This is the current 2026 application information, while making use of some official programme sources and treating 10 August 2026 as the cutoff date. There is no single database containing every educational fellowship worldwide, so I cannot honestly claim this is literally every fellowship in existence. However, the following are verified fellowships/research and academic opportunities whose application window is still open or is scheduled to open later in August and September 2026, making them useful for an August 2026 opportunities list.
Educational Fellowships Still Open or Opening in August and September 2026
Educational Scholarship and Fellowships Programmes Still Open or Opening in August 2026 for Post Graduate Students (2027 Cycle) is available below:
| Fellowship / Programme | Host / Country | Target applicants | 2026 deadline/status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2027 | UK | Commonwealth professionals and university academics | 25 Aug 2026 |
| Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – West Africa | University of Oxford, UK | Eligible postgraduate applicants from West Africa | 27 Aug 2026 |
| Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – East Africa | University of Oxford, UK | Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi | 27 Aug 2026 |
| Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Kenya | University of Oxford, UK | Kenyan applicants | 27 Aug 2026 |
| Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Zambia | University of Oxford, UK | Zambian applicants | 1 Sept 2026 |
| Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Zimbabwe | University of Oxford, UK | Zimbabwean applicants | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Schwarzman Scholars 2027–2028 | Tsinghua University, China | International applicants for master’s-level study | 9 Sept 2026 |
| Canon Foundation Japan-Africa Programme 2027 | Japan/Africa | Postgraduate researchers from Japan and Africa | 15 Sept 2026 |
| Canon Foundation Research Fellowships 2027 | Europe/Japan | Researchers from eligible countries | 15 Sept 2026 |
| ICCROM Fellowships 2027 | Italy | Heritage/conservation professionals from ICCROM Member States | 15 Sept 2026 |
| UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships 2026 | Japan | Invited young postgraduate researchers | 30 Sept 2026 |
| AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 | Iceland | Professionals from African biosphere reserves | 10 Sept 2026 |
| AAUW International Fellowships 2027–2028 | United States | Women pursuing graduate/postgraduate study or research | Opens 17 Aug; closes 17 Sept 2026 |
| Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 | UK | International students from eligible countries | 6 Oct 2026 |
| Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–28 | Princeton University, USA | Early-career international scholars | Opens early Sept; deadline 16 Nov 2026 |
1. Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2027
This is one of the most relevant opportunities for your audience, particularly applicants from Africa and other Commonwealth countries.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) opened applications for its new Commonwealth Fellowship Programme on 28 July 2026, with applications closing at 16:00 BST on 25 August 2026. The programme has two strands: Commonwealth Professional Fellowships for mid-career professionals and Commonwealth Academic Fellowships for university academics holding PhDs.
The CSC says both strands are open to candidates from all Commonwealth countries, although individual host programmes may have additional eligibility requirements.
There are numerous host programmes, including fellowships at or involving:
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- University of Bath
- University of Bradford
- University of East London
- University of Reading
- University of Strathclyde
- University College London
- Salford University
- British Geological Survey
- Royal College of Emergency Medicine
- London North West University Healthcare Trust
- Wessex Global Stroke Partnerships
- Bees for Development
- Justice Defenders
- Knowledge for Change
For the Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2026/27, there are two main categories: Professional Fellowships and Academic Fellowships.
Who can apply?
Professional Fellowship applicants should generally:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Have at least five years of relevant professional work experience by the proposed fellowship start date.
- Be available to begin the fellowship within the required period.
Academic Fellowship applicants are generally university academics who hold a PhD and are currently employed by a university in an eligible Commonwealth country. Specific requirements can vary according to the individual UK host programme.
Main requirements
Applicants should be prepared to provide academic and professional credentials, evidence of relevant experience, a research/professional development proposal, references, and other documents required by their selected host programme.
Important: Each host organisation has its own fellowship programme and may impose additional eligibility requirements, so applicants should check the specific host programme before applying.
The fellowships cover areas including science and technology, population health, innovation and entrepreneurship, peace and governance, resilience, and access and inclusion.
Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2027 deadline
Deadline: 25 August 2026.
