Are you looking for a life-changing opportunity to advance your academic career in Japan? The application window for the 2026 cycle of the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme (also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme) is officially open!
Supported by the Government of Japan, this prestigious initiative will award 10 exclusive fellowships to highly qualified young researchers. It offers a unique chance to carry out innovative postgraduate research at top Japanese universities and research institutions.
If your work covers artificial intelligence, sustainable development, or heritage conservation, this is your time to shine. Discover the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and how to apply below.
Cycle 2026 at a Glance; UNESCO Japan Fellowship 2026
| ℹ️ Key Information | 📝 Programme Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowships available | 10 available worldwide |
| Fellowship grant | Up to US$10,000 (lump-sum contribution) |
| Duration | Between 3 months (minimum) and 9 months (maximum) |
| Host country | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| Fellowship period | From February 2027 onwards (completed by December 2027) |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026 (midnight Paris time) |
| Submission channel | Through National Commissions for UNESCO |
Targeted Research Areas (2026 Focus)
Your research proposal must align with UNESCO’s mandate. Applicants should select one primary research area and a corresponding sub-area from the official guidelines:
- 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
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
To be considered by the UNESCO/Japan selection committee, candidates must meet all the following requirements:
- Nationality: Be a national of one of the invited Member States or Associate Members (including 47 countries in Africa, Ukraine, Türkiye, Bahrain, and targeted Small Island Developing States).
- Age: Be no more than 40 years old at the time of application.
- Education: Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field and show strong research potential.
- Language Skills: Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction or supervision at the host institution.
- Host Acceptance: You must obtain an acceptance letter from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution who agrees to oversee your research.
💰 What Does the $10,000 Grant Cover?
The grant is provided as a lump-sum contribution intended to cover the direct costs of your research stay in Japan:
- International and domestic travel for the approved itinerary.
- Accommodation and meals (subsistence).
- Mandatory medical insurance (arranged by UNESCO and deducted from the grant).
- Local transportation and research-related expenses.
Note: The grant does not cover tuition fees, the purchase of equipment (like laptops), publication costs, or conference attendance unless heavily justified.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applications cannot be submitted directly by individual candidates to UNESCO. You must follow the institutional channel:
- Read the Guide: Carefully review the official UNESCO Application Guide.
- Contact Local Authorities: Get in touch with the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country to learn about their internal national screening deadlines.
- Prepare the Dossier: Complete the Application Form (Annex 3), Research Proposal Template (Annex 4), and gather your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, language certificate, and host acceptance letter.
- Submit Locally: Send your complete application to your National Commission (it is highly recommended to do this at least 2 weeks before the official deadline).
- Submit Online: As soon as your National Commission informs you that you are officially nominated, email your online application and documents to
keizoobuchi.fellowships@unesco.org. - Final Deadline: Ensure your National Commission submits the official nomination letter to UNESCO before 30 September 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed.
🔍 Useful Documents for Download
Save time and download the official materials needed to build your application by visiting the official website https://www.unesco.org/en/fellowships/keizo-obuchi
The future of global scientific innovation is waiting for you in Japan. Structure your research project today and take your academic path to an international level!