 2027 and must be completed by December 2027. Applicants must be no more than 40 years old, hold nationality from an invited country, possess at least a master’s degree and secure acceptance from a supervisor at a Japanese university or research institute. The lump-sum grant may reach USD 10,000 and contribute to travel, accommodation, subsistence, insurance and eligible research expenses. Applications must first go through the applicant’s National Commission for UNESCO, which may set an earlier national deadline. Official nominations must reach UNESCO by midnight Paris time on 30 September 2026.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• Be a national of an invited country
• Be no more than 40 years old
• Hold at least a master’s degree
• Secure a supervisor in Japan

Application procedure