You can visit the Official Commonwealth Fellowship Programme requirements portal to Apply.
2. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – West Africa
The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 is open to eligible applicants from the West African constituency, which includes Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Togo, as well as Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for West Africa is open to outstanding young applicants from eligible West African countries who wish to pursue full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. The scholarship is highly competitive and looks for candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, character, and a commitment to service.
Who can apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Be citizens of, or have a strong connection to, an eligible West African country under the Rhodes West Africa constituency.
- Meet the applicable age requirements for the 2027 scholarship.
- Have completed, or be on track to complete, an undergraduate degree with a strong academic record.
- Meet the admission requirements of their proposed Oxford postgraduate course.
- Demonstrate leadership, character, commitment to service, and a desire to make a positive impact.
Main requirements
Applicants will generally need to provide:
- Academic qualifications and transcripts.
- A CV detailing academic, leadership, extracurricular and service achievements.
- A personal statement.
- An academic statement explaining their proposed course and academic interests.
- References/recommendations from referees who can assess their suitability.
- Evidence that they meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen Oxford course.
The Rhodes Trust emphasizes that applications should be truthful and original, particularly the personal and academic statements.
Rhodes Scholarship West Africa 2027 deadline
Applications for the West Africa constituency must be submitted online. The Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 27 August 2026.
This is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study at the University of Oxford and is particularly important for your Nigerian/African audience.
Apply at the Official Rhodes Scholarship – West Africa application page.
3. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – East Africa
The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for East Africa is a prestigious postgraduate scholarship for outstanding candidates from Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda to pursue full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the UK. Kenyan citizens apply through the separate Kenya constituency.
Who can apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Be a citizen of Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Have lived in one or more of these countries, or in Kenya, for at least five of the last 10 years.
- Meet the applicable age requirements for the 2027 scholarship.
- Have completed, or be on track to complete, an undergraduate degree by the required date.
- Have an academic record that meets or exceeds the entry requirements for their proposed Oxford course.
- Demonstrate the qualities sought by the Rhodes Trust, including academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Main requirements
Applicants will generally need to submit:
- Academic transcripts and qualifications.
- A CV outlining academic, leadership, extracurricular and service activities.
- A personal statement and other required application responses.
- References from suitable referees.
- Details of their proposed postgraduate study at Oxford.
- Evidence of meeting the relevant English-language requirements, where applicable.
There is no application fee for submitting the Rhodes Scholarship application. Candidates must apply online and should submit the Rhodes application before applying for their proposed Oxford course.
Rhodes Scholarship East Africa 2027 Application Deadline
The 2027 application window opened on 1 June 2026 and closes on 27 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Africa Time (EAT). References must also be submitted by the same deadline.
Apply at Official Rhodes Scholarship – East Africa application page
4. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Kenya
The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for Kenya offers outstanding Kenyan applicants the opportunity to undertake fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The scholarship seeks candidates with strong academic records, leadership potential, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive contribution to society. Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 1 June 2026 and close on 27 August 2026. Remember that The Rhodes Scholarship has a dedicated Kenyan constituency with two scholarships available each year.
Who can apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Be eligible to apply through the Kenya Rhodes constituency.
- Meet the age requirements specified for the 2027 scholarship.
- Have completed, or be on track to complete, an undergraduate degree by July 2027.
- Have an academic record strong enough to meet the requirements of their proposed Oxford postgraduate course.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Main requirements
Applicants will generally need to provide:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- A CV outlining academic, leadership, extracurricular and service achievements.
- A personal statement.
- An academic statement explaining their proposed Oxford course and academic interests.
- References/recommendations from appropriate referees.
- Evidence that they satisfy the admission requirements for their chosen Oxford course.
Applicants should also carefully check the Kenya-specific Information for Candidates, because Rhodes eligibility and application requirements vary by constituency.
Rhodes Scholarship Kenya 2027 Application Deadline
Applications opened on 1 June 2026, and the closing date is 27 August 2026. The scholarship application should be submitted through the official Rhodes application system before the constituency deadline.
Apply for Official Rhodes Scholarship – Kenya application page
5. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Zambia
Zambian applicants can apply through the dedicated Zambia constituency. The 2027 application opened on 1 June 2026 and closes at 23:59 Central Africa Time on 1 September 2026.
The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for Zambia offers outstanding Zambian applicants the opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The Rhodes Trust awards two scholarships each year for Zambia and looks for candidates with strong academic ability, leadership potential, character, and a commitment to service. Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close on 1 September 2026.
Who can apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of Zambia.
- Have lived in Zambia for at least 4 of the last 10 years.
- Have either completed their secondary education in Zambia or obtained an undergraduate degree from a university in Zambia.
- Meet the applicable age requirements for the 2027 scholarship.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree by the application deadline and meet the academic requirements of their proposed Oxford course.
- Demonstrate the Rhodes selection qualities, including academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Main requirements
Applicants will generally need to provide:
- Proof of age, such as a birth certificate.
- A valid National Registration Card (NRC) or passport confirming citizenship or permanent residency.
- University transcripts and academic records.
- Details of the proposed postgraduate course at Oxford.
- A CV.
- An Academic Statement.
- A Personal Statement.
- Five referees who will submit references.
- Evidence of meeting Oxford’s English-language requirements, where applicable.
Documents must be submitted in English, or accompanied by official English translations where necessary. There is no application fee for the Rhodes Scholarship application.
2027 Application Deadline
The application and referee references must be submitted by 23:59 Central Africa Time on 1 September 2026. Candidates should apply for the Rhodes Scholarship before applying for their proposed Oxford course.
Apply for Official Rhodes Scholarship – Zambia application page
6. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Zimbabwe
The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for Zimbabwe offers exceptional young Zimbabweans the opportunity to undertake fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The Zimbabwe constituency awards two scholarships each year and seeks candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, integrity, character, and a commitment to service. Zimbabwe has a dedicated Rhodes Scholarship constituency.
Who can apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Be eligible to apply through the Zimbabwe Rhodes constituency.
- Meet the age requirements specified for the 2027 scholarship.
- Have completed, or be on track to complete, an undergraduate degree that meets the academic requirements for their proposed Oxford course.
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen full-time postgraduate course at Oxford.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Main requirements
Applicants will generally need to provide:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- A CV highlighting academic, leadership, extracurricular and service achievements.
- A personal statement.
- An academic statement explaining their proposed Oxford course and academic interests.
- References/recommendations from suitable referees.
- Evidence that they satisfy the admission requirements for their selected Oxford postgraduate programme.
Applicants should also review the Zimbabwe Information for Candidates because some eligibility conditions and application requirements are specific to the constituency.
Rhodes Scholarship Zimbabwe 2027 Application Deadline
The application deadline is 13 August 2026 at 23:59 Central Africa Time. This means applicants should submit both their application and required referee references before the deadline.
Important: As of 10 August 2026, this application is still open, but the deadline is only a few days away. This one is particularly urgent as of 10 August 2026.
Official Rhodes Scholarship – Zimbabwe application page
7. Schwarzman Scholars 2027–2028
The Schwarzman Scholars programme at Tsinghua University in China is accepting applications from international applicants for the 2027–2028 class.
The programme’s official application page states that the global application is open and closes on 9 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. The programme begins in August 2027.
It is a major postgraduate opportunity focused on leadership and global affairs.
8. Canon Foundation Japan-Africa Programme 2027
This is particularly relevant if you are looking for research fellowships rather than conventional scholarships.
The Canon Foundation Japan-Africa Programme supports postgraduate scholars from Japan and Africa conducting research in African Studies in Africa or Japan. African researchers can conduct research at Japanese universities and research institutions. There is more at Canon Foundation website.
Deadline: 15 September 2026.
9. Canon Foundation Research Fellowships 2027
The broader Canon Foundation Research Fellowships programme also has a 15 September 2026 application deadline for fellowships beginning between January and December 2027. The Canon Foundation does this every year.
This is aimed at researchers undertaking international research and should be listed separately from the Japan-Africa Programme because the eligibility and research arrangements differ.
10. ICCROM Fellowships 2027
The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) is accepting applications for its 2027 Fellowship Programme.
Applications open on 15 August 2026 and close on 15 September 2026. The programme is aimed at senior professionals who are nationals of ICCROM Member States or work in organizations in those states.
One important point: ICCROM currently says it cannot provide financial support for these fellowships because of budget constraints. Fellows receive access to ICCROM facilities, including office space, workstation, internet, library, documentation and archives.
11. AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027
This is a particularly strong opportunity for African professionals from UNESCO.
The AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowship is a fully funded six-month programme in Iceland for professionals working in African biosphere reserves.
The fellowship covers tuition and academic expenses, travel, health insurance and living expenses. Participants undertake postgraduate-level training and an individual restoration project.
Applicants must generally be under 40, have relevant university education and at least one year of experience working in a biosphere reserve.
Deadline: 10 September 2026.
12. UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships 2026
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme, also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme, is currently open for its 2026 cycle.
The programme offers 10 fellowships, with grants of up to US$10,000, for research stays in Japan lasting between three and nine months. The fellowship period begins from February 2027 and must end by December 2027.
The 2026 cycle includes researchers from 47 African UNESCO Member States, as well as selected countries and territories in other regions. Nigeria is explicitly included.
UNESCO deadline: 30 September 2026, although candidates must first go through their National Commission for UNESCO.
13. AAUW International Fellowships 2027–2028
The AAUW International Fellowships are for women pursuing graduate or postgraduate study/research in the United States. The AAUW has been Empowering Women Since 1881 and this has gone a long way in research.
The application portal is scheduled to open on 17 August 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET and close on 17 September 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
So, as of 10 August 2026, applications have not yet opened, but this is one you should include in an “Upcoming Fellowships Opening in August 2026” section rather than describing it as currently open.
14. Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028
Although technically a Chevening scholarship rather than a fellowship, I strongly recommend including it if your article uses “educational fellowships” broadly.
Applications for the 2027–2028 Chevening Scholarship opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
This is a major opportunity for international students seeking postgraduate study in the UK.
Note: Chevening’s separate fellowship programmes have different application schedules, so don’t use the 6 October deadline for every Chevening fellowship.
15. Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028
The Fung Global Fellows Program at Princeton University is another upcoming academic fellowship worth monitoring.
The Fung Global Fellows Programme says applications for the 2027–28 academic year are expected to open in early September 2026, with a deadline of 16 November 2026. It is aimed at early-career scholars employed outside the United States who hold a faculty or professional research appointment.
Because applications have not opened yet as of 10 August, I would classify this as “Opening Soon”, not “currently open.”
The Strongest Opportunities for an African/Nigerian audience
If your are looking for scholarships or fellowship database to apply for, I would advise you to apply for any of these ones below:
- Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2027 — deadline 25 August
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – West Africa — deadline 27 August
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – East Africa — deadline 27 August
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Kenya — deadline 27 August
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Zambia — deadline 1 September
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Zimbabwe — deadline 13 August
- AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowship 2027 — deadline 10 September
- Schwarzman Scholars 2027–2028 — deadline 9 September
- Canon Foundation Japan-Africa Programme 2027 — deadline 15 September
- ICCROM Fellowships 2027 — deadline 15 September
- UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships — deadline 30 September
- Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 — deadline 6 October
- AAUW International Fellowships 2027–2028 — opens 17 August
- Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–28 — opens early September
Important distinction for your website
Opportunities that are genuinely relevant to African applicants and programmes they can apply for. Use the link below to apply.
- Commonwealth Fellowship Programme – Official CSC page
- Rhodes Scholarships – Official Rhodes Trust
- Schwarzman Scholars – Official application page
- Canon Foundation Japan-Africa Programme
- ICCROM Fellowships
- UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships
- AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Fellowship
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Chevening application timeline
With many international fellowships and scholarships still accepting applications in August 2026, students, researchers, and early-career professionals still have valuable opportunities to apply for funded study, research, and professional development programmes. If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t wait until the final deadline—prepare your documents, review the official requirements carefully, and submit your application early. Follow the official programme websites for updates and always verify deadlines before applying.